Lightwind Kites
There are few things more frustrating in kitesurfing when the wind hovers in that 8 to 13 knot range. It stands as a sort of kite purgatory, offering enough wind to launch your traditional kitesurfing kite, but not enough to really use it.
Fortunately, the kiteboarding industry has recognized this long defunct niche, and responded with some chimerical offerings. Before, light wind kiteboarding kites were usually just scaled versions of a particular model. The smallest offering was much similar to the largest, just with enhanced proportions. Because of this, much efficiency was often wasted. A 17 meter kitesurfing kite does not require the same degree of reinforcement that an 8 meter kite would - the wind conditions are vastly different, which results in different amounts of force interacting with the kite. Lighter kite construction has thus led to significant breakthroughs in light wind performance, allowing for greater stability and responsiveness. Coupled with this is flatter canopy shape, which delivers more power by maximizing size efficiency. The more surface area the wind can interact with, the more power will be generated by the kite. By flattening the canopy, it reduces the surface area of the wingtips, which aren’t used in generating power. Rather, they are influential on the turning speed of the kitesurfing kite, which is why flatter ‘bow’ kites traditionally turn much slower than hybrid and c-kite designs. On a related note, foil kites specifically designed for the water (closed-cell) are excellent options as well, as their light weight and flat profile make them extremely efficient.
Determining which size light wind kitesurfing kite is appropriate for you is going to be largely influenced by what other kites comprise your current quiver. For individuals who already have a 12 or 14 meter, it is recommended to size up to something 16 to 18 meters, respectively. As a 12 meter generally becomes useful around 14 to 16 knots, sizing too large isn’t necessarily a concern. With modern depower a 17 meter handles well into the high teens, although it will certainly be powerful. For those kitesurfers who currently have a 10 or 11 meter, a 13 to 16 meter kitesurfing kite may be a better investment, as the overlap will be more comfortable.
For the greatest light wind performance, be sure to pair your kitesurfing kite with a light wind kiteboard. Between the two, it is almost guaranteed you’ll suddenly find yourself looking forward to those light wind days that were lost to you in the past!
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2022 Cabrinha 02 Contra 1S Kiteboarding Kite
Cabrinha
Now: $479.00Was: $1,649.0002 Cabrinha Contra 1S Kiteboarding Kite PERFORMANCE LIGHTWIND / FREERIDE Sizes: 3 / 4 / 5 / 7 / 9 / 11m OVERVIEW 1 Strut Hybrid design, Low drag wing tips, Draft forward profiles Lightweight 1-strut design Heavy duty closing seam...Now: $479.00Was: $1,649.00 -
2023 North Code Zero Kiteboarding Kite
North
$616.85 - $899.002023 North Code Zero Kiteboarding Kite Performance Foil Includes: Kite Kite Bag Repair Kit Borrowed from our North sailing heritage, Code Zero is the name of a sail born to go fast in light, shifty conditions. Like its namesake, we've...$616.85 - $899.00 -
2023 Slingshot Machine LW V2 Kiteboarding Kite
Slingshot Sports
$2,109.60 - $2,230.20MACHINE LW V2 Efficient / Power / Boost Package Includes: Machine LW V2 Kite Kite Bag QSG Bladder Patch Kit Fresh off its breakout release, the Machine LW returns in its second version even lighter and more optimized to push your light...$2,109.60 - $2,230.20 -
Ozone Hyperlink V3 Foil Kiteboarding Kite
Ozone
$1,779.00 - $2,288.00Ozone Hyperlink V3 MULTIPURPOSE FOIL KITE Sizes: 5m / 7m / 9m / 11m / 13m The Hyperlink is a true multipurpose foil kite, bridging the gap between inflatables and foils - dynamic and engaging to ride with high performance characteristics. The third...$1,779.00 - $2,288.00 -
2022 Slingshot UFO V2 Foiling Kite
Slingshot Sports
$749.00 - $999.00UFO V2 Unlimited / Foiling / Object The UFO V2 kite has been redesigned with the lightest build yet. Our design team reduced the leading edge weight by 25% along with adding a new streamlined bridle system with more premium materials. Riders will...$749.00 - $999.00 -
Ozone Explore V1 Ultralight Single Skin Foil Kite
Ozone
$955.00Ozone Explore V1 Ultralight Foil Kite BUILT FOR SIMPLICITY AND EASE OF USE FOR ALL RIDER LEVELS, THE EXPLORE IS THE MASTER OF ACCESSIBILITY. THIS SINGLE SURFACE DESIGN OPENS UP A WORLD OF SNOWKITING OPPORTUNITIES, ALLOWING YOU TO RIDE CONFIDENTLY IN AN...$955.00 -
2023 North Reach Kiteboarding Kite
North
$708.00 - $1,228.002023 North Reach Kiteboarding Kite Lively and playful, this 3-strut allrounder has unparalleled versatility and wind range. Big jumps. Upwind performance. Effortless relaunch. For 2022 we’ve introduced a new lighter Dacron exo-skeleton in every...$708.00 - $1,228.00 -
2024 Slingshot UFO V3 Foiling Kite
Slingshot Sports
$849.00 - $1,375.002024 Slingshot UFO V3 Foiling Kite Unlimited / Foiling / Object Why the Slingshot UFO V3 is Fred Hope's Favorite for Kite Foiling Sizes: 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 Size (m) Wind (kn) Bar Size (in) Weight (kg) 3 16-42 17...$849.00 - $1,375.00 -
2023 Duotone Juice D/Lab Kiteboarding Kite
Duotone
$3,290.00 - $3,590.002023 Duotone Juice D/Lab Kiteboarding Kite Freeride/Lightwind/Foil Sizes: 14m / 15m / 17m The Juice D/LAB took the world by storm last year, the most advanced freeride kite on the market. Unrivalled in light wind performance, it enabled riders to...$3,290.00 - $3,590.00 -
2022 Airush Ultra Team Kiteboarding Kite
Airush
$1,406.40 - $1,813.602022 Airush Ultra Team Kiteboarding Kite Team engineered lightweight design for foil, freeride & surf. Reduced diameter leading edge for maximum efficiency. Ho’okipa Ultra PE high pressure leading edge, strut & load frame...$1,406.40 - $1,813.60 -
Airush Ultra V4 Kiteboarding Kite
Airush
$504.50 - $877.00Airush Ultra V4 Kiteboarding Kite Sizes: 4m (Red/Teal only) / 5m / 6m / 7m / 8m / 9m / 10m / 12m / 14m / 17m What Airush has to say about the Ultra V4 Ultimate lightweight design for foil, freeride & surf. Unique combination of stability &...$504.50 - $877.00 -
2024 Cabrinha 04 Moto XL APEX Kiteboarding Kite
Cabrinha
$2,079.00 - $2,319.002024 Cabrinha 04 Moto XL APEX Kiteboarding Kite PERFORMANCE LIGHTWIND / CROSSOVER Sizes: 13m / 15m / 17m Size 13m 15m 17m Wind Range in Knots (75kg rider) 8-17 7-15 5-13 Weight of Kite (kg) Without Bag (Tolerances may...$2,079.00 - $2,319.00 -
2024 Naish Pivot Nvision Kiteboarding Kite
Naish
$2,189.00 - $2,846.002024 Naish Pivot Nvision Kiteboarding Kite - Kiteboarding Reimagined Sizes: 6m / 7m / 8m / 9m / 10m / 12m / 14m 2024 Naish Pivot NVision Review Read the review on the blog. Size Wind Range (kts) Air Pressure...$2,189.00 - $2,846.00 -
2023 Reedin SuperModel HTF Kiteboarding Kite
Reedin
$895.20 - $1,359.202023 Reedin SuperModel HTF Kiteboarding Kite Sizes: 4m / 5m / 6m / 7m / 8m / 9m / 10m / 11m / 12m / 14m / 16m Reedin SuperModel HTF Review: With Pat & Aaron Description: SUPERMODEL HTF excels in every discipline. With consistent...$895.20 - $1,359.20 -
2022 Slingshot Ghost V2 Kite
Slingshot Sports
$699.00 - $899.00GHOST V2 Versatile / Lightweight / Packable Slingshot designed the Ghost V2 kite to be lighter, more user-friendly, and even more versatile than its predecessor. We have tailored the aspect ratio to provide better upwind reach, response, and ease of...$699.00 - $899.00 -
2022 Cabrinha 02 Contra 3S Kiteboarding Kite
Cabrinha
$984.50 - $1,034.5002 Cabrinha Contra 3S Kiteboarding Kite PERFORMANCE LIGHTWIND / FREERIDE Sizes: 13 / 15 / 17m OVERVIEW 3 strut hybrid design, low drag wing tips, draft forward profiles. Heavy duty closing seam construction Nano Ripstop Canopy, the benchmark in...$984.50 - $1,034.50 -
Flysurfer SOUL2 Ram Air Kite
Flysurfer
$1,699.00 - $2,699.00Flysurfer SOUL2 Ram Air Kite Freeride, Travel Included: SOUL2 Kite, Kite Bag, Light Bag, Compression Strap, Trim Checker, Sandbag, Repair Kit, Safety Guide Break boundaries with the ultimate all-rounder! The legendary flight characteristics paired...$1,699.00 - $2,699.00 -
Flysurfer SONIC V4 Foil Kite
Flysurfer
$1,949.00 - $2,949.00Flysurfer SONIC V4 Foil Kite Big-Air, Hydrofoil, Freeride Total package consists of: SONIC Kite only UNIVERSAL Kite bag LIGHT Bag Compression Strap Trim Checker Sandbag Repair Kit Kite Safety Guide Description: The SONIC excels in...$1,949.00 - $2,949.00 -
2022 F-One Breeze V3 Kiteboard Kite
F-One
$631.95 - $983.952022 F-One Breeze V3 Kiteboard Kite ONE STRUT LIGHT WIND Sizes: 7 / 9 / 11 / 13 / 15 / 17m The most user-friendly one strut kite on the market today, incredible light wind ability matched with complete ease of use. Ultra-lightweight Unbeatable low...$631.95 - $983.95 -
2023 Cabrinha 03 Contra Aether Kiteboarding Kite
Cabrinha
$1,329.00 - $1,519.0003 CONTRA AETHER PERFORMANCE LIGHTWIND/FREERIDE Sizes: 3 / 4 / 5 / 7 / 9 / 11 Design Profile: 1 Strut, Hybrid design, Low drag wing tips, Draft forward profiles Features: NEW: Refined lightweight canopy design for reduced weight and reactive...$1,329.00 - $1,519.00 -
2023 Cabrinha 03 Contra 3S Kiteboarding Kite
Cabrinha
$1,259.30 - $1,371.3003 CONTRA 3S PERFORMANCE LIGHTWIND/FREERIDE Sizes: 13 / 15 / 17 Design Profile: 3 Strut, Hybrid design, Low drag wing tips, Draft forward profiles Features: NEW: Refined lightweight canopy design for reduced weight and reactive performance NEW:...$1,259.30 - $1,371.30 -
2023 Naish S27 Boxer Kiteboarding Kite
Naish
$409.00 - $869.00S27 Boxer All-around Freeride/Foiling Sizes: 2.8 / 3.4 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 14 / 16 “With great steering response and impeccable power control the Boxer nails down the perfect equation for foilboarding, but its power and...$409.00 - $869.00