Essential Kiteboarding Gear Checklist

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Basic Gear List

We often get the question of "what do I need to go kite surfing?" Well, here is a simple lowdown on what you will need. We have also included a list of other essentials to bring when you are riding. If you come prepared, your sessions will be better before, during, and after riding. Don't wake up with a sunburn dehydration hangover - it will ruin your next day of riding.

Kiteboarding Equipment you must have to ride:

Kite - this includes the bar, line and safety system. When looking for kites, make sure to understand that a "kite only" will not get you on the water unless you already own a bar, lines, and safety system. Most kites being sold are sold as "kite complete", including your bar, lines and safety system.
Board - find a board that is appropriate to your riding ability- don't go too small if you have no board experience; it will really slow your learning curve. Be careful of the newest low price trick of selling "board only"; you will need foot pads, foot straps and screws- about another $100-$150 if you are not stripping them off your old board.
Harness - yes, you must have a harness to kiteboard in the water (optional with land or snow). For beginners and mature riders (old people like me) the best bet is a seat harness. If you are experienced or young and willing to take a few sessions with bruised ribs, a waist harness is the choice of pros.

With these pieces of equipment you are ready to ride after taking a lesson.

Here is my "am I ready for the beach?" list. Although all these items are optional, if you plan more than an hour or 2 on the water, most are necessary. You may want to print this out and use it your first 5-10 sessions, otherwise you will forget something. We have loaned out quite a few harnesses to riders who showed up and forgot theirs.

Session Equipment
______ Riding buddy -be smart and always kite with a friend
______ Kite(s)
______ Bar w/ Lines
______ Safety system (is your leash attached?)
______ Pump (is yours in working order?)
______ Board(s)
______ Straps (adjusted to fit booties or bare feet)
______ Board Leash (must have helmet to go with board leash)
______ Harness
______ Spreader bar on harness
______ Helmet
______ Tool Box (basic tools to fix board or kite)
______ Sunscreen ______Sunglasses ______Hat ______Towel
______ Water (20 oz for every hour of riding)
______ Food (protein bars are great)
______ Wet suit (appropriate for the current temperatures (water/air)
______ Booties
______ Gloves/mittens
______ Hood
______ Polypro under garment

Land Water Snow