Kitesurfing in the Caribbean. (Shutterstock)

Q: Have you heard about kite jamming? Where would I be able to do this?

-- S. WOLOWSKI, HAMILTON

A: Kitesurfing and kiteboarding involve using wind power to pull riders over the surface of the water at high speeds on a small board -- similar to a wakeboard -- attached to a big kite.

The sport is becoming so popular, magazines are popping up just for this crowd. (See Kite World magazine at kiteworldmag.com for the latest.) Type in Kite Jam on YouTube and you will get a whole bunch of web clips on this high-velocity experience.

A kite jam is a gathering of kiteboarders. If you really want to try something different, consider a trip to the British Virgin Islands for the inaugural BVI Kite Jam taking place next year from March 1-5.

Some of the action takes place around Necker Island, Sir Richard Branson's private island. The tycoon-adventurer, who is an avid kite boarder, conceived of the event after staging an impromptu race between Necker Island and Anegada with friend and Google founder Larry Page.

For more information on the event and registration details, seebvikitejam.com.

ILONA@MYCOMPASS.CA