The Evolution of Kitesurfing
The Chinese, George Pocock, the Legaignoux brothers and Gelvenor Textiles all have one important thing in common, revolutionising the sport of kitesurfing. Kitesurfing has since become one of the most loved sports around the world and we are going to dive deeper into how it all began.
In the 12th century, the Chinese came up with the genius idea of attaching kites to their canoes and with the assistance of the wind they were able to use them as a mode of transport which they called “kite sailing”.
Then, in the 19th century, George Pocock wanted to find an alternative to horsepower in order to avoid the “horse tax” levied in that era. This resulted in him taking the design of the kite to the next level by increasing its size which allowed kites to propel carts on land and ships on the water. He also introduced the ingenious 4-line control system, which is still is being used today.
The French brothers, Bruno and Dominique Legaignoux’s passion for water sports resulted in them developing the first inflatable kite for kitesurfing in the early 1980s. Their design was revolutionary and is still being used around the world today.
The evolution of kitesurfing would not be where it is, were it not for only the design of the actual kite but as importantly, the development and evolution of the fabric the kite is made from.
Gelvenor Textiles has been manufacturing fabrics that deliver the ultimate in performance for kitesurfers for many years. All their fabrics undergo extensive independent accredited testing to ensure they live up to their quality promise.
Gelvenor Textile’s kite surfing fabrics are made from lightweight, high tenacity polyester yarn with a high filament count. The fabric is woven in a ripstop design which has an aesthetic appeal as well as increased tear resistance. A special fabric coating has been formulated to include resistance to both salt and fresh water as well as reduced damage from UV exposure.
Today, over 1 million athletes around the world call themselves kite surfers, all thanks to the Chinese, George Pocock, the Legaignoux brothers and a company rooted in producing excellent, innovative and technologically advanced aeronautical kitesurfing fabrics, Gelvenor Textiles.
For more information on our kite surfing fabrics, please contact us.