Specials
Packages
Kites
Boards
Bindings
Harnesses
Leashes
Control Bars
Safety Gear
Lines
Bags
Fins
Repair Kits
Accessories
Clothes
Used Gear
|
Kiteboarding
Gear Guide
Kiteboarding has grown exponentially in the last few years. We have seen cross-overs
from many sports including surfing, wakeboarding, snowboarding, mountainboarding. There are so many ways to enjoy power kites these days. You can do it on water, land and snow!
There are many types of kites and boards available today.
There really is no "right" or "wrong" equipment to choose,
just equipment for different sports, terrain, wind conditions,
riding styles and skill levels. Use this guide as an introduction
to kiteboarding gear. We can also assist you in selecting
what is right for you.
|
Kiteboarding
(a.k.a. Kite Surfing) |
Kites
Leading edge inflatable kites and water-relaunchable ram
air kites are the best kites suited for water use. Kites
for kiteboarding come different aspect-ratios and sizes
for various wind conditions. Refer to our kite
guide for details.
Boards
There are mainly 3 types of kiteboards: directional surf-style
boards, wake-style boards, and twintip boards. Twintip
boards are the easiest to learn on and are the most popular.
These boards come in various shapes and sizes to suit
your skill level, riding style and wind and water conditons.
Refer to our kiteboard
guide in selecting a board.
|
Kite Snowboarding
(a.k.a. Snow Kiting) |
Kites
Kite snowboarding does not require the kite to float therefore
an inflatable kite does not offer any advantages. Ideal
snow kites are kites that can be self-launched, re-launched
and landed without difficulty. This is why foil kites
are usually more popular. The Flysurfer
Titan, designed with snow use in mind, can also
handle gusty winds commonly associated with snow kiting
locations. The Flexifoil
Bullet and Blade
III are other foil kites that excel in the snow.
With the introduction of the Recon
Relaunch Control System, the new line of 2004
Cabrinha kites are also suited for kite snowboarding.
Boards
You can use any snowboard that allows for a symmetrical
centered stance. The bindings should be setup with about
10-15 degrees of "duck" (toes pointed outwards). This
will allow you to ride the same way comfortably in both
directions. Make sure there is also plenty of forward
lean so you don't catch your toe-side edge. Snow kiting
is not limited to snowboards. You can also kite with snow
skis.
|
| Kite Landboarding |
Kites
The Flexifoil
Bullet was designed specifically for landboarding.
Powerful yet easy to handle, the Bullet does not create
any lift and can comfortably be recommended to beginners
and pros alike. For the extreme, there is always the
Flexifoil Blade
III, the ultimate in ram-air inflated
traction kites with big lift for land, snow or water
use.
Boards
You can use any downhill mountainboard however there
are now specifically designed kite
landboards with unique advantages including
an innovative, asymmetric and ergonomic shape to allow
tracking upwind and easy kick-off footstraps.
|
| Kite Buggying |
Kites
Kite buggys are usually powered by ram air foil kites
designed for land use like the Flexifoil
Bullet and Blade
III kites. These kites fly very close to the edge
of the wind window which is essential for tracking upwind.
Buggy
A kite buggy is
a steel frame chassis with 3 wheels and a seat. Steering
is accomplished with footpegs on the front wheel while
your hands are free to fly the kite. Buggiers can reach
speeds up to 45 mph while racing inches from the ground! |
|
|
|
