CORE Section 4 Review: The Ultimate Wave Kite for Progressing Riders

If you’ve been chasing cleaner turns, faster reactions, and that effortless down-the-line drift that real surf riders talk about, the CORE Section 4 is what makes it possible. It’s not a freeride or big-air crossover, this kite was engineered for one purpose: to help riders flow with the wave instead of fighting it.

In its fourth evolution, the Section has gone through serious refinement. The new CoreTex 2.0 canopy and ExoTex Light struts make the frame lighter, stiffer, and more reactive than ever before. That means tighter loops, quicker depower, and a cleaner feel when you’re slashing through onshore chop or gliding down a shoulder.

For intermediate riders stepping beyond all-around kites like the Nexus, the Section 4 represents a clear path into wave performance, stable drift, quick steering, and an intuitive bar feel that lets you focus entirely on your board and the next section.

At Elite Watersports in St. Pete, we’ve had the Section 4 in everything from light Gulf rollers to storm-driven cross-shore sessions, and it keeps proving itself as a true “surf first” design. If your goal this season is to progress in strapless riding, refine kite-to-wave timing, or even experiment with kitefoiling, this review will help you decide whether the Section 4 is your next step forward.

What makes the CORE Section 4 different from other wave kites?

The Section 4 is a freeride kite rebranded for waves. It’s a purpose-built surf machine shaped by how real riders move on the water. Where most kites aim to do a little bit of everything, the Section 4 is laser-focused on drift, depower, and precision.

At the core of its design is a three-strut frame and a short, snag-free bridle system. That setup gives it a crisp, responsive feel without the over-steering or delay common in larger all-around kites. The shorter bridle translates every bar input instantly, which means you can redirect the kite during a bottom turn or cutback without hesitation.

Another standout feature is its trim tuning system, offering three wingtip settings, Onshore, Offshore, and Allround.These aren’t marketing gimmicks, they genuinely change how the kite sits in the wind window.
The Onshore mode keeps the kite a bit deeper for steady pull when riding toward the beach, while Offshore moves it forward for faster drift down the line. The Allround option balances both, perfect for mixed or gusty conditions.
This flexibility lets you fine-tune how the kite behaves depending on your local surf spot or the day’s wind angle.

What you feel in the air is confidence. The Section 4 moves exactly where you want it, holds power when you need it, and drifts when you let it breathe. You stop thinking about the kite and start focusing on your board, your line, and the next section of the wave, the mark of a true wave kite.

How does the CoreTex 2.0 canopy impact performance?

The canopy is the soul of any kite, and CORE’s new CoreTex 2.0 material is a major leap forward in how the Section 4 feels on the water. The first thing you’ll notice is the cleaner, quieter flight. The upgraded triple-ripstop fabric has a new resin finish and tighter weave that almost eliminates flutter at the top of the wind range, something riders of the Section 3 will instantly appreciate.

In practice, that stiffness translates to sharper steering and more drive through turns. When you carve upwind or line up a top turn, the kite doesn’t deform or lag; it holds its shape and feeds consistent tension into the lines. That consistency lets you ride with a looser bar grip and smoother timing, especially valuable in messy or cross-shore conditions where lesser canopies can buckle and lose balance.

The new coating also improves UV resistance and tear strength, which matters if you’re riding sunny coastal spots multiple days a week. The Section 4’s canopy keeps its integrity longer, giving you that fresh-kite crispness deep into the season.

But the biggest gain is feel. CoreTex 2.0 brings a calm energy to the kite, light in the hands yet explosive when you load the lines. It rewards precision. You can fully depower during a bottom turn, then bring the power back instantly without the canopy sagging or overshooting. It’s this balance of control, responsiveness, and stability that makes the Section 4 such a confidence-builder for riders progressing in wave control or strapless riding.

If you’re curious how this material innovation ties into the rest of CORE’s range, you can explore the full collection of kites at Elite Watersports, every model shows a distinct philosophy, but the Section 4 is where you’ll feel CoreTex 2.0 at its purest.

What are the real benefits of ExoTex Light struts?

If CoreTex 2.0 defines how the kite breathes, ExoTex Light defines how it moves. The Section 4’s struts use a lighter, more flexible version of CORE’s signature ExoTex Dacron, the same high-tensile fabric that stiffens their leading edges. This evolution cuts overall weight without compromising strength, giving the kite a tighter, faster reaction every time you steer.

On the water, that translates to quicker loops, smoother drifts, and less swing weight when the kite changes direction. You’ll notice it the moment you transition, instead of that slight delay some kites have when you redirect through a bottom turn, the Section 4 snaps where you send it. That immediacy is everything when you’re trying to stay in the pocket or recover after a cutback.

ExoTex Light also helps the kite stay balanced in gusts. With less mass in the airframe, the kite doesn’t yank or overreact when the wind spikes, it absorbs energy and resets calmly. That means longer sessions, less fatigue, and a more forgiving experience for riders who are still mastering line tension and board control in surf conditions.

The payoff for strapless and foil riders is huge. A lighter frame keeps the kite suspended in the window longer, giving more time to focus on body positioning and board flow instead of micro-adjusting the bar. It’s part of what makes the Section 4 such a comfortable crossover for riders exploring both wave kiting and kitefoiling in variable wind.

Together, CoreTex 2.0 and ExoTex Light create a kite that feels both lighter and stronger, a rare combo. The Section 4 has drift and it hovers, waiting for your next move.

How does the Section 4 handle in onshore vs. offshore wind?

This is where the CORE Section 4 really separates itself from the rest of the pack. Most wave kites can handle “ideal” side-shore conditions, but few stay composed when the wind angle shifts. The Section 4’s tunable wingtip settings, Onshore, Offshore, and Allround, let you reshape how the kite behaves in the window so it always feels locked in, no matter what the wind throws at you.

⮞ In onshore wind, where the breeze pushes straight toward the beach and waves break closer together, keeping your kite deep in the window is key. Flip the tip setting to Onshore and the Section 4 sits slightly back, giving you steady pull and consistent drift even as you ride toward the kite. You won’t feel it racing out of position or collapsing when the lines slack. The kite stays with you, forgiving and predictable, perfect for keeping your focus on timing turns rather than fighting for balance.

⮞ Switch to offshore or cross-off winds, and everything changes. The Offshore setting moves the kite forward in the window, increasing apparent wind and upwind drive. It’s faster, crisper, and perfect for chasing longer faces or linking multiple turns down the line. The drift is exceptional, you can park it high and surf pure, letting the kite almost disappear as you carve.

⮞ Most riders will leave it in Allround mode, which blends both personalities. That’s the sweet spot for variable Gulf and Atlantic wind days where the breeze might swing thirty degrees through the session. In that setup, the Section 4 keeps its poise, quick on command but calm when you ease off.

Here in St. Pete, our team at Elite Watersports often rigs the Section 4 in Allround mode for real-world sessions. Between shifting sea breezes and fast-moving squalls, it’s the kind of reliability you appreciate when the forecast doesn’t match reality.

➥ Whether you’re charging clean offshore lines or hunting short onshore punch, the Section 4 doesn’t flinch, it adapts.

Is the Section 4 a good kite for strapless surfboard riding?

Absolutely, the CORE Section 4 is built for strapless surfboard riding in every sense. When you’re riding strapless, you don’t have the leverage of foot straps to muscle through mistakes. You rely on smooth kite feedback, predictable drift, and clean depower.
The Section 4 nails all three.

The lighter airframe and refined canopy make the kite float effortlessly down the line, keeping steady tension even as you slack the lines mid-turn. That’s what separates a true wave kite from an all-around model, it doesn’t punish you when you’re surfing the wave’s energy instead of the kite’s pull. You can let it breathe, find your rhythm, and stay fully focused on board control.

During top turns or cutbacks, the kite’s tight loop radius lets you generate power exactly when you want it, then immediately dump it as you release. The Section 4’s short bridle and snappy response create that in-sync feeling where the kite and board flow together, no tugging, no lag, no drag. It’s the difference between surviving the section and owning it.

Even when you crash, the relaunch is quick and instinctive. A gentle pull on one steering line, and the kite pops free from the foam. That reliability builds confidence fast, especially for riders still learning how to manage wave timing or imperfect foot placements.

For those who like to mix things up, the Section 4 also doubles beautifully as a crossover kite for kitefoiling. Its drift and instant depower translate perfectly to foil sessions, where you want the same lightweight, reactive behavior without the heavy bar load.

➥ If you’re progressing in strapless surf or looking for a setup that lets you push your style further, this kite gives you that balance of forgiveness and firepower. Pair it with Elite’s local coaching programs or kiteboarding lessons in St. Pete, and you’ll accelerate that learning curve even faster.

How does the Section 4 compare to the CORE Nexus for wave use?

It’s a fair question, both the CORE Section 4 and the CORE Nexus can handle surf, but they’re built with totally different priorities in mind. The Nexus is the do-it-all performer in CORE’s lineup. The Section 4 is the wave specialist.

If you spend half your sessions boosting and half carving small waves, the Nexus still wins for versatility. It has a rounder shape, broader wind range, and a gentler bar feel that suits freeride, foil, and freestyle crossover.
But if your goal is to ride waves the way surfers do, with controlled drift, crisp depower, and fast turning, the Section 4 takes it up a level.

Here’s the difference in feel:

• The Nexus carries more pull through turns, giving you lift and hang time for aerial transitions or strapless jumps.
• The Section 4 sheds power instantly. It pivots tighter and sits deeper in the window, staying right where you need it during steep bottom turns or critical off-the-top hits.

The Section 4 also offers the three tuning modes (Onshore, Offshore, Allround) that let you adjust kite position depending on wave angle, something the Nexus doesn’t replicate to the same precision. And while both kites share CORE’s premium build quality, the Section’s CoreTex 2.0 and ExoTex Light combo delivers a livelier, more “surf-tuned” response.

Who is the CORE Section 4 best suited for?

The CORE Section 4 is made for riders who already have their fundamentals dialed and want to go deeper into the art of wave riding. It’s not a beginner kite, and it’s not designed to pull you through mistakes, it’s designed to reward timing, finesse, and flow.

If you’re an intermediate rider coming from an all-around kite like the Nexus or XR series, the Section 4 is the natural next step. It’s for those moments when you’ve learned how to edge, transition, and stay upwind, and now you’re ready to surf the energy of the wave instead of the power of the kite. That’s where this model shines.

The Section 4 gives you tools to progress:
● Fast, intuitive steering that keeps you in sync with every turn. ● Massive depower range to dump power instantly mid-bottom-turn. ● Refined drift that frees you to focus on the face instead of line tension.

It’s also an ideal match for strapless riders and kitefoilers who crave connection over lift. The lightweight frame and precise feedback make it feel like an extension of your body, reactive, smooth, and balanced.

Riders who want to challenge themselves in stronger surf or gustier wind will love how composed the Section 4 stays under pressure. You can drop into a steep face, dump power, and still feel completely in control. And for those chasing that “quiet confidence” of clean, fluid riding, this kite delivers it session after session.

➥ If that sounds like where you’re headed, come demo one with Elite Watersports in St. Pete. The best way to understand this kite is to fly it, to feel how effortlessly it disappears when you’re locked into a good line.

How do you choose your kite size?

The CORE Section 4 comes in sizes ranging from 4m to 13.5m, covering everything from high-wind reef days to lighter surf sessions on bigger boards or foils. Picking the right size depends less on what looks good on paper and more on your weight, board choice, and local conditions.

Here’s the general breakdown most riders follow:
• 4m–6m: Ideal for high-wind days or heavier surf conditions where control matters more than pull. Smaller kites respond lightning fast and let experienced riders stay comfortable in gusty or offshore wind.
• 7m–9m: The sweet spot for most intermediate riders. These sizes handle moderate winds and typical beach breaks perfectly, offering plenty of drift with fast relaunch.
• 10m–13.5m: Great for lighter wind or down-the-line foil sessions where apparent wind builds as you ride. The larger canopy generates smooth, steady power without feeling sluggish.

Because the Section 4 was designed specifically for wave and foil use, every size maintains consistent steering response and balanced drift characteristics. That’s rare, many larger kites slow down dramatically as they scale up, but CORE’s mixed-material airframe keeps the handling sharp across the entire range.

If you’re not sure where to start, a simple guideline is:

• Choose your average wind range, not your dream day. • Consider what you’ll ride most, surfboard or foil.
• And don’t size up just for power, the Section 4’s design creates efficiency through precision, not brute force.

How easy is it to relaunch the CORE Section 4 in the surf?

If you’re progressing in waves, this question matters more than almost anything else. A good wave kite isn’t just about performance when it’s flying, it’s about how fast it gets back up after a crash. The CORE Section 4 nails this part of the experience.

Thanks to its refined three-strut frame and short bridle system, the Section 4 relaunches fast and predictably, even when it drops deep into the window. The kite naturally wants to roll onto a wingtip, so a light tug on one steering line usually pops it back into position. You don’t need to muscle it or time the waves perfectly, just keep your composure, give it a second, and it responds.

That reliability is critical in real surf. When a set’s closing out and you’ve just gone over the falls, the last thing you want is a kite that spins or tangles. The Section 4’s clean bridle geometry prevents line wraps, while the lightweight ExoTex Light struts help it sit high on the surface instead of sinking. It sheds water quickly and resists “inverting” in turbulence.

Even in messy Gulf conditions around St. Pete Beach, our team at Elite Watersports has been impressed by how calmly it resets. The kite comes up smoothly without dragging you through foam or snapping power back too early. For intermediates still working on consistency in surf launches, this confidence is everything, it lets you push harder, try new lines, and ride with less hesitation.

It’s not just about convenience, it’s about progression. The faster and easier your kite relaunches, the faster you can get back to learning what matters most: riding the wave, not worrying about the gear.

Should intermediate riders upgrade to the Section 4?

If you’ve outgrown your all-around kite and want to start riding waves instead of just flying through them, then yes, upgrading to the CORE Section 4 is absolutely worth it.

Here’s the truth most riders learn the hard way: the kite that helped you learn your first transitions, jumps, and upwind runs isn’t the same kite that will help you progress in waves.
All-around kites are built for stability and lift, the Section 4 is built for timing, feel, and flow. Once you experience how easily it drifts and how precisely it responds, you realize how much your old kite was holding you back.

For intermediate kiters, the Section 4 unlocks faster learning curves:

• Instant feedback: You feel the kite’s position at all times without looking.
• Better control in surf: Quick depower means you can charge sections without getting yanked off your line.
• Smarter progression: The kite teaches clean habits, reading wind, controlling power, and syncing movement with energy instead of force.

It’s not about chasing bigger waves, it’s about learning to ride them better. The Section 4 rewards precision and punishes none of the small errors that come with pushing your limits.

And if you’re serious about moving from “flat-water freerider” to confident surf rider, nothing replaces hands-on time. Elite’s team runs personalized sessions where you can test this kite in real Gulf conditions and see the difference immediately. Pair that with one of their advanced kiteboarding lessons in St. Pete, and you’ll accelerate that leap from intermediate to instinctive.

The Section 4 is an upgrade and it feels like a graduation.

Should You Buy the CORE Section 4? Here’s Our Take

The CORE Section 4 is more than just a wave kite, it’s a design that finally lets intermediate riders feel what true surf flow means. Every refinement, from the lighter ExoTex Light frame to the new CoreTex 2.0 canopy, serves one purpose: control without compromise.

When you ride it, the difference is immediate. The kite disappears into your movement, no over-pull, no hesitation, just clean, balanced feedback that makes every wave line smoother. It builds confidence fast because it gives you space to focus on what matters: rhythm, timing, and intuition.

This kite doesn’t try to do everything, and that’s its strength. It’s pure, deliberate, and tuned for riders who want their next session to feel like progression, not repetition.