Kiteboarding Kites

Kiteboard kites are the most crucial component of kiteboarding. Although the modern sport of kiteboarding became mainstream about the same time as Bodhi and Johnny Utah stole our hearts in an adrenaline rush of action in Point Break, the equipment used by kiteboarders continues to evolve. 

The kiteboard kite is no different. Although the kites' materials vary (most are polyester), most kiteboard enthusiasts want their kites to be waterproof, resistant, and lightweight. The kite must also be stiff and flexible but responsive to the rider simultaneously. New kiteboarders should consult us at Windance, especially when considering a new kiteboarding kite. The advanced riders should also contact our crack team of wind sports junkies to help pick the right kite equipment for their kiteboarding style.

Kite Equipment - As always…size matters

The size of the kite matters, as one might expect. Although the typical universal kiteboarding kite is about 12 square meters, three key factors should help when considering kite size: board size, the rider's weight, and average area wind speed. If you are kiting in areas with less wind, you will need a larger kite; conversely, kiteboarders should select a smaller kite in higher wind areas. 

Although most kite manufacturers provide a wind range table for each kite, it is essential to understand that different kite styles have different minimum wind speeds to create adequate power. One can only ponder the fate of Bodhi had he been a kiteboarder instead of a surfer. Maybe the remake would have been more exciting. 

Different Kites for Sale

There is a different kite for different styles of riding. For the most part, there are five different kinds of kites for sale: C Kites, Bow Kites, Delta Kites, Hybrid Kites, and Foil Kites.

• In the early days of kiteboarding, C Kites were the most popular kite. They generate a lot of power and lift, so they are not the choice pick for beginners. For the more experienced kiteboard riders, a C Kite provides good stability for unhooked riders. 
• Originating in the mid-2000s, bow kites were created to help make kiteboarding safer and more accessible for beginners. Bow kites provide the rider with easier relaunch capability, a larger wind range, and an outstanding upwind performance. These kites are easy for beginners to learn and perfect for multiple riding styles.
• Delta Kites are a mix between C kites and bow kites. The design makes the Delta kite very versatile. They relaunch more easily than a C kite and have a larger wind range than the bow kite. Although it is another good kite for beginner to intermediate kiteboarders, Delta kits have a slightly slower response.
• Hybrid kites are another modification between a bow kite and a C kite. The most significant difference is that a hybrid kite has bridles on the top of the kite that is attached to the kite. The hybrid kite is a kite that beginners can grow with. It is easier to depower a hybrid kite, but it can harness a good amount of power when needed. It is an excellent kite for those beginners who later want to catch big air and freestyle tricks as their ability grows. 
• Foil kites have no rigid structures and rely on the wind to fill cells in the kite to form their wing. The top canopy is connected to the lower canopy with cloth ribs to form the cells. The wind plays a huge role in inflating and keeping the kite's shape. Foil kites are used for advanced recreational kitesurfing and kite racing as well as snow kiting. They do not have any flotation, so more skill is required to operate them safely.

There are many different kinds of kiteboarding kites for sale and figuring out which is best for you can be daunting. The pros at Windance are here to help! Feel free to give us a call for some advice.