Kiteboarding is a surface water (also snow and land) sport combining aspects of sailing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, surfing and paragliding, into one extreme sport. A kiteboarder harnesses the power of the wind with a large controllable powerkite to be propelled across the water on a kiteboard similar to a wakeboard or a small surfboard, with or without footstraps or bindings.
There are five main disciplines which are outlined below.
Course Racing (Water, Snow, Land)
These are racing events - like a yacht race along a course, that involve both speed and tactics. Boards with hydrofoils are now the most common equipment to race on for course races. The goal is to outperform other competitors and come first in the race.
Expression - Freestyle (Water, Snow, Land)
The kite and board are used to jump so that various tricks can be done while airborne. This style also used for competitive events and is free-format and "go anywhere". Smaller twintip boards and kites with good boost and hangtime are used. Also includes "Park", which uses obstacles or features.
Expression - Wave (Water)
Wave riding (kitesurfing) in waves is a style that combines kiteboarding with surfing. This style is popular with surfers since it resembles tow-in surfing. Some riders ride waves unhooked, and without foot straps.
Slalom (Water)
Slalom is high speed downwind/reaching action with a focus less on tactics but on board and kite control, and is often used as an entry level racing format.
Speed (Water, Snow, Land)
All in for the win and record hunting.