How to choose the size of a kitesurf kite / Size guide

Cómo elegir el tamaño de una cometa de kitesurf / Guía de tallas

Today we're tackling an important topic: choosing the ideal kite size for the wind! If you're new to the sport and thinking about buying your first set of kites, it's completely normal to wonder which kite size is right for the wind you'll be riding in. With all the options available you might feel a bit confused, but don't worry! We're here to help you make the best decision.

Now, I know what you're thinking: "Is this topic just for beginners?" Absolutely not! Although this question is very common among those starting out, this blog is also a valuable resource for more experienced kitesurfers. So whether you're a newbie or a kitesurf veteran, keep reading and you'll find useful information to help you get the most out of your adventures on the water.

What kite size do I need for the wind?

Let's talk kites and wind, my friend! Knowing the right kite size for the wind is crucial to enjoying kitesurfing to the full without any worries. Kites come in loads of different sizes, measured in square metres (m). There are 6 m, 7 m, 8 m, 9 m, 10 m, 11 m, 12 m, 13 m and 14 m kites and different types of kite to choose from: Freeride, wave, freestyle, light wind, wakestyle, foil kite and trainer kites.

To work out which suits you best, you need to take a few factors into account:

The wind strength, measured in knots, and the gusts.
Your weight, because we're not all the same.
The kitesurf board you use, because yes, that matters too.
Your style on the water: do you want to surf waves or fly high in the sky?
The type of kite you have to hand; they're not all the same.
And of course, the water currents at your favourite spot.

So there you go: adjust your choice of kite to these factors, and you'll be ready to enjoy kitesurfing with all the safety and fun you deserve. Let's fly! 🌬️🏄‍♂️

Duotone kite

Kitesurf kite size chart

To give you a general idea of which kite size best suits your weight and the wind conditions, here's a rough guide:

Taking gusts into account:

Because yes, in places like the Netherlands, gusts are like surprise guests at a party. So it's a good idea to consider the maximum gust strength in knots when choosing your kite. That way you make sure you have the power you need, even when those gusts arrive without warning.

When there are no gusts:

Now, if the wind is a good one and doesn't play tricks on you with crazy gusts, you can think about going for a kite slightly bigger than the general guide suggests. That way you make the most of the conditions without worrying about sudden shifts in the wind.

Below are four charts showing the kite size you need depending on the wind:

Wind force 4 (11-16 knots)

Kitesurfer's weight	Kite
120kg	14+m
110kg	14+m
100kg	14+m
90kg	14+m
80kg	12+m
70kg	11m
60kg	10m
50kg	8-9m
40kg	7m

Wind force 5 (17-21 knots)

Kitesurfer's weight	Kite
120kg	12+m
110kg	12+m
100kg	11-12m
90kg	10m
80kg	10m
70kg	8-9m
60kg	7-8m
50kg	6-7m
40kg	6m

Wind force 6 (17-21 knots)

Kitesurfer's weight	Kite
120kg	10+m
110kg	10+m
100kg	9-10m
90kg	9m
80kg	8-9m
70kg	7-8m
60kg	6-7m
50kg	5-6m
40kg	5m

Wind force 7 (28-33 knots)

Kitesurfer's weight	Kite
120kg	8-9m
110kg	8-9m
100kg	8m
90kg	7m
80kg	6-7m
70kg	5-6m
60kg	5m
50kg	4-5m
40kg	4m

Warning! These charts are based on an intermediate kitesurfer on a standard twintip board; they are only a general guide.

Starting with one or several kitesurf kite sizes

When you're starting out in kitesurfing, it's natural to ask the million-dollar question: one kite or several? The way to go is to start with a beginner kite. As we said before, the ideal is to get on the water when the wind is between 14 and 21 knots (roughly force 4 to 5). In that range, the wind is usually steady and the water calm, so you're in good hands. You can put together the winning combo of one kite and a twintip board, and the best part is that it doesn't cost that much.

Now, choosing the kite is also key. If you're looking for a kite that's perfect for beginners, it needs a really wide wind range. That means it will help you get going when there's little wind and adapts easily when the wind picks up. But careful, don't get carried away and choose a giant kite, because that can be a headache and affect your control, fun and safety when kitesurfing. So relax and enjoy the ride.

Thinking about two kites? Working out your kitesurf kite size

Now, if your plan is to ride in winds ranging from a light breeze to something stronger (say, between 14 and 27 knots), the way to go is to have more than one kite in your quiver.

For example, you could head out with a 9 metre kite if you weigh between 80 and 90 kilos, then switch to a 12 metre one if the wind gets stronger. If you weigh around 75 kilos, you might be better off with a 7 metre and a 10 metre. Hopefully this explanation has helped you see how to choose the right kite for the wind conditions you have in mind.

But we also want you to know everything you need about kite maintenance, which is why we spent days gathering information from the internet, professionals and enthusiasts on kitesurf kite maintenance, and to be honest, we found quite a few discrepancies. That's why we've written an article on maintaining your kitesurf kite that sums up all the information from the internet, forums and videos in a simple, clear way.

What size and type of twintip board do you need?

Now that you know roughly which kite suits your style and the wind you get, it's time to talk about the kitesurf board. The board you choose has to fit your skill level and riding style like a glove, and you need to know how to maintain your kiteboard properly to get the most out of the experience safely.