How to Compare Kitesurfing Kites

Kitesurfing --- or kiteboarding --- involves the use of a specially-shaped kite to pull you through the water on a short surf board. There are kites for beginners (generally slower, easier to handle relaunch in the water) and kites for experts (faster, more maneuverable, and less forgiving of mistakes). There are also different kite sizes for different wind conditions. It's fairly easy to understand the differences in kites and to chose the right equipment for your skill level and for the waters where you plan to surf.

Instructions

    • 1

      Check the kite's shape. There are basically two shapes of kitesurfing kites, flat and C-shaped. Flat kites are best for beginners because they are easier to slow down and easier to relaunch from the water. C-shaped kites are faster and allow the surfer to sail more directly upwind. There are also hybrid shapes that combine the speed of a C-shape with the water-relaunching capabilities of a flat kite.

    • 2

      Determine if the kite is ram-air-inflated or pre-inflated. Pre-inflated kites have internal bladders that are filled with air before they are launched; they are slower but much easier to relaunch in the water. Ram-air-inflated kites fully inflate when as air passes into them after they are launch. Ram-air-inflated kites and more efficient fliers, but they're difficult to relaunch from the water.

    • 3

      Look at the kite size. The size is measured in square meters and represents the entire sail area of the kite. In general, larger kites are better for lighter winds. A large kite is considered to be one with an area of 16 square meters or larger and is used when winds are 15 mph or lower. Medium kites are sized between 12 and 15 square meters, and are appropriate for winds between 15 and 20 mph. Small kites are 10 square meters or less and are used when winds are in excess of 20 mph.

    • 4

      Check to see if the kite has two or four control lines. Two control lines are easier for beginners to manage, but four lines give advanced kitesurfers greater control of the kite.

    • 5

      Determine if the kite is equipped with a boom or with control handles. A boom is a single rod to which all the control lines attach; it is easier to hold onto. Control handles, which are an option on kites with four control lines, require more coordination and upper-upper body strength, but allow for fine control of the kite.