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Kiteboarding Gear

What gear do I need?

Kite
Board
Harness
Line Knife (optional)
Wetsuit/gloves/hood/booties (depending on air/water temps)
Eye protection (optional)
Sunscreen (mandatory)

How can I travel with my gear?
The best (and cheapest) way to travel is with a kiteboard bag that resembles a golf bag. Basically, the airlines' policy states that golfers get to carry their golf gear for free (as long as it is under 50 lbs). However, kiteboard equipment will be charged $95 each way (according to Continental Airlines). Luckily, kiteboard companies have found a way to solve this problem. By getting the right travel bag, you'll be able to bypass these fees. Bags such as the Naish Golf Roller Bag and the NSI Deceiver Pro Golf Bag appear to be a golf bag on the outside, but are designed especially for kiteboarding. I have used the NSI Deceiver on 3 occasions and never got questioned. The bag pays for itself after one round-trip flight.

The Naish Golf Roller Bag 140cm will fit 2 boards (140cm and under) along with 4 kites. $199.99
NSI Deceiver Pro Golf will fit 2 boards (147cm and under) along with 2 kites $149.99

Kite Types:

LEI: Leading Edge Inflatable. This standard kiteboarding kite has internal air filled bladders in the leading edge and struts which make the kite float and give it a rigid skeleton. On some kites a 5th line is used to add stability and to assist in relaunching the kite. Examples: Naish Boxer, Torch, and Raven. Basically any inflatable kite produced prior to 2005 is considered an LEI.	Naish Torch II
SLE "Bow Kite": Supported Leading Edge. This type of kite uses a simple bridle to help support the kite's leading edge. Just like an LEI, these kites have inflated internal struts and leading edges. The support allows for a more open shape, which develops more power than a traditional LEI. Examples: Cabrinha Switchblade and Crossbow. Naish Shockwave.	Cabrinha Crossbow
RAM Air Foil: A frameless kite that uses airflow to maintain shape, similar to a parachute or paraglider. Most of these kites are unsuitable for kiteboarding as they tend to fill up with water when crashed. Because of their durability, they are a favorite for snow and land kiting. There are several closed cell foils on the market, which are relaunchable from the water. However these kites are much less common than the LEI and SLE kites. Examples: Ozone Imp, Samurai, and Frenzy. Naish Element. Basic trainer kites are small foils.	Ozone Imp

Kite Sizes:
Kite are sized by the overall surface area of the kite when it's laid flat on the ground. Typical kite sizes in West Michigan range from 12 to 20 square meters. That's not a typo; these kites are enormous. The bigger the kite, the more power at a given wind speed. The bigger (heavier) the rider, the larger the kite needed.

The following tables are rough guides to kite size vs. wind speed for a 170lb person (larger people require more power = larger kite). As your skills increase, you will be able to control a larger kite in more winds. Remember to understand where you will be riding to figure out the right size kite for you. West Michigan winds blow 10-15mph in the summer whereas the Outer Banks average 15-20mph.

Beginner 170 lbs

Kite Size	Wind Speed
16m²	10-15 mph
12m²	15-20 mph
8m²	20-25 mph

Advanced/Expert Rider 170lbs

Kite Size	Wind Speed
16m²	10-20 mph
12m²	16-26 mph
8m²	20-28 mph

Board Types:

Twin tip: The most common kiteboard. The outline is completely symmetrical so that it can be ridden in either direction on a heel side or toe side edge. A simple and versatile board.
Directional: This type of board has a definite tip and tail (like a surf board). Unlike twin tips, you cannot ride this board in reverse. Mostly used for waves or light wind days.
Mutant :A hybrid between a twin tip and a directional. The board can be ridden either direction, but it strongly favors one stance. Very specialized, great for wave riding and phenomenal upwind performance.

Board Sizes:
Board lengths are usually measured in centimeters (like a snowboard or skis). For example, a large beginning rider would typically learn on a 150 - 160cm board. You may see a second number also in centimeters; this is the board's width. I as a 165lb advanced kiteboarder ride a 126x40 (126cm long, 40cm wide) board. The larger the board, the less power needed to get onto a plane. The smaller the board, the more control you have at high speeds (opposite from skis and snowboards).

Can I use my wakeboard?
It is not an easy way to learn because of the fin placement, board shape, and bindings. The shape of most wakeboards requires more power to get onto a plane, and trying to get your feet into bindings is nearly impossible during your early sessions. Advanced riders do use wakeboard bindings from time to time, but they have the skills needed to fly the kite and get into the binding at the same time.

Heel Straps?
Heel straps are not usually necessary, but some riders prefer them.

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