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Kite Boarding Equipment

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Kite Boarding Equipment

Kiteboarding equipment consists of three main components, a board, a kite, and a harness system. However, within each of these component categories there are many variations in design, especially with regards to the boards and kites. Knowing the differences between these designs and how they relate to your ability level can have a profound impact on how enjoyable the experience of kitesurfing can be. Therefore it is essential that one do a bit of research in order to ensure that the equipment one purchases is the right equipment for your individual needs.

Buying the right board is essential to an enjoyable day on the water. For beginners, most experts recommend purchase as large a board as possible, as they are generally easier to control and provide a higher degree of stability while being pulled across the water. They are also well suited for lower wind speeds and are much more forgiving if one should make a mistake. More advanced kitesurfers tend to lean towards smaller boards, which allow higher speeds and greater maneuverability. Many of these advanced boards are designed with features such as concave bottoms and siderails, and some even come equipped with twin tips, allowing them to be used in both forward and backward positions.

Of course, no list of kiteboarding equipment would be complete without the actual kite. As with the boards, kites are available in a variety of sizes and designs. Leading edge inflatable (LEI) kites are the most commonly used style for most kitesurfers, as they tend to float should they drop into the water. This style of kite comes in two basic varieties, C-shaped and bow-shaped. C-shape kites have the longest history within the sport, but bow-shaped kites have seen an increase of popularity in recent years. In addition to these basic designs, there a variety of hybrid designs that combine elements of the two styles into one kite. For beginning riders, C-shaped varieties are most often recommended because they tend to be easier to control.

The harness system is what connects the rider and board to the kite and is an essential piece of kiteboarding equipment. In most cases, the base of the harness is designed to fit around the waist and buckles around over the abdomen of the rider. However, there are variations, with the full-vest harness being a popular alternative. Most harness systems are of either a 4-line or 5-line design. 4-line harnesses utilize four connections, one for each corner of the kite, and these lines then connect to a control bar that is used to steer the rider. This control bar is normally anchored to the harness worn by the rider via a rope or tether. It should be noted that any quality harness system will include a quick release safety mechanism, which can be used to separate the rider from the kite in the event of an emergency.

Many experts also recommend purchasing some auxiliary equipment as well. Wetsuits are commonly used to protect the rider from cold water, and helmets are highly recommended pieces of safety equipment.