Kiteboards

Hit the Water on the Right Kiteboard

Finding the right kiteboarding board is an essential choice when it comes to your overall surfing experience. However, with so many different types of boards out there it can be a little daunting for beginners. Here, we talk you through two of the most important things to consider when getting a kiteboard: the size and the style.

What Size Kiteboard Do I Need?

With size, you need to consider both the length and the width. In general, the heavier you are, the bigger your board should be. An average board size is between 135 cm and 145 cm in length and approximately 40 cm to 46 cm in width. This size board would be ideal for newcomers to the sport who weigh around 70 - 85 kg (154-187lb).

However, what size you should get is also determined by your skill level, the weather conditions, and what riding style you want to do. For example, if you are usually surfing in choppy conditions, then you might want to go for a shorter board of around 127 - 135 cm in length.

Choosing Your Style of Kiteboard

There’s a huge range of kitesurfing boards on the market to cater to all abilities and styles of boarding. In general, though, the biggest difference is between twin tip and directional kiteboards.

Twintip Kiteboards

A Twintip board is the most common and universal type of kiteboard. A twintip means the board is shaped identically at both ends, so it can be ridden in the water facing either way. It is similar in design to a wakeboard and usually has foot straps and pads. This style of board can be used for practically every discipline of kitesurfing and is particularly good for freestyle, freeride and wakestyle boarding. It’s generally easier to learn using a twintip board.

Directional Kiteboards

This style of kiteboard looks a lot like a classic surfboard. They generally come without straps and like a surfboard, are designed to ride the waves. Although you may not be able to reach such high speeds in flat water, directional boards are great for carving and tight turns. It also requires a different stance compared to a twintip, placing more of your weight on the front foot instead of the back.

If you want to know more about boards, as well as the other kiteboarding gear you will need, head over to our guide on Buying Kitesurfing Gear.