Lightwind Kites

Lightwind Kites

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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!  

  • On Sale
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    2022 Slingshot Machine LW V1 Kiteboarding Kite - blue 2022 Slingshot Machine LW V1 Kiteboarding Kite - green

    2022 Slingshot Machine LW V1 Kiteboarding Kite

    Slingshot Sports

    $885.00 - $2,476.00
    Slingshot Machine LW V1 Kiteboarding Kite EFFICIENT / POWER / BOOST Sizes: 15 / 17m Includes: Machine LW V1 Kite, Kite Bag, Quick Start Guide, Bladder Patch Kit The Machine LW V1 is Slingshot's all-new light-wind freeride kite. Their design team...
    $885.00 - $2,476.00
  • On Sale
    25% Off
    2023 North Code Zero Kiteboarding Kite 2023 North Code Zero Kiteboarding Kite

    2023 North Code Zero Kiteboarding Kite

    North

    $616.85 - $902.85
    2023 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 - $902.85
  • 2023 Slingshot Machine LW V2 Kiteboarding Kite 2023 Slingshot Machine LW V2 Kiteboarding Kite

    2023 Slingshot Machine LW V2 Kiteboarding Kite

    Slingshot Sports

    $2,344.00 - $2,478.00
    MACHINE 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...
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  • Ozone Hyperlink V3 Ozone Hyperlink V3

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    Ozone

    $2,048.00 - $2,376.00
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    $2,048.00 - $2,376.00
  • On Sale
    NEW Green Colorway!!
    2022 Slingshot UFO V2 Foiling Kite 2022 Slingshot UFO V2 Foiling Kite

    2022 Slingshot UFO V2 Foiling Kite

    Slingshot Sports

    $783.99 - $1,159.20
    UFO 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...
    $783.99 - $1,159.20
  • Ozone Explore V1 Ultralight Single Skin Foil Kite Ozone Explore V1 Ultralight Single Skin Foil Kite

    Ozone Explore V1 Ultralight Single Skin Foil Kite

    Ozone

    $955.00
    Ozone 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
  • Ozone Edge V10 Kiteboard Kite Ozone Edge V10 Kiteboard Kite

    Ozone Edge V10 Kiteboard Kite

    Ozone

    $1,390.00 - $2,390.00
    Ozone Edge V10 Kiteboarding Kite THE EDGE IS A TRUE SPECIALTY, IT DELIVERS A MIND-BENDING FREE RIDE AND BIG AIR EXPERIENCE WHILE AT THE SAME TIME HAS ALL THE SPEED, POWER AND PERFORMANCE REQUIRED TO WIN WORLD AND OLYMPIC TITLES ON THE RACECOURSE. THE...
    $1,390.00 - $2,390.00
  • 2022 / 2023
    2022 Airush Ultra Team Kiteboarding Kite

    2022 Airush Ultra Team Kiteboarding Kite

    Airush

    $1,553.00 - $2,855.00
    2022 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...
    $1,553.00 - $2,855.00
  • On Sale
    Now 25% Off
    2022 North Reach Kiteboarding Kite - Red Sea 2022 North Reach Kiteboarding Kite - Pacific Blue

    2023 North Reach Kiteboarding Kite

    North

    $707.85 - $1,227.85
    2023 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...
    $707.85 - $1,227.85
  • NEW
    2023 Duotone Juice D/Lab Kiteboarding Kite

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    Duotone

    $3,290.00 - $3,590.00
    2023 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 / 2023
    2021 Airush Ultra V4 Kiteboarding Kite

    Airush Ultra V4 Kiteboarding Kite

    Airush

    $1,009.00 - $1,754.00
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    $1,009.00 - $1,754.00
  • On Sale
    2 Kite Contra Single-Strut Package

    2 Kite Contra Single-Strut Package

    Cabrinha

    Now: $799.00
    Was: $2,199.00
    2 Kite Contra Single-Strut Package What's included: 7 and 9 meter 01 Contra 01 Cabrinha Recoil Control Bar Cabrinha Pump What Cabrinha has to say about the Contra 1S The popularity of the Contra can not be overstated. It’s ability to...
    Now: $799.00
    Was: $2,199.00
  • On Sale
    Cabrinha Contra 3 Kite Smokin' Hot Summer Sale :01 Cabrinha Contra 1S Kiteboarding Kite - Orange/Black

    Cabrinha Contra 3 Kite Smokin' Hot Summer Sale

    Cabrinha

    Now: $1,199.00
    Was: $4,087.00
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    Now: $1,199.00
    Was: $4,087.00
  • NEW
    2023 Reedin SuperModel HTF Kiteboarding Kite 2023 Reedin SuperModel HTF Kiteboarding Kite

    2023 Reedin SuperModel HTF Kiteboarding Kite

    Reedin

    $1,119.00 - $1,699.00
    2023 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...
    $1,119.00 - $1,699.00
  • On Sale
    2022 Slingshot Ghost V2 Kite 2022 Slingshot Ghost V2 Kite - Side View

    2022 Slingshot Ghost V2 Kite

    Slingshot Sports

    $828.00 - $1,524.96
    GHOST 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...
    $828.00 - $1,524.96
  • On Sale
    2022 Cabrinha Contra 3S Kite - C2 2022 Cabrinha 02 Contra 3S Kiteboarding Kite

    2022 Cabrinha 02 Contra 3S Kiteboarding Kite

    Cabrinha

    $1,181.40 - $1,241.40
    02 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...
    $1,181.40 - $1,241.40
  • On Sale
    30% OFF
    2022 Cabrinha Contra 1S - C1 2022 Cabrinha 02 Contra 1S Kiteboarding Kite

    2022 Cabrinha 02 Contra 1S Kiteboarding Kite

    Cabrinha

    $665.40 - $989.40
    02 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...
    $665.40 - $989.40
  • Flysurfer SOUL2 Ram Air Kite - 6m & 8m Flysurfer SOUL2 Ram Air Kite - 10m & 12m

    Flysurfer SOUL2 Ram Air Kite

    Flysurfer

    $1,749.00 - $2,749.00
    Flysurfer 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 with...
    $1,749.00 - $2,749.00
  • Flysurfer SONIC3 Foil Kite - 9m Flysurfer SONIC3 Foil Kite - 11m

    Flysurfer SONIC3 Foil Kite

    Flysurfer

    $2,199.00 - $3,199.00
    Flysurfer SONIC3 Foil Kite High-Performance Freeride, Airstyle, Lightwind Total package consists of: 1x SONIC Kite only1x SONIC Light Bag1x UNIVERSAL Kite Bag1x Kite Safety Guide1x BALLAST Bag1x Compression Strap1x Repair Kit What Flysurfer has...
    $2,199.00 - $3,199.00
  • On Sale
    Now 50% off
    :01 Cabrinha Contra 3S Kiteboarding Kite - Teal/Black :01 Cabrinha Contra 3S Kiteboarding Kite - Orange/Black

    01 Cabrinha Contra 3S Kiteboarding Kite

    Cabrinha

    $699.00 - $1,899.00
    :01 Cabrinha Contra 3S Kiteboarding Kite Performance Lightwind / Freeride Sizes: 13m / 15m / 17m What Cabrinha has to say about the Contra 3S The popularity of the Contra can not be overstated. It’s ability to extend any kite quiver well into...
    $699.00 - $1,899.00
  • On Sale
    Buy 1, Get One of equal or lesser value For $399
    Up to 60% off
    :01 Cabrinha Contra 1S Kiteboarding Kite - Orange/Black :01 Cabrinha Contra 1S Kiteboarding Kite - Teal/Black

    01 Cabrinha Contra 1S Kiteboarding Kite

    Cabrinha

    $285.32 - $499.00
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    $285.32 - $499.00
  • 2022 F-One Breeze V3 Kiteboard Kite 2022 F-One Breeze V3 Kiteboard Kite

    2022 F-One Breeze V3 Kiteboard Kite

    F-One

    $1,149.00 - $1,789.00
    2022 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...
    $1,149.00 - $1,789.00
  • NEW
    2023 Cabrinha 03 Contra Aether Kiteboarding Kite 2023 Cabrinha 03 Contra Aether Kiteboarding Kite

    2023 Cabrinha 03 Contra Aether Kiteboarding Kite

    Cabrinha

    $1,129.00 - $1,519.00
    03 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...
    $1,129.00 - $1,519.00
  • NEW
    2023 Cabrinha 03 Contra 3S Kiteboarding Kite 2023 Cabrinha 03 Contra 3S Kiteboarding Kite

    2023 Cabrinha 03 Contra 3S Kiteboarding Kite

    Cabrinha

    $1,799.00 - $1,959.00
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    $1,799.00 - $1,959.00
  • On Sale
    2023 Naish S27 Boxer Kiteboarding Kite 2023 Naish S27 Boxer Kiteboarding Kite

    2023 Naish S27 Boxer Kiteboarding Kite

    Naish

    $655.20 - $1,439.20
    S27 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...
    $655.20 - $1,439.20
  • 2020 Ocean Rodeo Flite Kite 2020 Ocean Rodeo Flite Kite

    2021 Ocean Rodeo Flite Kite

    Ocean Rodeo

    $1,619.00 - $1,929.00
      2021 Ocean Rodeo Flite Kite Sizes 12m / 14.5m / 17m Flite Description LIGHTWIND FREERIDE As light as a one strut, with the stability of 3 struts. The Flite offers dynamic lightwind performance. An excellent companion for all riding styles...
    $1,619.00 - $1,929.00