Kiteboards

Choose the Perfect Kiteboard for the Water

Selecting the suitable kiteboarding board is crucial to enhancing your entire surfing adventure. Nevertheless, with such a wide array of boards available, it can be somewhat intimidating for novices. In this guide, we take you through two critical aspects to bear in mind when selecting a kiteboard: its size and design.

How to Determine the Right Size Kiteboard

When considering size, both the board's length and width play a role. Generally speaking, your board should be larger if you have more weight. A typical board size ranges from 135 cm to 145 cm in length and about 40 cm to 46 cm in width. This size is ideal for beginners who weigh roughly between 70 - 85 kg (154-187lb).

Nonetheless, the appropriate size for you is also influenced by your skill level, the prevailing weather conditions, and your preferred riding style. For instance, if choppy conditions are your usual playground, then opting for a shorter board around 127 - 135 cm in length might be wise.

Selecting Your Kiteboard Style

The market offers an extensive variety of kitesurfing boards to suit all skill levels and boarding styles. However, the primary distinction is commonly between twin tip and directional kiteboards.

Twintip Kiteboards

Twintip boards are the most prevalent and versatile type of kiteboard. With an identical shape on both ends, a twintip board can be ridden facing either direction in the water. Similar in design to a wakeboard, it typically features foot straps and pads. This board style is suitable for virtually every kitesurfing discipline and excels in freestyle, freeride, and wakestyle boarding. Learning on a twintip board is typically more straightforward.

Directional Kiteboards

This kiteboard type closely resembles a traditional surfboard. Normally, they come strapless and, like surfboards, they're crafted for wave riding. While reaching high speeds on flat water may be more challenging, directional boards excel in carving and executing tight turns. Unlike using a twintip, riding a directional board demands a distinctive stance, with more weight on the front foot than the back.

For further insight on board specifics, along with other essential kiteboarding equipment, visit our guide on Buying Kitesurfing Gear.