Kiting, also called kitesurfing or kiteboarding, combines elements of wind-powered sports like sailing and windsurfing with elements of board sports like surfing and wakeboarding. The kiting community in Ontario is growing fast. There are several beaches suitable for kiting in different regions of the province. For those who want to try the sport recreationally, there are a number of kite schools that offer lessons. For competitive kiters, there are annual competitions nationally and internationally in each of the disciplines of the sport: Freestyle, Surf, Big-Air, and Race.

Kite Foiling is a type of kiting that features a foil attached to the board, elevating the board above the water’s surface. This discipline of kiteboarding is ideal for racing because the foil greatly reduces friction allowing racers to reach incredible speeds. Mixed Kite-Foil Racing will make its Olympic debut at the 2024 games in Paris, showcasing this thrilling sport to a global audience. In 2021, Sail Canada, the national governing body of the sport of sailing, launched a Kite Foiling training camp program to support athletes in the lead up to the 2024 Olympic Games. Ontario Sailing is proud to help with this program.

The Maple Leaf Kite Group provides participants with opportunities to stay connected and with access to Ontario Sailing and Sail Canada benefits. Kiters who are members of Maple Leaf Kite Group have the “Right to Race” under the Racing Rules of Sailing – Canada Prescription.

For more information on the Maple Leaf Program, click here or contact Ontario Sailing Executive Director Glenn Lethbridge at execdir@ontariosailing.ca.