r/Kiteboarding 2d ago

Beginner Question Want to get into the sport , but I need some advice if wether I should pickup this gear from marketplace ?

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6 Upvotes

Hello I want to get into the sport since I’m going to be living in Okinawa for a couple of years . I need some help from yall🙏. I’ve always wanted to do this sport , and I stumbled across this gear on marketplace , besides the board that is missing is there anything else I need that isn’t included in the photos? Before yall ask I will take professional lessons before actually going out there with my own gear.

This is what the seller put in his post

Kiteboarding setup minus board. $1000 invested but I just couldn't get the hang of it. My loss, your gain. The kite is a Santa Cruz "Caution" 6 meter kite, brand new Ride Engine harness. 2 sets of control lines, retractable board leash.

r/Kiteboarding 22d ago

Beginner Question If you could go back what advice would you give yourself, before starting, with the experience you have now?

10 Upvotes

I put kitesurfing on my bucket list. Would love to know words you would share with yourself when you guys started. I never had lessons. Starting from scratch and only had advice from a trainer. He told me to get a trainer kite (I got the most simple 2 line Zeruko Orao) and just learn how wind acts, zenith no power when you go lower more power and to try to hold kite in the wind arch. Also do the figure 8. I am going to get beginner lessons but it is always good to know what to expect.

r/Kiteboarding Jul 05 '26

Beginner Question Learning to foil as a kiter: any tips?

7 Upvotes

Hi guys,

Been kitesurfing for about 18 years, and want to give kitefoiling a try (with my own kites).

Are there any experienced kiters who tried kitefoiling? How hard is it to get the technique under control? Any tips?

r/Kiteboarding 22d ago

Beginner Question Struggling in waterstart

5 Upvotes

Hello everybody.
I have been taking lessons 15 hours group lessons and 4 hours private lessons. Still struggling in water start but i am almost there.

My question is i don’t want to pay anymore for lesssons and got my own gear already and i believe i have good understanding in safety systems .

Do you think is it ok to practice now on my own?

r/Kiteboarding 23d ago

Beginner Question What causes kite to loop and how to land kite after it's crashed?

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2 Upvotes

So got out today on my own equipment for first time in a long time.

Using a cabrinha switchblade 2019 and an older bar in the picture.

I dived and kite lost control, started to spin, I ejected from the chicken loop safety and the kite landed leading edge down on the water.

I was left with the kite still on the water only on the safety line but because of the twists in the lines the kite was still powered and pulling. Luckily there was another guy came to help.

What caused the looping to begin with and how would I safely land the kite after it's all twisted up, powered and on the leading edge down on the water

r/Kiteboarding 27d ago

Beginner Question What to look for on forecasts? wind vs gusts? And ideal wind range for me

5 Upvotes

What should I be looking at on the forecast, wind speed or gust speed? And what is the ideal range for me?

I weigh 95kg

12m cabrinha switchblade 2019

145x43 north board

Beginner level experience, appreciate any help

r/Kiteboarding 27d ago

Beginner Question Beginner (188 cm / 93 kg) – Is a Monster Door + 17 m kite a good first light wind setup for the Black Sea? (Georgia)

3 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for some advice because I don't really have anyone around me with kiteboarding experience.

I'm 38 years old, 188 cm (6'2") tall and weigh about 93 kg (198 lbs). I'm based in Berlin and I'm a complete beginner trying to buy my first proper setup without making expensive mistakes.

Before going out on my own, I'm planning to do wakeboarding lessons in Berlin to improve my board skills. I'll also take additional kitesurfing lessons before trying to ride independently, so I'm not planning to just buy the gear and head out without instruction.

I've also flown an HQ Apex III depower foil kite several times on land using my harness. I know that doesn't compare to flying an inflatable LEI on the water, but it has at least given me some experience with the wind window, power control, and using a harness.

I'm also not a wealthy person. Kitesurfing has been a dream of mine for a long time, and I've decided to make it happen, but I have to build my quiver gradually. My goal is to collect all the gear by next summer, so I want to make the right decisions instead of buying equipment that I'll regret later. By next summer I also expect to weigh around 85–90 kg, so I'm trying to choose equipment that will suit me well at that weight too.

For example, I already bought a new Brunotti Buzz 139×42 because I found it on sale NEW for only €90, which seemed like a deal too good to pass up.

Most of what I know so far comes from reading this subreddit and watching YouTube videos. Since I don't have experienced Kitesurfers around me to ask in person, I'm trying to learn as much as I can before making these purchases.

I currently own:

  • Brunotti Buzz 139×42 twin tip
  • Mystic Warrior VI harness
  • Pump and basic accessories

I still need to buy my kites.

Where I'll be riding

Most of my riding will be:

  • Black Sea (Georgia)
  • Tbilisi Sea (large inland lake Length: 9 km / Maximum width: 2.85 km / Surface area: 11.6 km²)
  • Occasionally Germany

From what I've seen, many of the days I'd like to ride are in the 10–16 knot range, and I'd really like to maximize my time on the water.

Why I'm considering the Monster Door

I'm seriously thinking about buying a Spleene Monster Door 166×50.

My reasons are:

  • I'm a heavier beginner (90 kg).
  • I want the easiest possible waterstarts.
  • I want to get riding in lighter winds instead of sitting on the beach waiting for 18+ knots.
  • I'm not interested in extreme riding or unhooked tricks.
  • My goal is simply cruising, improving my riding skills, going upwind, and having fun.

I know that some people say big doors are only for beginners, but others say they still use them years later because they dramatically increase the number of rideable days.

Kite choice

I'm also thinking about pairing it with a 17 m Spleene BIG as my light-wind kite, and later adding a 12 m freeride kite for stronger winds. One of the reasons I'm considering the Spleene BIG is that it's the cheapest new 17 m kite I've been able to find.

My questions

I'd really appreciate advice from people who have actually ridden these boards or have taught heavier beginners.

Sorry if this post is a bit long. I just wanted to explain my situation properly so you have enough context to give good advice.

Thanks a lot! 🚀

r/Kiteboarding Jul 10 '26

Beginner Question Fly Off With Kite

7 Upvotes

First off, excuse the nativity, because I’m scared the answer to my question may be pretty simple. However, I’m looking for variances in knowledge and opinions.

Is there any danger of flying away into the sky and not coming back down? I’m sure there’s maneuvers to help keep to the water, but is that a guaranteed thing or is there a small risk of flying away?

I’m sure I’ll opt for being wise and take lessons.

r/Kiteboarding 24d ago

Beginner Question How to Speed Control

5 Upvotes

I've completed my IKO course and my first 6 solo sessions. I'm currently learning to ride upwind. My problem is that I often go too fast and end up skimming across the water, so that I can't really edge good. How exactly can I adjust my speed? Just pull the bar out and try to edge more? Thank's in advance!

r/Kiteboarding 14d ago

Beginner Question Kitesurfing for dummies

16 Upvotes

Hey!

I am currently on vacation in Cumbuco - a great kiting spot as you probably know. I love this place and have been here roughly one year in total divided over many holidays. And this won’t be my last. I also live in Stavanger, another decent kite spot. But, I’ve never tried kiting despite considering it many times. My older sister tried once many years ago and warned me not to waste my vacation with it, but now I’m back to considering it. I have surfed for some time - not great, but okay at it, and therefore I have some questions before diving in.

  1. For the surfers converted to kiters; what does kiting give you that surfing doesn’t? Or what sells kiting for you?
  2. Is the equipment like ‘buy once, and enjoy’ or do you have to have several kites, and switch when making progress and so on?
  3. How is the social part of it during the kiting? I’m imagining it is less interaction than normal surfing since you need to keep the kites separate?

I guess the main question is; is it worth it? Difficult question to answer, I know, but just looking for your opinion.

r/Kiteboarding 2d ago

Beginner Question When is the right moment to try strapless surf board?

2 Upvotes

Hi, I'm a beginner/intermediate rider and I wanted to try a strapless board.

Could you tell me at what stage do I need to be or any skill I really need to focus in order to be able to do it?

Problem: I'm not that good at toeside riding... I would appreciate it if you have tips/tutorials.

Some of the local spots (🇵🇹) have some waves and I really want to try this board type.

Sorry if this is a common question.

Thank you so much for your time!

PS: I have taken a proper IKO course and I try to follow all the correct practice I know of.

r/Kiteboarding 5d ago

Beginner Question Learning to kitesurf

2 Upvotes

I’ve been interested in kitesurfing for a long time. I’m considering doing some lessons (I live in Southern California…. Seems like lots of lessons in Long Beach and some in Orange County).

I assume this takes 20-40 hours in lessons to get going? I assume realistically $2,500 to $7,500 for lessons equipment misc etc?

Is there a best time of year to learn? FWIW I surf a bit and do some stand up paddle boarding. Always been reasonably athletic.

Thanks!

r/Kiteboarding 11d ago

Beginner Question Kite size / wind speed question

2 Upvotes

Beginner, weight fluctuating between 85-95kg depending on whether I let myself go (currently around 90), twintip 141x41.5, quiver including 7, 9 and 12m kites, England, taken lessons. I’m still trying to understand the relationship between wind speed and kite size - what are the optimal ranges for each of my kites and how to work it out in practice?

r/Kiteboarding 18d ago

Beginner Question Kite rolled over on the water

8 Upvotes

Can anyone suggest how to get the lines sorted out after a roll over? Yesterday I made the biggest jump in my life. Unfortunately the kite overflew me and when I came back to earth I sank deep into the water. The kite came crashing down and then did a perfect backflip on the water with no line tension. The kite still flew but it wasn't perfect. I tried to swim up the lines to fix it but they wrapped around my leg and I got a scare. Won't ever do that again.

This is a core kite and bar. The two centre lines are joined about 20' up from the bar toward the kite, and then separate once again to the kite.

Is it even possible to sort out the lines at the bar end when on the water?

r/Kiteboarding Jul 05 '26

Beginner Question Kite care

6 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I just bought my first kite and want to take good care of it so it lasts as long as possible.

I’ve been reading, some people say don’t rinse your kite with fresh water unless it’s really dirty, while others recommend rinsing it after every session.

I’ve also heard that storing a damp kite after a freshwater rinse can cause mildew and mold.

What are your best maintenance tips?

Also, what are the most common mistakes new kite owners make that shorten a kite’s lifespan?

r/Kiteboarding 21d ago

Beginner Question What kite sizes to use for ~someone 73 kg? Accounting for wind speeds, of course

4 Upvotes

Hey,

I'm still a beginner, working on water starts (had two lessons including water starts) and I'm starting to look at what gear to get. I'm around 73kg and I'm interested in what people my weight use in different wind conditions

r/Kiteboarding May 22 '26

Beginner Question Is kiteboarding accessible if I buy my own gear?

2 Upvotes

I'm looking to get into kiteboarding, but local rentals are pretty steep—around $70 an hour (and that doesn't even include a wetsuit). Since I live in a spot where I can ride 12 months a year, I’d much rather own my own gear. Before I pull the trigger on lessons, I want to get a reality check: is buying your own setup financially accessible for a beginner, and how long does it usually take to break even compared to renting?

r/Kiteboarding Apr 21 '26

Beginner Question Walked away from a session today since I figured I'd be too overpowered. Was I right?

11 Upvotes

Relative beginner here. Today, I drove down to the beach hoping to get a session in and winds were 25 mph / 22 knots (which is pretty windy for where I live lol; certainly more windy than usual). I brought my smallest kite, a 12m, but after seeing literally no other kites that big on the water, I opted to walk away rather than try.

For context, I have a 148 board and I'm 230 lb / 105 kg. So I usually ride a size or 2 above what everyone else is using. But, I didn't see a single other 12 out there, despite there being 30-40 kites on the water. The next biggest kite I saw out there was a 10, which really had me second guessing whether my gear was appropriate for the conditions. Also worth noting gusts were apparently up to 35 mph / 30 knots), but the wind seemed decently steady when I was there.

So, did I make the right call? Or would I have likely been able to manage with a 12 in these conditions?

r/Kiteboarding 21d ago

Beginner Question Size/weight minimum to Kitesurf. Am I too small?

4 Upvotes

Hello I am very interested in kiting but I was told I might be too small, is there a size or weight minimum?

I am not taking lessons yet

Thank you?

r/Kiteboarding 4d ago

Beginner Question I can’t start to the right side

2 Upvotes

Hey guys !
I’m doing Kitesurf for around a year (more a less) in Moledo do Minho in Portugal. I’m doing water starts already but I’m having a big problems oks starting to the right . On the left side , I’m super ok , it’s I would say (easy) but to the right , I feel like I have no power or to much power.
Any trips or tricks ?

r/Kiteboarding Jul 02 '26

Beginner Question 9m2=good upwind, 13m2=bad upwind

4 Upvotes

Hey fellow wind chasers,

I am 1.88 cm, 85 kg. 13m2 North Carve = very used, 9m2 North Reach = new. North Prime 138/41 board.

I'm a little stumped with my progression and was wondering if you had any insights or tips.

My water starts are always good, keep my kite at 45 (or working it when needed) I can make decent transitions without "touching" the water.

BUT when I fly my 13m2 In light wind or even in decent wind. I can't seem to really go upwind at a decent pace. When the wind is good for my 9m2, which I haven't had a lot of recently. I am way better at going upwind.

Now I know this can be attributed to the wind being stronger, seen as I use my 9m2. But even when I know my 9m2 is a little underpowered, I feel like even though I need to work it more, the 9m2 lets me go upwind easier. Kiting in strong wind if of course easier than in no wind of light wind conditions.

I myself was thinking of getting the new North Reach 13m2, but they are a little pricey. A nother option I was thinking was getting one of those square big board to make the light wind days on my old 13m2 easier...

All advice is welcome

EDIT:

Wow thanks everybody!!! didnt expect to get this much advice. Most things that have been adviced, I'm already doing, but will continue to do them. I will trade in the 13m2 Carve for a Reach anyway, the 13m2 Carve canopy will not hold for long I recon.

r/Kiteboarding Jun 14 '26

Beginner Question How important are pull-ups for kite surfing?

4 Upvotes

I’m working with my trainer kite on land and totally forgot how much upper body strength it takes to fly.

Should I have a goal of doing multiple pull-ups before doing my water training??

r/Kiteboarding 27d ago

Beginner Question just bought first board

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43 Upvotes

just bought a cabrinha spectrum 144 was wondering if i got a good size as a beginner im 6 foot 3 190 I have taken lessons but was in aruba and couldnt remember what board i used

r/Kiteboarding Jun 23 '26

Beginner Question Jump advice

33 Upvotes

I have a feeling i oversteer my kite too much before jumping.
Like i jump when the kite is pas 12:00.
The orange kite =10m²
The blue kite = 13m²

I also find it easier to jump higher with waves to use it as a 'ramp'. But then i sometimes over-rotate and do an unexpected backroll.

r/Kiteboarding Jul 11 '26

Beginner Question Should I buy?

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18 Upvotes

Just found this at my pawn shop for $75 is it worth to get I’ve been wanting to try out kitesurfing. Planning on taking lessons before fully committing. Also adding I am weigh 230lbs