Isle Of Palms Magazine Spring/Summer 2019

11 www.IsleOfPalmsMagazine.com | www.ILoveIOP.com | www.IOPmag.com Force kiteboard instructor Yani Dilling, who started kiteboarding 19 years ago and has been teaching kiteboarding on and off over that same span, began riding a twin tip. He spent eight years riding on a twin tip board then moved to a strapless surf board for eight years. Most recently, he switched to hydrofoils. The upside of hydrofoiling is the rider doesn’t require as much wind, so Dilling’s optimal days are 10-15 knots – what he used to consider a marginal day for kiteboarding. “They are great light-wind boards,” added Radev of hydrofoils. When considering gear, Radev notes that there is “no such thing as a beginner or an advanced kite.” You choose the right kite for you, which means one that will be easy to ride and launch. “Get a kite that you’re not going to outgrow,” he added. “But get a strong, supportive kite. Proper equipment is key.” In terms of boards, what’s known as a twin tip (similar to a wake board) is the easiest board to start with. “It’s very forgiving,” stated Radev. You can also use a surfboard, a skimboard, a hydrofoil and more. Force Kite & Wake offers kiteboarding lessons on Isle of Palms. Photos cour tesy of Force Kite & Wake.