Making It – Tom Goes Kiteboarding

Programme Outline

The seagulls are gliding high above the beach. There’s a stiff breeze, but not too strong – great weather for kiteboarding. Tom chooses a piece of plywood and marks off rounded corners. He cuts and shapes the board with a jigsaw, then sands the whole board smooth. He gives his kiteboard a coat of varnish. Tom drills holes in the board and bolts on some footholds. Then he grabs his kite and harness, takes the board and heads for the beach.

Tom puts on a crash helmet. He lays out the kite sail. It has ribs that have to be inflated with a pump. When this is done, Tom pulls on a harness around his middle and clips on the kite line. He launches the kite, then wades into the sea, carrying his new board.

The kite tows his board over the waves as he spins, twists and somersaults in the flying foam.