Kites
Whether you're stepping into your first sessions or hunting bigger air, the kite is where it starts — and where getting it wrong costs time, money, and water days. We've spent decades riding and testing in conditions from Great Lakes chop to open ocean swells. Every kite in this lineup has been put through real use by riders who actually care. No guesswork. No brand bias. Just the right call for your skill level and riding style.
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2026 North Reach Kiteboarding Kite
North
$1,579.00 - $2,729.002026 Reach Kite Sizes: 5m / 6m / 7m / 8m / 9m / 10m / 11m / 12m / 13m / 15m / 17m / 19m What North has to say: Lively, nimble, and easy to ride, the Reach is our most versatile go-to kite for all conditions. Lighter overall with more reactive steering,...$1,579.00 - $2,729.00
Brazilian Brothers Test the F-One Trigger Brainchild
See how this big air kite measures up in Brazil's overpowered conditions.
General Kite FAQs/Guides
| Wind 12-18 mph | Wind 16-24 mph | Wind 22-30 mph | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rider Weight | Kite Size | Rider Weight | Kite Size | Rider Weight | Kite Size | ||
| 200+ lbs | 17m+ | 200+ lbs | 17m+ | 200+ lbs | 12m | ||
| 200 lbs | 17m | 200 lbs | 14m | 200 lbs | 9-10m | ||
| 180 lbs | 14-17m | 180 lbs | 12m | 180 lbs | 8-9m | ||
| 160 lbs | 14m | 160 lbs | 10-12m | 160 lbs | 7-8m | ||
| 140 lbs | 12m | 140 lbs | 8-9m | 140 lbs | 6m | ||
| 120 lbs | 10m | 120 lbs | 6m | 120 lbs | 4m | ||
| Chart based on average rider, on a standard twintip kiteboard | |||||||
| Brand | Valve | High Y / Low V | Kite Side: Loop / Knot | Binding Board Spacing | Handle Spacing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airush | Boston | Low V | Knot Steering lines, Loop Center lines | 6" | 8" |
| Brunotti | -- | -- | -- | 6" | 8" |
| Cabrinha | Standard Hose End | Low V | Loop Steering lines, Knot Center lines | 6" | 7" |
| Crazyfly | High Pressure SUP | High Y | Knot Steering lines, Loop Center lines | 7" | 8" |
| Duotone | Custom | High Y / Some Low V | Loop Steering lines, Knot Center lines | 7" / Slinder Track | 7" |
| Eleveight | Standard Hose End | Low V | Knot Steering lines, Loop Center lines | 6" | 7" |
| F-One | High Pressure SUP | Depends on kite model | Knot Steering lines, Loop Center lines | 6" | 8.5" |
| Flysurfer | High Pressure SUP | High Y | Knot Steering lines, Loop Center lines | 6" | 8" |
| Harlem | Custom | Depends on kite model | Knot Steering lines, Loop Center lines | -- | -- |
| Harlem | -- | -- | -- | 6" | 7 1/8" |
| Liquid Force | Max Flow | Low V | Knot Steering lines, Loop Center lines | 6" | 8" |
| Litewave | -- | -- | -- | 6" | 8" |
| Naish | High Pressure SUP | Low V | Knot Steering lines, Loop Center lines | 6" | 8.5" |
| North | Standard Hose End | Low V | Knot Steering lines, Loop Center lines | 6" | 7" |
| Ocean Rodeo | Standard Hose End | Low V | Knot Steering lines, Loop Center lines | 6" | 7.5" |
| Ozone | Boston - Fat Tip/Screw-In | Low V | Knot Steering lines, Loop Center lines | 6" | 8" |
| Reedin | Max Flow | Low V | Knot Steering lines, Loop Center lines | 6" | 8" |
| Slingshot | Built Into Hose *NXT High Pressure SUP |
Low V | Knot Steering lines, Loop Center lines | 6" | 6" |
Most riders shoot for a three-kite quiver to cover light, mid, and high wind sessions. That gives you the flexibility to ride in just about any conditions. If you’re on a tighter budget, you can get by with two kites—just expect to sit out a few sessions at the extremes.
Big kites (13–17m) shine in light winds but feel slower in response. Mid-size kites (10–13m) are the "everyday drivers," great for most freeride conditions. Small kites (9m and under) are fast and powerful: ideal for strong winds, looping, and foiling, but trickier for beginners.
All-around kites are the best choice for most riders. They’re forgiving, versatile, and cover a wide wind range. If you already know you’ll spend most of your time in waves or throwing unhooked tricks, a surf kite or crossover freestyle kite will give you more performance where it matters.
Both have advantages. New kites give you full lifespan, warranty, and the latest materials. Used kites can save you a lot of money, but stick with gear less than five years old and always inspect the canopy, lines, and safety systems. A good middle ground is grabbing last year’s closeout model.