Selecting the Right Kiteboarding Kite Size

There are many factors to consider when selecting the proper kiteboarding gear. Each kiteboarding kite is designed to fly in a particular wind range. This range is affected by the pilots weight, the size and type of the board, and even the skill of the pilot. Other things to consider are the launch site, the prominent wind speed and wind and water conditions, and of course costs. All of these factors are critical for getting the right type of kite and the correct size.

Sizing
It is very helpful to first understand a few things about the sizing of kiteboarding kites. Kites are rated by their sail area, in square meters. This is the sail area, not the wingspan.

Types of Kites
Today, there are three types of kiteboarding kites available, the newest "hybrid" or "Super Leading Edge", then "Bow or Flat" Kiteboarding Kites and "C" Shaped Kites

Hybrid or SLE(Super Leading Edge Kiteboarding Kites
100% de-power for the ultimate in safety and confidence.

More upwind drive than "bow" kites, more similar to the upwind drive of "C" kites.

A more consistant and positive feel when turning the kite aggressively. Feels more like a "C" kite than a "bow" kite when turning the kite.

Typically less bar pressure than the "bow" kite.

Easier to water re-launch than a "C" kite, but not as easy as a "bow" kite.

Bow or Flat Kiteboarding Kites
Bow kites have the easiest water relaunch because of their super flat shape!

The Widest range because their flat shape allows more wind to dump off the kite aiding in de-powering.

They will not go upwind like the new Hybrid or "C" kites as they tend to fly further back in the wind window.

High bar pressure as they fly further back in the wind window and take a lot of pressure to turn the kite, it can feel like harder work to fly these kites.

Bow kites tend to pivot turn which can cause them to "slide" through turns causing it to be more work for the pilot with increaded bar pressure and slower turning speeds. This is usually due to the kite slightly stalling during the pivoting turns due to its super flat shape.

"C" Shaped Kites

The traditional super curved leading edge kite with de-powering, but not 100% de-powering. These kites don't have as wide a wind range, but they are very affordable, often half the price of newer kites!

C kites offer incredible upwind drive. Dig the board in and these kites accelerate upwind!

C Kites will also maintain power through aggressive turns giving them a postive feel for all kiteboarders.

Extremely Affordable in price.

Poor water relaunching especially in larger sizes. Expect to work more on re-launching the kite from the water.

Wind Range
No one kite will cover the entire wind range, Ideally, you will have three kites to cover the different wind speeds. Newer kites will have more usable wind range than older kites.

Generally speaking, you may kiteboard in winds as light at 10mph and winds in excess of 25mph. In order to do this, you will ideally need three different sizes of kites.

Large kite for lighter winds - 10-15mph. 16.0 to 20 sq. meters
Medium kite for medium winds - 15-20mph 12.0 to 15.0 sq. meters
Small kite for higer winds - 20-25 mph 6.0 to 10.0 sq. meters

You should always start with a medium size kite and a very large kiteboard. This is the easiest and safest combination. Medium size kites are much easier to water re-launch than big kites. Medium kites combined with a large board works great in the widest possible wind range! This is the fastest way to advance your skills!

The best all around medium sized kite to start with is a 12.0 square meter kite if you are between 140-190 lbs in body weight. We have put together the best possible packages for you with 12.0 square meter kites and a board complete for the lowest possible price. Check out some of the complete packages below!!