Sale & Used Gear

There’s nothing like a session where everything just clicks. That’s what we’re aiming for when we help people build setups.

You don’t need brand new gear to get there. Some of our favorite sessions have been on previous-season kites and well-loved boards that still had plenty to give. When a full set of new kiteboarding equipment can cost between $1,500 and $4,500, it’s important to find gear that meets your needs and price point.

This section pulls together discounted and pre-owned kites, boards, bars, and accessories that are ready for more time on the water.

Kites and Control Systems

Kites are the engine of your session, and they set the tone the moment you launch.

Conditions can change fast, so most riders end up with a 2-3 kite quiver. For someone around 75-85kg, a typical spread looks like:

• 13-15m for lighter 10-14 knots sessions
• 9-13m when it fills in to 15-22
• 6-9m when it’s properly cranking 22+

Freeride kites are where most people start, and for good reason. They relaunch easily, stay predictable, and let you focus on riding instead of managing the kite. As you progress, you might want something faster for loops and boosting or down the line drift for surf style.

Control bars are easy to take for granted until they matter. When things get hectic, you want a clean release and smooth, direct steering without hesitation. If you’re piecing together used gear, double-check compatibility so everything works the way it should.

Lighter materials like Aluula can stretch your low end and make the kite feel more responsive, especially in marginal wind. That said, a well-kept used kite can still deliver an incredible session at a much lower cost.

Kiteboards and Riding Style

Your board is what connects you to the water, and it changes the feel of every turn, carve, and landing.

Twintips are still the backbone of most sessions. They’re reliable, easy to ride in both directions, and handle everything from cruising to your first big jumps. They’re the board you can grab and go, whether you’re working on transitions or sending it. For sizing, we usually see:

• Under 70kg: 132-140cm
• 70-90kg: 138-144cm
• Heavier riders: 145cm and up

Directional boards bring a surf feel into the mix. If there’s wind swell or waves, this is where things start to get really fun. You’re not just riding across the water, you’re working with it.

Foil boards take it even further. Light wind days that would normally be a write-off suddenly turn into long, quiet sessions. Once you’re up and flying, everything smooths out. It takes some patience to learn, but it opens up a whole new range of conditions.

Matching your board and kite makes a bigger difference than most people expect. When they complement each other, everything feels easier and more intuitive.

Harnesses and Safety Gear

A good harness disappears while you ride. A bad one reminds you every minute.

Waist harnesses give you freedom to move and are what most riders gravitate toward over time. Seat harnesses offer more support and stay locked in place, which can be a huge help early on.

The right fit matters more than anything. If it stays in place and spreads the load comfortably, you’ll last longer and enjoy your sessions more.

On the Great Lakes, wetsuits are part of the routine. Summer sessions might call for a 3/2mm, but spring and fall often mean 5/4mm or thicker if you want to stay out.

Helmets and impact vests are easy to overlook until you need them. Whether you’re learning or pushing into bigger tricks, that extra protection can save a session.

Putting It All Together

When your gear works together, everything feels smoother. Waterstarts come easier, transitions clean up, and you spend less time thinking about your setup and more time riding.

We look at it as a system:

• A kite that matches your typical wind
• A board that fits how you want to ride
• A harness and safety setup that keeps you comfortable and confident

Sale and used gear is one of the best ways to get there without overcommitting. You can build a setup that gets you on the water now, then adjust as your riding grows.

At the end of the day, the goal is simple. More sessions, less frustration, and gear that helps you make the most of every windy day.

The MACkite Difference

At MACkite, we pride ourselves on our early adoption into wind sports. We’ve grown alongside them, including foiling, winging, and everything in between. We’ve spent thousands of hours in Great Lakes conditions that demand versatility and skill. If something works here, it works just about anywhere. This isn’t just about us selling gear — it’s about sharing our experiences to help you choose the right gear for the price that fits your budget and progression.

When you call or email, you’re talking to someone who’s likely ridden the exact gear you’re talking about. We walk through what really matters: what’s going to help you get up easier, ride longer, and avoid the common frustrations that slow people down.

We’re invested in getting you there faster and making sure you’re fired up every time you hit the water — that’s the MACkite difference.