Kites for kiteboarding

Gone are the days when the sport of kitesurfing was in its fancy and enthusiasts would make do with the equipment they could find. The market is saturated with latest and innovative designs, featuring different characteristics that would suit individuals with different styles as well as different conditions.

The most basic item for kiteboarding; the kite itself, is literally available in so many different sizes, shapes and forms that it is only prudent that a prospective buyer does his homework and understands the differences that these kites offer.
A kite should pass these basic criteria, to be deemed worthy of the rider’s money:

• Water Re-launchability is one criterion that no one can do without. The rider should be able to re-launch the kite if it hits the water easily and without any assistance.
• For all extreme sports the issue of safety should be of foremost importance. The kite should feature a safety system that is easy to activate, so that the rider is able to de-power the kite instantly.
• The kite’s aerodynamics should make turning and jumping easy and should facilitate upwind riding.
• The rider should be able to use the kite in varying wind conditions. The rider should be able to control the kite’s power to make it adapt in most wind ranges.

Types of kites

Structurally kites fall under two categories:

• Foil Kites were the earliest kites used for kiting sports. The kite has numerous air cells which are open from the front to let the air in and inflate the kite. These kites are very light and thus are good for low wind conditions. The airfoil design means that the kite can provide powerful lift even when it is parked overhead, making it a very efficient power kite. Another advantage they have over the other kites is that they do not require manual inflation like the LEI kites.
• The Leading edge Inflatable kites have a single layer and, as the name suggests, have a rigid inflatable leading edge. The kite’s inflated bladder keeps it floating even when it falls in the water and is also easier to relaunch than foil kites. The LEI kites further vary in their shape with the bow kites being the flattest of all and featuring a very good depower range of almost 100%, as well as wide wind range. The C kite is more suited to advanced riders and the Hybrid takes the middle ground with the efficient depower range of the flat and the better performance characteristics of a C shape.

Based on size kites can also be further categorized:

• High aspect ratio kites are narrow in width and longer in length, which makes them very fast and responsive and good for jumps and lifts but they are most considered the stable type. They are definitely more suited for advanced surfers, who have mastered the basic techniques related to kiteboarding.
• Low and moderate aspect ratio is the best option for the beginners and people who are still in the process of learning the ropes. These kites are much lower and very forging and also stable. For riders who would like to have only one kite with them 11-13m kite is the best option as it is suitable for most wind conditions and skill levels.

It is advisable for the beginners in the sport to go with the more stable and easy to manage kites and as they develop their skills, they can add on the more speedy and adventurous options.