Kitesurf and Windsurf
Gliding over the waters at the whim of the wind guarantees lots of fun and good moments of relaxation.
At any of the 4 Maritime Stations in the Central Zone (Figueira da Foz, Ílhavo, Peniche and Nazaré) you can practise either windsurfing or kitesurfing. You can also practise these sports at the various Nautical Stations in the area (12).
What is the difference between these 2 sports?
Windsurfing is older, it emerged in the 1960s, it is easier to learn and less risky. It is a surface water sport that is a combination of surfing and sailing. The sail is attached to the board and windsurfers use the force of the wind on the sail to glide on the waves.
Kitesurfing emerged in the late 1970s and is considered an extreme sport. It's a vibrant and risky water sport that uses a surfboard. This board is attached to the feet of the kitesurfer (the person doing the kitesurfing). The sail works like a parachute and is attached to the body. The kitesurfer uses the force of the wind to be pulled in the water. As a risky sport, it is advisable to have at least one person around when practising the sport.