Since the kite is integral to kiteboarding, find the right size is a critical endeavor. Although there are many kinds of kites, one way to reduce the large selection is to decide first on what size kite is appropriate. Beginners find that it is helpful to start with a medium-sized kite that is roughly between 8 and 14 square meters, because it gives them the chance to get used to the way the kite catches the wind. After that, you can experiment with different kite sizes until you find the best one for a particular day's conditions and goals.
Wind Range
The wind range is a guiding condition to keep in mind when selecting a kite size. The wind range is the scope of wind speeds during any kite riding session. Since kites catch more or less wind depending on their sail area, it is logical to select a smaller kite for higher wind speeds and larger kites for lesser wind speeds. It's also important to remember that the older a kite gets, the smaller a wind range it will be appropriate for.
Advantages of Smaller Kites
Small kites generally range from 6 to 10 square meters. Because they tend to be more manageable, small kites are a good option for people looking to "free ride," or ride for fun on any given day. They also catch less wind than larger kites, so they can be maneuvered more easily. Riders who weigh less will also find smaller kites easier to control.
Advantages of Bigger Kites
Large kites generally range from 14 to 16 square meters. Heavier riders should use bigger kites because they catch more wind and provide more propulsion. Because they catch more wind, though, they are also more difficult to control and maneuver. They are less appropriate for joyrides or freestyles than they are for extreme kite riding; they accommodate extreme riding by providing high speeds and the propulsion necessary for doing tricks on the surf.
How Kites are Measured
The kite size you generally find measured and listed is not the wingspan of the kite, but its sail area. The sail area is measured in square meters. Here are a few examples of appropriate kite size based on rider weight and wind range. A rider weighing 180 pounds and boarding in a wind range of 12 to 20 miles per hour should use a kite sized 16 square meters in sail area. A rider weighing 140 pounds should use the same sized kite in a wind range slightly lower, around 10 to 17 miles per hour.
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