Before Andreas Steyerl heads out onto the water, the 54-year-old has to prepare his equipment on land: Firstly, the kite is inflated. Depending on the choice, this can cover an area of seven to 18 square metres. Then the lines have to be sorted. There are four of them on Andreas Steyerl's kite. Steyerl has to lay them out carefully on land so that they don't get tangled up later. They are tied to the kite before Steyerl puts on his harness and hooks in the bar (handlebar). He quickly adjusts the foot straps on the board and then he's ready to go. The effort on land is worth it, says Andreas Steyerl. "Once you're on the water, it's just wind, water and me!" enthuses the keen surfer. "You leave everyday life behind you in no time at all!" "Once you're on the water, it's just wind, water and me" - Andreas Steyerl in his element.

Andreas Steyerl was interested in water sports from a young age. He tried sailing, windsurfing and waterskiing, but kitesurfing became his greatest passion. However, in order to be pulled across the water by a kite, the conditions have to be right - for example, the wind should be at least 15 knots or four wind forces and onshore, i.e. blowing towards the land. "The wind should never be underestimated. You should never go out in offshore winds, i.e. winds blowing towards the water - regardless of whether it's the sea or the lake!" warns Andreas Steyerl. "Too dangerous, you can drift off." The experienced kitesurfer therefore always keeps a close eye on the conditions before a session. "I always observe the waters and other water sports enthusiasts in advance. That's the only way I can have fun with a clear conscience."

Because there are also risks on the water. Andreas Steyerl knows: "The risk of injury when kitesurfing can be high. Water becomes as hard as concrete from a certain height or at speed. And in shallow water, you have to watch out for stones, sand or coral, which can cause pain if you unintentionally get off." Knowing your own limits and returning to land before you are completely exhausted is also important. "After a four-hour session, you're physically exhausted. You have to concentrate on yourself the whole time and, of course, not lose sight of the other water sports enthusiasts," he explains. Andreas Steyerl pursues his hobby while on holiday.

Andreas Steyerl now only pursues his hobby on holiday. "Unfortunately, the weather conditions on our Bavarian lakes are almost never right. I've sold most of my equipment again. I borrow it locally and always have good, new equipment. I only have a harness, helmet and a protective waistcoat. And a wetsuit. I need that in our latitudes."

Andreas Steyerl recently fulfilled a dream: finally kitesurfing in shorts in water temperatures of 25 degrees! That's why he and his wife travelled to Egypt for a week in June, where he was able to pursue his passion in El Gouna. Unfortunately, he had to accept one restriction: "The beaches were closed on three days - shark alert!"

Board Kite boards are available in different lengths and shapes depending on requirements and with or without fins (stabilising elements on the underside of the board, usually in the shape of a shark fin).

Kite kite There are also many shapes, sizes and designs. The four main types are bow kite, delta kite, C-kite and hybrid kite. Each of these variants has specific characteristics and is therefore suitable for different riding styles and wind conditions.

Harness The seat or hip straps are referred to as the harness.

Bar The handlebar to which the lines of the kite are attached. The power from the kite is transferred to the rider and used for accelerating, braking, jumping and turning. The average bar width is around 52 cm. There are two types of kitesurf bars: 4-liners and 5-liners.

Lines The four to five lines are on average around 20 to 24 metres long.

Beginners should also wear protective equipment, consisting of a helmet, safety knife and impact protection waistcoat.