Know Your Riding Style
It’s simple; your gear can make or break you. Kites are engineered for specific uses. That’s why it’s crucial to really dig deep and understand your rider type before buying new gear. First, get a solid feel for your skill level, learning aptitude and local riding conditions. Knowing these will help you figure out your riding style, which is how most kites are classified.
Since individual styles demand different kite designs, we’ve defined them below with typical gear types. And, while your dreams may be filled with boosting over bridges, it’s important you think of your goals realistically and in the near term of the next 6 to 12 months.
FreeRide
The ride: Things are comfortable, not extreme. You prefer easy cruising blended with carving. This is where everyone starts, and many stick with throughout their kiting lives. Simply launching and getting your fins wet is pure satisfaction. Soft and easy jumps provide enough thrill to last till your next session.
Look for: Super stable kites with easy-to-use safety systems, smooth efficient depower, and effortless relaunch. Simplicity is key as your kite should just be easy to fly. In stable wind zones, try a moderate-aspect C kite (balloon like short kites with deep centers). You’ll likely find it even easier to use a Flat Five (a hybrid flat kite with a 5th line safety system), especially if you ride in gustier areas.
Big Air
The ride: Fast and high! You’re about boosting huge and floating through the air with perfect control at higher speeds in all situations. You dream about reaching the moon with glider-like hang time. Once up there, you’re working on those smooth organic flowing tricks that wow the commoner. Not critically technical, you’re simply about going as fast and high as you can.
Look for: Response and lift! You want kites that ride very close to the window’s edge, pulling straight up when jumping. Fast, forward flying kites with precise control will send you to huge heights. Once only found in high-aspect C-shaped kites (long and narrow razor like wings), big-air kites now come in more shapes and sizes. For hang time, you’ll want kites with more center surface area, like a progressive C (kites designed for performance and stability) or hybrid flat design (flat kites with fully supported leading edges and direct connect rear lines).
FreeStyle
The ride: You’re into everything and will go to extremes. Perfecting those fully powered technical moves with drastic kite loops will intensify your sessions. But you’re just as happy cruising on light-wind days or carving down a few faces. Overall, you love variety and may even be creating some new tricks as you strive for personal success in all conditions.
Look for: Style Versatility! You’ll want progressive C kites with multiple tuning options and smooth control. These stable and pivotal kites will let you load and pop all day long. Throw in tight and fast turning and you’ll be stoked in all conditions. Critical for quick recoveries when learning new moves, be certain to have a fifth-line safety system (a line attached to a kite’s center adds stability, depower and relaunching support).
Waves
The ride: You’re a new-age surfer fusing wave with wind energy. Whether you tackle monster outer-reef breaks or play in the beach swell at home, you’re in love with spray from cutbacks and bottom turns. The main difference is you would rather ride than paddle and wait for the next set. Getting barreled is more realistic since your kite will help you when it closes out.
Look for: High-quality bomb-proof kites that can take wave poundings when dropped. To truly surf a wave’s energy, you’ll need maximum depower. But, make sure it’ll stay in place when you’re riding the face so it’ll be there when you move on from a closeout. You should only be concerned with the more complex bow-style flat kites (crossbow like inflatable kites with fully bridled lines and control systems) with anti-inversion safety systems (lines helping kites from distorting and turning inside out, like an umbrella in a wind storm).
Know Your Kites
Matching your style with a kite’s design will boost your confidence, comfort, skills and overall session stoke. A gear mismatch isn’t as fun – or very safe. As you look at this guide and talk to your local shop, here’s what you’ll need to know about a kite.
Safety
1. How safe is the kite?
That by far is most important. Safety means that safety systems must be easy to use and actually work perfectly in worst-case scenarios. It also considers how durable gear is, how fast parts wear out, and what options you have in tuning the kite for varying conditions.
Matching
2. Does the kite’s performance equal yours?
That by far is most important. Safety means that safety systems must be easy to use and actually work perfectly in worst-case scenarios. It also considers how durable gear is, how fast parts wear out, and what options you have in tuning the kite for varying conditions.
Versatility
3. Is the kite versatile enough?
Typically, gear having broader uses has a greater advantage. However, designs with specific purposes might be better if you have a laser focus on enhancing one aspect of your riding. If you’re looking to free ride, you’ll need a kite with full depower and ease of use. Free-ride specialists, though, won’t really have a need for a kite with a reputation that jumps to the moon.
Easy
4. How easy is the kite to use?
Good gear works well. But great gear is also comfortable, easy to use, and comes with nice perks. This also considers overall value and manufacturer customer service. You’ll start sensing a kite’s comfort when you barely have to look at the kite when riding.
The Case for a New Kite
Be wary of that “insane deal.” Gear must meet the safety, performance, style and comfort traits you want. Cheap kites typically fall short in these areas. We’ve seen many kiteboarders spend more money repairing their gear (and themselves) after buying cheap gear. They could have avoided the risks and money frustrations by just getting a well-designed new kite.
Overall, expect to pay $1,300 to $1,500 (based on 12m kites) for a well designed and crafted kite. To save money, look for package deals. Many shops offer discounts of 10 to 20 percent when kites are paired with other gear and lessons. While more budget-friendly gear is available, your skills may plateau early since you’ll likely miss out on better safety, performance and construction. Spend a little more now and you’ll have lasting gear that’ll stay exciting, instead of needing more gear a few months later.
Also, doing research at a shop ensures that you’ll have knowledgeable riders helping pair a kite with your goals. With an in-depth interview and discussion, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting. Doing anything else could be a costly mistake.
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