Top Kite Sales of the Year: When and Where to Buy for the Best Deals

This guide is for kiteboarding and kitesurfing riders who want to save money on gear. Whether you ride a kite kitesurfing setup on the ocean or use kite skiing kites in the snow, timing your purchase matters. Kite sales happen throughout the year, and knowing when to buy is just as important as knowing what to buy. Below, we break down the best windows, expected discounts, and how to shop smart in 2026.

Table of Contents

• The Best Kite Sale Windows of 2026

• How Much Can You Save?

• New, Last-Year, or Used Gear?

• Where to Watch for Kite Sales

The Best Kite Sale Windows of 2026

Spring and Memorial Day (Late May)

Late May can be a strong time to shop because Memorial Day promotions often overlap with new-season gear launches and prior-year closeouts. The 2026 collections have been released by Cabrinha, North, Duotone, F-ONE, and Naish. 2025 models must therefore be relocated. In the United States, the summer promotional season begins on May 25, Memorial Day. Depending on the shop and available sizes, some Memorial Day promotions can provide double-digit savings on previous-year or clearance merchandise.

EOFY for Australia (until June 30)

It can be beneficial to keep an eye on Australian EOFY reductions, especially for companies that have to get rid of obsolete inventory by June 30. Look at kite-focused retailers to determine the precise discount amounts.

Late Summer and Labor Day (August to September)

Shops are aware of which sizes did not sell by the end of August. In the United States, Labor Day (September 7, 2026) naturally provides a promotional time. European retailers also run clearance sales during this period. Look for discounts of 20% to 35%, perhaps more, on demo and ex-display equipment.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday (November 27 to 30)

This is the widest kite sale event of the year. Discounts span kites, boards, harnesses, bars, and wetsuits. Black Friday often brings some of the year’s broadest kiteboarding discounts, but exact savings vary widely by retailer, brand, model year, and size. Some older closeouts, especially 2023 or 2024 models, may reach 50% to 70% off when sizes are limited. If you know your size and model, this is your best all-in-one window.

Boxing Day and New Year (December 26 Onward)

Strong in the UK, Europe, and Australia. Expect 20% to 40% off the remaining stock. Great for picking up anything that did not move during Black Friday.

How Much Can You Save?

Here is a realistic breakdown by product and sale type:

• Kites: 20%–35% at rollover, 30%–50% on Black Friday, and 50%–77% on worn or old closeouts

• Boards: 30%–50% on Black Friday, 20%–35% the year before

• 20%–35% at rollover and 30%–58% during Black Friday for harnesses

• Control systems and bars: 15%–30% mid-year, up to 50% on older stock

• Accessories: 15%–30% on Black Friday and 10%–20% on regular sales

One noteworthy point is that new equipment for 2026 will be available at high costs. The sporting goods CPI increased 3.6% year over year in March 2026, according to the National Sporting Goods Association. In 2026, shipping and freight circumstances are still unpredictable, which may have an impact on the landed costs of imported equipment. The best deals are not brand-new inventory straight off the launch site, but rather inspected used equipment and models from previous years.

New, Last-Year, or Used Gear?

If you want complete warranty coverage, need a certain size, or are replacing a safety-critical component like a bar or quick-release mechanism, buy new.

When the reduction is significant and the design change is minimal, purchase last year's models. 20% to 35% off a 2025 kite is a good deal. For many riders, a prior-year freeride kite can still be a strong value if the safety system is current and the design changes do not affect their needs.

Buy used gear when you are flexible. Used kite kitesurfing equipment and kite skiing kites can be priced well below MSRP. Buy from a shop with a real inspection process: grading, inflation-testing, and honest condition descriptions. Some used programs, including Windance, reduce prices over time when items do not sell.

Where to Watch for Kite Sales

Not all kite sales are easy to find. Here is where to look:

• Official brand pages: Duotone, Naish, Cabrinha, North, F-ONE, and Slingshot all maintain sale sections. Use these for price anchors and launch timing.

• Specialty retailers: Look for kiteboarding-specific shops with clearance categories and used-gear programs.

• Retailer-run used inventory: Inspected and graded used gear offers the deepest savings with the most protection.

Set up email alerts from your preferred brands and shops. Email alerts can help you catch limited sale windows before popular sizes sell out.

Ready to find your next deal? Browse Windance's full kiteboarding collection and used-kite inventory now. Bookmark this page and check back before each sale window for updated picks.

When do kite sales usually happen?

The strongest windows are late May through June, late August through early September, Black Friday/Cyber Monday, and Boxing Day into January. In Australia, EOFY through June 30 is especially important. Spring promos tied to new model launches also create solid mid-year deals.

Is Black Friday always the best time to buy kiteboarding gear?

It is usually the broadest event, but not always the cheapest. Two-year-old closeouts and inspected used gear can beat Black Friday prices any time of year. If the stock is aging and a shop wants to move it, deals can be just as good outside of November.

Should beginners buy last year's kiteboarding gear?

In most cases, yes. For beginner and freeride models, year-over-year design changes are often minor. A 2025 kite, discounted 25% to 35%, gives you a proven product at a better price. Just confirm the safety systems are current and the gear is in good shape.

Are used kites safe to buy?

Yes, when bought from a retailer with a real inspection process. Look for shops that grade condition, inflate-test bladders, and clearly describe any repairs. Avoid thin peer-to-peer listings where you cannot verify the kite's history.

Do kite skiing kites go on sale at the same time as kite kitesurfing gear?

Not always. Kite skiing kites follow a winter demand cycle, which differs from water gear. That said, many retailers include them in broader end-of-season and Black Friday kite sales. Watch specialty shops and brand sale pages for the best timing.

Should I buy from an official brand site or a specialty retailer?

Use official brand sites for specs, launch timing, safety info, and price anchors. Use specialty retailers for broader closeout selection, regional inventory, demo gear, and used options. Both have value depending on what you need.

The 2026 market rewards riders who plan ahead, compare timing, and choose gear based on real riding needs instead of headline discounts alone. Windance has served wind and water sports riders since 1984 and offers new, used, demo, and consignment gear across kiteboarding, windsurfing, winging, foiling, and other Gorge sports. With active boarders on staff and a long-running Hood River shop, Windance  is well placed to help riders compare kite sales, inspect used options, and choose gear that fits their skill level, budget, and riding goals.

Do not wait until the best sizes and models sell out. Shop Windance’s kiteboarding collection today to compare new and used gear, get rider-backed guidance, and find the right setup before the next sale window passes.