Understanding Kiteboarding Gear

After proper training, there's nothing more important to your success as a kiteboarder than having the right gear. Kiteboarding is so new that updated technology comes onto the scene virtually every year. That said, the basics remain the basics, and that's unlikely to change anytime soon. Here's an introduction to the basic components that will make up your kiteboarding rig.

The Kite: We start with the most important piece of all. By the time you reach the end of the learning curve, the kite will be a virtual extension of your body. Though there are several variations on the same idea (we'll get to that later), the basic parts of every kite are the same: the leading and trailing edges, wingtips, bridles, the strut, and the canopy. Kite sizes vary greatly, from .7 to more than 20 square meters. A bow kite with a bridle on the leading edge is generally regarded as the best for a beginner, especially for those only initially purchasing a single kite.

There are also four styles of kites:

Leading Edge Inflatables:
Also known as C-Kites, this variation is equipped with inflatable bladders that form the structural architecture of the kite. Keep in mind that these can burst if they strike the ground after a rapid fall.

Bow Kites:
Essentially an LEI with a bit of a flattened arc, these can be flown in a wider span of winds, as they allow complete depowering. At the same time, they aren't as stable, and require more bar pressure (and more strength and muscular endurance).

Hybrids:
You guessed it: these are a mix of the two previous types, allowing for easy relaunching and 100% depowering, as well as easier launch.

Foil Kites:
Most popular on land, these kites usually require a constant stream of air flowing in to maintain their shape.


The Board

Now that we've discussed what's up above your head, here's a rundown of what's below your feet! The board is comprised of two edges (heelside and toeside), pads, straps to secure your feet, and a handle for carrying. When selecting your board, keep in mind what you'll be using it for. Different kinds of boards are built for different purposes, and ideally, you should try out a bunch of types before making a purchase!

The Harness

Here's what you hook into! This is where everything comes together. Your harness allows you to control the kite with your body weight, rather than your arms. There are three standard harness types, all pretty self-explanatory: waist, vest, and seat. Determine which is best for you by giving them all a go and seeing which is most comfortable.

Bar/Lines: This system connects your harness to the kite, including a bar that you can use to manipulate the kite. The one thing to remember is that you need to purchase lines made for kiting, and kiting only.

Accessories: First off, don't be one of the morons on the water (or worse, the land) without a helmet. Kiteboarding is a high impact sport; in the event of one of those high impacts, you need all the protection you can get.

Rash guards are great protection against the sun, and they also help avoid chaffage from your gear.

Depending on where you're launching, you may want to consider a wetsuit. If so, make sure to purchase one that allows for ample range of movement.

It's a great idea to carry a knife in case of an emergency, or tangled lines. Other safety equipment includes a whistle, reflective tape, flares, and an Emergency Position Indicating Beacon (EPIRB).

Now you're ready to buy! Try to time your purchases during the off-season, and you could walks away with a full rig for as little as 2000 dollars! Another option is carefully searching for used gear.

 However you swing it, don't forget that your equipment is an essential part of getting started on your way to kiteboarding superstardom. If you take care of your gear well, it can last you years, so try not to skimp if possible!