Lightwind Kiteboards

Lightwind Kiteboards

lightwind-kiteboard.jpgOne of the best ways to enhance light wind kitesurfing is through the addition of a light wind kiteboard. New kiteboards are much less expensive than purchasing a light wind kitesurfing kite, which because of their size and efficiencies in design tend to be a more expensive investment. Adding a light wind kiteboard also allows for a speedier response to changing conditions, allowing you to switch kiteboards as opposed to kites if the wind does suddenly increase.

Specially designed for light wind, these kiteboards are optimized to require less power from the kite. Most importantly, light wind boards are flat in shape to facilitate early planing and greater efficiency. While this sacrifices rocker that otherwise provides greater control, better carving, and softer landings from jumps, it increases the kiteboard’s lift to drag ratio. This means the flatter profile will generating more lift while creating less drag and friction on the water from the streamlined bottom. This allows for faster riding, effectively generating more wind (through the principle of apparent wind). Increasing the surface area of the kiteboard, often times both vertically and horizontally, is also an essential component. Larger kiteboards are able to ride at slower speeds without sinking, which is crucial for going upwind and staying afloat in light wind conditions. Width is generally the more important dimension of the two, and can help reduce the length. Many light wind kiteboards are also the appropriate starting point for larger kitesurfers, who need the increased surface area and floatation as they learn in medium winds. When it comes to light wind machines, our favorite kiteboards include:

Best Breeze (145x44 cm or 158x45.5 cm)

The Best Breeze is a highly functional light wind kiteboard that delivers deceptive performance through its channeled bottom and subtle, staged rocker line.

Cabrinha Stylus (145x45 cm)

The Cabrinha Stylus blends light wind essentials with freeride performance, a functional offering that promises fun in even the most lackluster conditions.

Slingshot Glide (160x40.6 cm)

Completely redesigned for 2013, the Glide is tailored for lightwind performance, the noticeably reduced width allowing for better edge control.

Liquid Force Over Drive (142 or 148x45 cm)  

Designed both as a kiteboard for light wind and larger riders, the Full Contact combines functionality and low wind performance.

While not twin tips design, surfboards and race boards can also be great for light wind riding. Kite surf boards that are not only immensely fun in small to medium waves, but because of their size also double as light wind options. The Race Board provides the best light wind kite ability just short of a stand up paddle board, but is slightly more cumbersome than a twintip or surfboard because of its large race fins. With the light winds that tend to accompany summer on Lake Michigan, light wind kiteboards are an essential staple at the shop, and we are happy to lend our opinion!

  • On Sale
    2023 Slingshot Glide V13 161 2023 Slingshot Glide V13 161

    2023 Slingshot Glide V13 161

    Slingshot Sports

    Now: $699.99
    Was: $778.00
    GLIDE V13 161 Stability / Upwind / Progression Package Includes: Glide V13 Board 4 x 1.75 (1.9x15.2cm) Fins Grab Handle The Glide's reputation stands strong as one of the best beginner and light wind twin tips on the market. The new...
    Now: $699.99
    Was: $778.00
  • On Sale
    2023 Slingshot Misfit V11 Carbon 2023 Slingshot Misfit V11 Carbon

    2023 Slingshot Misfit V11 Carbon

    Slingshot Sports

    Now: $949.99
    Was: $1,056.00
    MISFIT V11 CARBON Light / Premium / Performance Package Includes: Misfit V11 Carbon Board 4 x 1.75 (1.9x15.2cm) Fins Grab Handle OUR TAKE ON THE MISFIT CARBON: Are you looking to be a shredder whose behavior or attitude sets them...
    Now: $949.99
    Was: $1,056.00
  • 2022 Litewave Wing Carbon Twintip Kiteboard

    2022 Litewave Wing Carbon Twintip Kiteboard

    Litewave

    $899.00
    2022 Litewave Wing Carbon Twintip Kiteboard Sizes: 155 / 165cm The Litewave CarbonWING board has been a real game changer for many kiters, and Litewave has answered the call for a carbon fiber version. It's the same classic Wing shape, but with the...
    $899.00
  • 2022 Litewave Wing Twintip Kiteboard

    2022 Litewave Wing Twintip Kiteboard

    Litewave

    $699.00
    2022 Litewave Wing Twintip kiteboard Sizes: 155 / 165cm The 2022 Litewave Wing has evolved into the strongest, lightest, and fastest all-wind BOSS. Riding in any wind speed has never been easier, even for the big guys. Tips are very thin and flexy with...
    $699.00
  • On Sale
    F-One BIG ONE Lightwind Kiteboard (BO) F-One BIG ONE Lightwind Kiteboard

    F-One BIG ONE Lightwind Kiteboard (BO)

    F-One

    Now: $468.00
    Was: $669.00
    F-One BIG ONE Kiteboard LIGHT WIND Sizes: 160 / 164cm Discover the amazing world of riding in very light winds with the BIG ONE. You’ll be out on the water before all the other twin-tip riders! Amazing lightwind performances Fantastic edging...
    Now: $468.00
    Was: $669.00
  • 2022 CrazyFly Slicer Lightwind Twintip Kiteboard

    2022 CrazyFly Slicer Lightwind Twintip Kiteboard

    Crazyfly

    $829.00
    2022 CrazyFly Slicer Lightwind Twintip Kiteboard Lightwind reinvented Sizes: 154x44cm / 160x44cm Full carbon construction Extremely light weight Excellent upwind performance The 2022 Slicer is the ultimate light wind machine which definitely stands out...
    $829.00
  • On Sale
    2022 North Trace Hybrid Twintip Kiteboard 2022 North Trace Hybrid Twintip Kiteboard

    2022 North Trace Hybrid Twintip Kiteboard

    North Kiteboarding

    Now: $599.20
    Was: $749.00
    2022 North Trace Hybrid Twintip Kiteboard Includes: Board, 40mm Fins, M6x16 Standardized Screws Sizes: 145x45 / 155x46 Light wind? No problem. The all-new Trace has a progressive straight, square outline and large surface area for early planing and...
    Now: $599.20
    Was: $749.00
  • On Sale
    Naish S26 Motion Kiteboard - Deck Naish S26 Motion Kiteboard - Bottom

    Naish S26 Motion Kiteboard (BO)

    Naish

    Now: $511.20
    Was: $639.00
    Naish S26 Motion Twintip Kiteboard Sizes: 134 / 138 / 142cm PERFORMANCE FREERIDE The Motion is our top selling freeride board and for good reason. It is a perfect balance of ease of use and freeride performance, ridden by new kiteboarders and top...
    Now: $511.20
    Was: $639.00
  • On Sale
    Naish S26 Orbit Kiteboard - Deck Naish S26 Orbit Kiteboard - Bottom

    Naish S26 Orbit Kiteboard (BO)

    Naish

    Now: $591.20
    Was: $739.00
    Naish S26 Orbit Twintip Kiteboard Sizes: 152 / 162cm LIGHTWIND FREERIDE If you are looking to shred light wind conditions, go no further than the all-new Orbit. We've designed a board that doesn't only prioritize light wind glide but also keeps...
    Now: $591.20
    Was: $739.00
  • On Sale
    Naish S26 Hero Kiteboard - Deck Naish S26 Hero Kiteboard - Bottom

    Naish S26 Hero Kiteboard (BO)

    Naish

    Now: $423.20
    Was: $529.00
    Naish S26 Hero Twintip Kiteboard Sizes: 130 / 135 / 140 / 145cm ALL-AROUND FREERIDE The board to take you from Zero to Hero. The Hero continues to push performance boundaries for a beginner-friendly board, featuring a wider shape to help with low wind...
    Now: $423.20
    Was: $529.00
  • On Sale
    Naish S26 Traverse Ewan Jaspen Pro Kiteboard - Deck Naish S26 Traverse Ewan Jaspen Pro Kiteboard - Bottom

    Naish S26 Traverse Ewan Jaspan Pro Kiteboard (BO)

    Naish

    Now: $663.20
    Was: $829.00
    Naish S26 Traverse Ewan Jaspan Pro Twintip Kiteboard Size: 138 / 144 / 152cm FREERIDE/FREESTYLE The Traverse Ewan Jaspan Pro board is unlike any other "Pro Board" on the market, with Ewan's all-around style of kiteboarding at the center of the design...
    Now: $663.20
    Was: $829.00
  • On Sale
    Naish S26 Traverse Kiteboard - Deck Naish S26 Traverse Kiteboard - Bottom

    Naish S26 Traverse Kiteboard (BO)

    Naish

    Now: $519.20
    Was: $649.00
    Naish S26 Traverse Twintip Kiteboard Size: 138 / 144 / 152cm FREERIDE/FREESTYLE The Traverse returns after a successful first season on the market as an all-new shape in the Naish range. The Traverse went through an extensive design process to deliver...
    Now: $519.20
    Was: $649.00
  • On Sale
    Naish S26 Monarch Kiteboard - Deck Naish S26 Monarch Kiteboard - Bottom

    Naish S26 Monarch Kiteboard (BO)

    Naish

    Now: $591.20
    Was: $739.00
    Naish S26 Monarch Twintip Kiteboard Size: 132 / 135 / 138 / 142cm BIG AIR/PERFORMANCE FREESTYLE The ultimate deck under your feet to hold down power and ride with speed, the Monarch is back with an all-new construction benefiting the rider with reduced...
    Now: $591.20
    Was: $739.00
  • NEW
    2023 F-One BIG ONE Kiteboard (BO)

    2023 F-One BIG ONE Kiteboard (BO)

    F-One

    $709.00
    BIG ONE What a catch! Discover the amazing world of riding in very light winds with the BIG ONE. With early planing abilities and a grippy footing, this board is incredibly stable and reliable so you can ride at any time in full confidence. Amazing...
    $709.00
  • NEW
    2023 F-One ONE Kiteboard (BO) 2023 F-One ONE Kiteboard (BO)

    2023 F-One ONE Kiteboard (BO)

    F-One

    $619.00
    ONE Let me be your first one. Accessible and intuitive, the ONE is the perfect kitesurfing board for freeride and twin tip beginners, as well as for fun sessions on light wind days. Great for beginners, freeriding, and light wind days Very...
    $619.00
  • NEW
    2023 Cabrinha 03 Stylus Twintip Kiteboard 2023 Cabrinha 03 Stylus Twintip Kiteboard

    2023 Cabrinha 03 Stylus Twintip Kiteboard

    Cabrinha

    $669.00
    03 STYLUS LIGHTWIND / FREERIDE Sizes: 150 x 45 / 160 x 47.5 Design Profile: Low rocker, high speed design. Optimized for light wind planing. Features: Excellent performance in lightwind conditions Versatility beneath your feet Excellent upwind...
    $669.00
  • 2023 North Trace Twintip Kiteboard 2023 North Trace Twintip Kiteboard

    2023 North Trace Twintip Kiteboard

    North Kiteboarding

    $799.00
    TRACE Freeride Lightwind Sizes: 145x45cm / 155x46cm Includes: Board TwinTip Accessory Kit Light wind? No problem. The Trace has a progressive straight, square outline and large surface area for early planing and upwind performance in the...
    $799.00
  • 2023 Naish S27 Orbit Kiteboard 2023 Naish S27 Orbit Kiteboard

    2023 Naish S27 Orbit Kiteboard

    Naish

    $739.00
    S27 Orbit Lightwind Freeride Sizes: 152x45 / 162x46 “The Orbit is a day and session saver. I often just have a little time to kite after work, just before dark. The Orbit allows me to get out, get upwind and reset my mind and attitude.” -...
    $739.00