Choosing a Kiteboard and Kite
Kiteboards are designed specifically for the demands of kiteboarding and offer many technical advantages that make kiteboarding both easier and more fun.It is best to get two kiteboards, There are three different sizes of boards - small, medium, and large. Most beginners go with a medium board because you can kite in light and strong wind. But it is best to get one large and one small. This is because big kiteboards are way easier to learn on as you can use less kite power and you stay afloat longer so you can make mistakes with the kites placement without immediately sinking. Big kiteboards allow you to go out in lighter winds so you will always need a large kiteboard for lighter summer winds. Larger kiteboards get you off the beach and in the water! Two kiteboards will dramatically increase the wind range of your kite(s). Kiteboards are cheaper than kites and so therefore make a solid investment. Light wind & learning = big board. High wind and jumping = small board. Smaller boards are better for jumping, performing spins, inverts, rotations, and simply holding down more kite power.The first thing to take into account is how much do you weigh. Lighter and smaller people (<150lbs), should look towards the range of 136cm – 148cm in length. Medium sized people (150 - 200 lbs) need a slightly larger board area – somewhere in the range of 145cm – 160cm. And heavy riders (>200 lbs) would be looking in average of 150cm – 165cm as a starting size kiteboard.
Kiteboards come in all kinds of different styles, shapes, and sizes.
Twin-tip Board-The most universal of kiteboards, the twin-tip can be used for most all riding styles (free-ride, wake-style and surf). Symmetrical at both ends, the twin-tip looks a lot like a wakeboard and is best suited for free-ride and wake-style riding.
Wake-style Board-A twin-tip at heart, the wake-style board differs from a twin-tip in how one’s feet connect to the board. Instead of the foot-pad-and-strap setup of a twin-tip, a wake-style board utilizes bindings, also known as “boots.” Offering enhanced support, security and cushion, bindings often restrict flexibility and are reserved for the die-hard wakeboard enthusiast.
Race Board-It’s all about how fast you can go upwind. These directional boards are designed with special fins and an efficient shape that will have you pointing upwind like never before.
Wave Board-If you're into wave riding or surfing, then a kite surf board is what you need. While twin-tips can be used in the surf, they just do not compare to a wave board. Fashioned in the basic shape and fin configurations as surfboards, wave boards come with integrated traction pads and foot straps. For a more “genuine” surf-like experience.
Now It's Time To Choose a Kite
Rider weight plays a major part of the decision process. Essentially, the more you weigh, the more kite power you need to get you on the board and planing. Kites range in size from about 5 - 17 meters (number relates to squared meters of fabric area). A small rider's first kite will be in the single digits, and that of a larger rider will be in the double digit range. Reference the list below of the rider weight to best first kite size (approximately).
Kiteboards come in all kinds of different styles, shapes, and sizes.
Twin-tip Board-The most universal of kiteboards, the twin-tip can be used for most all riding styles (free-ride, wake-style and surf). Symmetrical at both ends, the twin-tip looks a lot like a wakeboard and is best suited for free-ride and wake-style riding.
Wake-style Board-A twin-tip at heart, the wake-style board differs from a twin-tip in how one’s feet connect to the board. Instead of the foot-pad-and-strap setup of a twin-tip, a wake-style board utilizes bindings, also known as “boots.” Offering enhanced support, security and cushion, bindings often restrict flexibility and are reserved for the die-hard wakeboard enthusiast.
Race Board-It’s all about how fast you can go upwind. These directional boards are designed with special fins and an efficient shape that will have you pointing upwind like never before.
Wave Board-If you're into wave riding or surfing, then a kite surf board is what you need. While twin-tips can be used in the surf, they just do not compare to a wave board. Fashioned in the basic shape and fin configurations as surfboards, wave boards come with integrated traction pads and foot straps. For a more “genuine” surf-like experience.
Now It's Time To Choose a Kite
Rider weight plays a major part of the decision process. Essentially, the more you weigh, the more kite power you need to get you on the board and planing. Kites range in size from about 5 - 17 meters (number relates to squared meters of fabric area). A small rider's first kite will be in the single digits, and that of a larger rider will be in the double digit range. Reference the list below of the rider weight to best first kite size (approximately).
- <120lbs = 5meter
- 121 - 150lbs = 7meter
- 151 - 175lbs = 9meter
- 176 - 200lbs = 11meter
- 200lbs+ = 13meter