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: $700.20
    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: $700.20
    Was: $778.00
  • 2023 Slingshot Misfit V11 Carbon 2023 Slingshot Misfit V11 Carbon

    2023 Slingshot Misfit V11 Carbon

    Slingshot Sports

    $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...
    $1,056.00
  • 2024
    2024 Naish Orbit TwinTip Kiteboard 2024 Naish Orbit TwinTip Kiteboard

    2024 Naish Orbit TwinTip Kiteboard

    Naish

    $749.00
    2024 Naish Orbit TwinTip Kiteboard - Lightwind / freeride Sizes: 152 x 45 / 162 x 46cm Description: The Orbit has been designed specifically for light wind days, maximizing your fun on the water in marginal conditions. With an asymmetric...
    $749.00
  • 2024
    2024 North Trace Twintip Kiteboard 2024 North Trace Twintip Kiteboard

    2024 North Trace Twintip Kiteboard

    North

    $749.00
    2024 North Trace Twintip Kiteboard Freeride Lightwind Sizes: 145x45 / 155x46cm Length (cm) Width (cm) Rider (kg) Fins (mm) 145 45 <80 40 155 46 80-120 40 Description: Light wind? No problem. The Trace has a...
    $749.00
  • Lightwind Reinvented
    2023 CrazyFly Slicer 2023 CrazyFly Slicer

    2023 CrazyFly Slicer

    Crazyfly

    $859.00
    2023 CrazyFly Slicer - Lightwind Reinvented Sizes: 154 x 44cm / 160 x 44cm The 2023 Slicer is the ultimate light wind machine which definitely stands out from the crowd. Blending together the most advanced technologies and materials while focusing...
    $859.00
  • Lightwind Machine
    2023 CrazyFly Cruiser LW 2023 CrazyFly Cruiser LW

    2023 CrazyFly Cruiser LW

    Crazyfly

    $659.00
    2023 CrazyFly Cruiser LW - Lightwind Machine Sizes: 154 x 44cm / 160 x 44cm The Cruiser LW was, is, and always will be the lightwind machine. With step cap deck technology, we improved stiffness, so the board maintains its designed rocker for...
    $659.00
  • 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
  • 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
  • On Sale
    2023 North Trace Twintip Kiteboard 2023 North Trace Twintip Kiteboard

    2023 North Trace Twintip Kiteboard

    North

    Now: $519.00
    Was: $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...
    Now: $519.00
    Was: $799.00