Length

The length is probably the most important aspect of a kiteboard. Choosing the right kiteboard length is based on 3 factors: Weight, style of riding, and wind and water conditions. An average size kiteboard is between 140cm an 150cm long. Boards longer than 150cm are great for the heavier rider, beginners, and light winds because it requires less speed to plane on the water. Small boards under 140cm are suited lighter riders and experienced riders preferring to ride powered. They are also lighter and have less swing-weight for executing advanced spin and inverted tricks. Many kiteboarders have more than one board for riding in different locations and condition.

Width

As board designs get shorter and shorter, the widths are increasing to compensate for the loss of surface area. Shorter wider boards of today helps the rider to plane easier. Wider boards allow heavier riders to ride shorter boards.

Rocker

Rocker is the curve of the board from end to end. A board with a higher rocker has a more banana-like shape and a "loose" feel. A board with a lower rocker has a straighter shape tend to be more stable and allows the rider to accelerate better and gain easier control over the board.

Rails

The rails are the board's side edges. The sharper the rail, the more aggressively the board will "bite" into the water. This results in improved acceleration, and overall speed. Twin-tip and wake-style boards actually rely more on the rails than the fins to hold an edge and keep from drifting downwind. However, sharp rails tend to be more "catchy" and less forgiving.

Bottom

The bottom design also effects the characteristics of the board. Most kiteboards have a relatively flat bottom, allowing the rails to sink and providing grip. Newer designs include concave bottoms that "stick" to the water adding even more traction.

Tip/tail

Squared tails gives the board more pop for big airs. Rounded tails gives the board a "surfy" feel. Grooved tails or swallow tails allow the rails sink deeper in to water to increase grip. This however decreases the board's pop of the water for wake-style jumps and tricks.

Fins

Most twin-tip kiteboards come with 4 fins (2 at each end). Some boards allow for additional fins on the heel edge side for added tracking. Kiteboard fins come in all shapes and sizes. Smaller and thinner fins work well in smooth water conditions and allow the rider to "slide out" the board for transitions and surface tricks. Wider fins displace more water and create a suction effect with the board to the water, which helps the board connect to the water. Larger surf-style fins allow the rider to carve turns in waves. One of the easiest ways to customize your board is by changing your fins.

Bindings

There are basically 3 types of bindings for kiteboards: footstraps, plates and boots. Footstraps attaches directly to the kiteboard, usually over or around foam footpads. Footstraps are the simplist and most cost-effective binding solution. However, they take a bit of time and effort to adjust. Plates are footstaps and footpads integrated onto a metal plate. Changes in foot positions or stance can be made quickly by moving the entire plate. Boots are prefered by wake-style riders and allow for maximum board control. The drawback of boots are that they are harder to put on and get off ... especially while flying a kite in the air!