Kite explanation: you should know this about kitesurfing kites

Naish Pivot 2023 review

Om to kitesurf you need a kite (kite). But what kind of kites are there and which type suits you? We give you an explanation about kitesurfing kites here. We start with an explanation of the difference in types and sizes. Then we explain the difference between tube and foil kites. Finally, we go one step further by explaining which kites exist within these two main categories. It may sound a bit complicated, but it certainly isn't. Read on and feel free to come back to this page again.

Which size kite is suitable for you in which wind?

To begin with, there are different sizes of kites. Sizes are indicated in square meters (m2). An indication of common kite sizes are: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 m2.

The size of kite that the kite surfer uses depends on a number of factors including:

  • the wind strength;
  • the weight of the kite surfer;
  • the size kiteboard of the kite surfer;
  • the style that the kite surfer wants to show on the water;
  • the type of kitesurf kite;
  • current at sea.

Size chart which size kite in which wind

To give you an idea of ​​which size kite (size of the kitesurf kite) suits your weight and the wind force, we have made the overview below. Pay attention. This is a general and indicative overview.

which-kite-in-which-wind

Want to start with one or more kites?

In itself it sounds logical that you start with the purchase of one kite. How much wind do you need to kitesurf? The ideal wind to start kitesurfing is wind force 4 to 5 (between 14 and 21 knots). This is wonderful wind to start with. The wind is then often the most stable and the water is still reasonably calm. One kite in combination with a twintip kiteboard is the best combination. If you purchase a flat, slightly larger and wider twin tip, you have the advantage of extra buoyancy of the kiteboard and the kiteboard also gets going faster ('plane').

which-size-kite-by-which-wind-kite-size-calculator

Especially if you want to purchase one kite, it is important that the kite has the largest possible wind range. This means that the kite quickly helps you get going in little wind and can be easily debunked in more wind. This, of course, has its limits. Kite surfing with a size kite that does not suit the wind is not pleasant. This also ultimately comes at the expense of the controllability of a kite, kitesurfing fun and safety.

If you want to kite surf from wind force 4 to a good wind force 6, you will have to purchase several kites. For example, you purchase a 9 meter and a 12 meter (possible combination for a kite surfer with a weight of approximately 90 kilos). Or a 7 and 10 meters (possible combination for a kite surfer with a weight of 75 kilos). We hope to have answered the question. And that you now know which size kite is suitable for you in which wind.

Development kites

Kites are still undergoing enormous development. For example, by using new materials that make kites lighter, stronger and safer. For example, kitesurfing is now possible from 5 knots. This requires experience and special kitesurfing equipment. Read about the 'Lite Surf' development of kites and 3 little wind combinations.

Explanation kitesurf kites

MWith some species you can more easily bridge different strengths of the wind. Other types have a more limited usability, so that the kite surfer has to change size more quickly when the wind increases or decreases. There are also kitesurfing kites that have been specifically developed for kitesurfing in the waves, to be able to sail with very little wind or to be able to perform extreme freestyle tricks. In this explanation kitesurf kites we explain it to you in great detail. We start by explaining the two main differences between kitesurf kites, namely 'Tube' and 'Foil' type kitesurf kites.

Tube and foil kites: explanation of kitesurf kites

Tube kites are by far the most used kites for kite surfing. They obtain rigidity due to the inflatable frame. You can think of this as an inner tube of a bicycle that you can pump up on the beach when you go kite surfing and deflate when you go home. The air frame gives the kite its shape and is sturdy or stiff enough. Due to the air frame, kites float very well on the water and they are also restartable ('water start') after they have crashed on the water.

Foil kites fill themselves with air, just like a parachute fills itself with air. Due to the use of ingenious non-return valves, no water gets into the kite after it has, for example, crashed into the water. The biggest differences between foil kites and tube kites are that foil kites almost always have a lot of bridle lines ('bridle') and tube kites have almost no bridle lines but attachment of the lines directly to the kite or with a small bridle line ('bridle') . Also that foil kites have a specialized form of a mattress kite that fills with air. Tube kites, on the other hand, have an inflatable frame.

Tube: type Bow and SLE: the kite for beginners

SLE kite
Example of an SLE-type kite. The Gaastra Pure

Dit is the kind of kite most used by kite surfers. Also the type of kite that is most commonly used for kite surfing lessons by kite surfing schools. Due to the inflated frame, which the kite surfer inflates himself, the kite can easily be restarted from the water if necessary. The leading edge is the largest horizontal tube at the top of the kite. This runs down on the outside of Bow and SLE kites. You can see this clearly when the kite is on the ground, the ends of the kite (wingtips) then come off the ground. Bridles, so-called bridles, are attached to the leading edge. These bridles ensure that the leading edge retains its shape during kite surfing.

Purpose of Bow and SLE kites

The goal behind the development of Bow and SLE kites is safety. It must be the case that the moment the kite surfer releases his bar (handlebar), a Bow and / or SLE kite loses all its power. This principle is called 'extreme depowering' (completely disempowering) of the kite.

Features, benefits and focus

Bow and SLE kites are more efficient in terms of shape than the original C-shape kites (see below explanation about the C-shape kite). With this, Bow and SLE kite deliver more power per m2 surface area of ​​cloth. This allows a Bow or SLE kite that is smaller than a C-shape kite to provide the same power build-up as a C-shape kite of a size larger.

Bow and SLE kites also have a larger wind range than, for example, the C-shape kites. As a result, a kite surfer does not have to change kite as quickly in changing weather conditions.

This brings us to the downside of the Bow and SLE kites. After reading this text you might think that if you have one Bow or SLE type of kite, you can kite surf with any wind force. However, this is not the case. Kitesurfing with a size that does not suit the wind ultimately comes at the expense of kitesurfing fun and safety. The kite becomes less controllable and controllable with extreme depower. Kite surfing does not get any more fun and safer. So always inquire about the prescribed wind range of the kite.

Tube: Type Hybrid

hybrid kite
Example of a hybrid type of kitesurf kite. The Cabrinha Switchblade.

Ea hybrid kite is actually a cross between a traditionally radical C-shape and a Bow. The most notable difference is that a hybrid has bridles on the leading edge (top of the kite) that are attached to the kite. A C-Shape does not have this. In addition, a hybrid does not stand flat in the air like a C-Shape, but hangs slightly backwards for visibility.

Sailing characteristics hybrid kites

Hybrid kites are kites that are very easy to debunk ('depower') on the beach and during kite surfing while they still have a lot of pulling power when you pull the bar towards you. This makes them suitable for beginners, but you can also use them as you grow, if you want, to make high jumps and freestyle tricks. There are plenty of very experienced kite surfers who enjoy kitesurfing with a hybrid kite.

Tip: Do you have questions about this explanation of kitesurf kites type (Tube: Bow and SLE, Hybrid, Wave, C-Shape and Foil kites)? Feel free to ask them via a news item or our Facebook page and make use of the collective knowledge of the kitesurfing community in the Netherlands.

Tube: Wave / Surf type

Wave kite
Example of a Wave type kitesurfing kite for wave riding. The Naish Triad.

Kitesurfing in the waves has become very popular. It is now a style in itself and you can see it clearly in the media. There are kites that are specially designed for golf riding. A typical wave kite can easily be disempowered (depowered). This is necessary because, when the kite has put you on the wave, you want to continue surfing without the kite continuing to pull you. You actually expect the kite to be equally powerless so that you can surf the waves. Wave kites have been specially developed for this. How cool is that! Still, it is important that the kite keeps pressure, otherwise it could fall from the sky.

A wave kite reacts quickly, so has a very good depower, can be restarted quickly and easily from the water and is stable. A wave kite is for a specific wind range. You can build up less power with it at the bottom of the wind range of the kite. So you will have to go for the right size if you want to enjoy golfing. A wave kite could be used to learn kite surfing if you know, for example, that you really want to continue kite surfing in combination with wave riding.

Tube: type C shape

c shape
Example C-Shape type kitesurf kite. The Duotono Vegas.

Eand C-shape kite owes its name to its shape. Tilt a 'C' clockwise and you will get the shape of a C-shape kite. In contrast to Bow and SLE type kites, a C-shape kite does not have bridle lines ('bridle') but four or five connecting points.

C-Shape properties

  • A C-shape is radical, has a very fast but predictable turning circle and should also feel very solid when unhooked from the trapeze.
  • The kite is intended for the pros, wakestyle, wakeskate, sliders, etc.
  • A C-shape cannot be negated (depowered) 100%, so that it can continue to pull just as powerfully in the event of incorrect steering corrections, for example. This also makes the deployment range less than a Bow or SLE-type kite.
  • The fifth point of departure is for the fifth line system with the aim of increasing safety and restartability. The fifth line is activated in emergency after the quick release system is activated. In this way, the kite surfer can get all the power from the kite at any time. In addition, putting on the fifth line can help to restart, especially with larger kites that have fallen into the water. The kite tips over faster with the help of the fifth line pull.

foil kites

explanation-type-kitesurf-kite-foil-ozone-r1-v4-olympic-games
Example of a foil type kitesurf kite. The Ozone R1-v4. Selected for the Olympics.

Kitesurfing started around 1997-1998 with foil kites. Foil kites are kites (also called mattress kites) that fill with air. Unlike a tube kite, a foil kite is not inflatable and therefore has no struts.

Foil kites have undergone an enormous technological development. They are lighter than tube kites and have a very advanced bridle (bridle lines) system. Foil kites generally respond a bit slower than tube kites and are extremely stable. Lightweight as they are, they are ideally suited for kitefoiling, kite racing and light weather kite surfing. Kite racing (Formula kite surfing) has since grown into one Olympic discipline which will be added to the Olympics in 2024. As a result, this style and material development is currently making a huge leap.

Many kite surfers have been wary of foil kites from the past and still live with the idea that a foil kite, once in the water, cannot be restarted from the water. This is obsolete because the air chambers can be closed, so that no water can enter the foil kite, the kite can be restarted well from the water.

Read more explanation of kite surfing in the manual kite surfing →