The kite is the engine of kitesurfing, and choosing the right one shapes every session. Our kite range brings together kites and the essential kiteboarding kit around them, so whether you are buying your first inflatable or adding another size to your quiver, you can find a setup matched to your weight, your local wind and the way you like to ride.

Alongside kites you will find the gear that completes a kiteboarding setup: control bars and lines, boards, harnesses, pumps, safety kit and spares. We stock kites across a spread of sizes and styles from respected brands, covering first-timers through to riders pushing big air and waves.

Not sure which kite suits you? The guide below explains kite types, sizes and wind ranges. You can also explore the wider kitesurfing range, dedicated kitesurfing kites, or harnesses.

What Does a Kite Do?

A kitesurfing kite catches the wind and generates the pull that drives you across the water and launches you into the air. You steer and power it through a control bar connected by lines, trimming how much power the kite makes. Modern kites also have safety systems that let you depower and release in a hurry. The kite's size and design determine how much power it makes in a given wind and how it behaves in the air.

Kite Types Explained

Most kitesurfing kites are leading-edge inflatables, and they come in a few shapes that ride differently:

• Bow and hybrid kites: the versatile all-round choice, with a wide wind range and strong, easy depower that suits most riders
• Delta kites: stable and easy to relaunch, popular with beginners and freeriders
• C-kites: more direct and aggressive, favoured by freestyle and wakestyle riders
• Foil kites: no inflatable bladder, used more for lightwind, racing and some freeride

For learning and general freeriding, a bow, hybrid or delta kite is usually the most forgiving and user-friendly starting point.

Understanding Kite Sizes and Wind Range

Kites are measured in square metres, typically from around 5m up to 17m or more. A bigger kite makes more power and works in lighter wind; a smaller kite makes less and handles stronger wind. Your ideal size depends on your body weight and the wind strength you usually ride in. Lighter riders and stronger winds call for smaller kites, heavier riders and lighter winds for larger ones. Each kite has a recommended wind range, so matching that to your conditions is the key to an enjoyable session.

Building a Quiver

Many kitesurfers end up with two or three kites to cover a range of conditions, known as a quiver. A common approach is one medium all-round kite to start, then adding a larger size for lighter days and a smaller one for stronger winds. Picking sizes that overlap slightly in their wind ranges means you always have a kite that works, whatever the forecast.

How to Choose Your First Kite

Your first kite should prioritise ease of use and safety over outright performance. Consider:

• Your weight: the single biggest factor in sizing
• Your usual wind: lighter spots want bigger kites, windier ones smaller
• Your level: forgiving depower and easy relaunch matter most when learning
• Your goals: all-round freeriding, big air, or freestyle

If you are still taking lessons, it is worth getting sizing advice before you buy, as the right first kite makes progression far smoother.

Bars, Lines and Safety

A kite is controlled through a bar and line set, which also houses the safety and depower systems. Bars are often sized to kite size, with smaller bars for smaller kites. Always ride with a working safety release and leash, and check your lines for wear and even length before each session. Good, well-maintained control gear is as important to safety as the kite itself.

Caring for Your Kite

Rinse off salt and sand with fresh water when you can, and always dry your kite fully before packing it away, as storing it damp encourages mould and weakens the fabric. Avoid dragging the leading edge over rough ground, deflate before packing, and store out of prolonged direct sun and heat. Check bladders, valves and lines regularly. Careful handling keeps a kite flying safely for many seasons.

How Much Do Kites Cost?

Kite prices depend on size, construction and technology. Entry-level and previous-season kites offer an affordable way into the sport, mid-range kites balance performance and durability for regular riders, and premium kites use advanced materials for lighter weight and sharper handling. A complete setup also includes a bar, board and harness, so factor those in when budgeting for your first kit.

Relaunch, Stability and Handling

Beyond size and power, how a kite behaves in the air matters a great deal, especially when you are learning. Relaunch is a key consideration: a kite that sits on the water and relaunches easily saves you time and frustration, while one that is awkward to recover can turn a small mistake into a long swim. This is one reason delta, bow and hybrid kites are so popular with newer riders, as they tend to relaunch readily and behave predictably.

Stability in gusty wind is another factor. A kite that sits steadily in the window lets you focus on your riding, whereas a twitchy, aggressive kite demands constant attention. More advanced riders may trade some of that stability for the direct, responsive feel that suits freestyle and big air. As you gain experience you develop a feel for the handling you prefer, but when choosing an early kite, ease of relaunch and steady, forgiving behaviour will do far more for your progression than outright performance.

Why Buy Your Kite from Surface2Air Sports?

We have been fitting out kitesurfers since 2002, with a shop in Poole and the full range online.

• Kites across a wide spread of sizes and styles
• Bars, boards, harnesses, pumps and spares to complete a setup
• Trusted kitesurfing brands for every level
• Honest advice on sizing and kite type
• Options across a range of budgets

Whether it is your first kite or the next size in your quiver, we can help you choose the right one. Pair it with the rest of your kitesurfing gear and a well-fitted harness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kites

What size kite do I need?

Kite size depends mainly on your weight and the wind you usually ride in. Lighter riders and stronger winds need smaller kites; heavier riders and lighter winds need larger ones.

What type of kite is best for beginners?

Bow, hybrid and delta kites are the most forgiving, with a wide wind range, easy depower and reliable relaunch, which makes them ideal for learning.

How many kites do I need?

You can start with one all-round kite. Many riders later build a quiver of two or three sizes to cover light, medium and strong winds.

What does the wind range on a kite mean?

It is the span of wind strengths the kite is designed to perform in. Matching that range to your conditions and weight is key to a good session.

What is the difference between a C-kite and a bow kite?

C-kites are more direct and aggressive, favoured for freestyle, while bow and hybrid kites have more depower and a wider wind range, making them easier for most riders.

How do I look after my kite?

Rinse off salt and sand, dry it fully before packing, avoid dragging the leading edge, and store out of direct sun. Check bladders, valves and lines regularly.

Do I need lessons before buying a kite?

Kitesurfing should be learned with proper instruction. Taking lessons first also helps you choose the right first kite for your weight and local conditions.