Building a kite quiver.

When it comes to kiteboarding, having the right kite quiver is essential to maximize your time on the water. Leveraging local knowledge is invaluable when deciding what's right for you. Experienced riders and shop experts can provide insights tailored to your area's specific wind patterns and conditions.

Talking to them can help you make the best choices for your needs.Start by understanding your riding goals and the conditions of your local spot. Once you've identified your riding goals, choose kite sizes that match your local wind conditions.

Some kiteboarders get away with only one kite but it's common for most kitesurfers to have a minium of 3 kites sometimes 4 or 5 kites if they love kiteboarding and practice different styles! I'm an extreme example and far from the norm but I have 12 kites and I alway bring 4 kites with me on international trips. I never miss the wind and I always have the right tools when I need them. You'll probably never need more than 5 kites but my point is having options is fun and useful.

Ultimately, whether you're a beginner sticking to one model or an experienced rider with a diverse quiver, having a clear plan and the right kites for different conditions will ensure faster progression and a more enjoyable kiteboarding experience.This blog will dive into what you should consider when selecting your kite quiver.

First and foremost, you need to begin with the end in mind. Ask yourself; "When and where will I be kiteboarding?" What kind of conditions does my kite location get? What style of kiteboarding am I interested in pursuing? The frequency you want to kite and the conditions of your spot are the most significant factors to consider when building a kiteboarding quiver. Are you a fair-weather, summer-only kiter? Or do you plan to ride every chance you can get? Do nuclear winds and kiteloops have your attention? How about waves and kitefoiling? Your riding goals will determine the number of kites you need.

How do I decide how many kites to buy?

• • Start with the end in mind: "When and where will I be kiteboarding?"
• • Consider the conditions of your kite location.
• • Determine the style of kiteboarding you want to pursue (freestyle, wave riding, big air, etc.).
• • Frequency and conditions of your spot are significant factors.
• • Decide if you're a fair-weather, summer-only kiter or plan to ride frequently.
• • Consider if nuclear winds, kiteloops, waves, or kitefoiling interest you.
• • Your riding goals will determine the number of kites you need.

You need one to three kiteboarding kites.

Any serious kiteboarder should have at least two kites. The wind is a ficle thing and you'll be able to get a lot of water time with two kites. Three is better and the standard for most kiteboarders. With three good kites, you'll be able to ride in almost all the wind conditions.

Single kite: Ideal for casual riders who are okay only riding in that kite's wind range.

Two Kites: Ideal for kiteboarding enthusiasts who want to expand their water time.

Three or Four Kites: Best for serious riders who want to maximize their time on the water in various conditions.

Four to Five Kites: Riders who practice multiple diciplines like kitefoiling and big air. You may need two different 9 meters for example.

What size kiteboarding kites do I need?

Once you've identified your riding goals, the next step is to choose the appropriate kite sizes. Generally, it's best to split your kites by 2 or 3-meter gaps. For example, many average-weight male riders of 165 to 195 pounds have a 9m, a 12m, and a 15m. Choose sizes that correlate with the kite wind range and the conditions you want to ride in the most.

What kite do I need for light wind? Choose a light wind kite for your weight. A 14, 15, or 17 meter will get you on the water in prime flat water conditions. This is an essential summer size for most kite beaches around the world. Some people prefer to ride only smaller kites, but to be frank, that is just silly. Lightwind is the best wind for learning new things, it's always a vibe on the beach, and generally, it's warm out.

What kite will get me out in most conditions? A mid-range kite is an essential part of your quiver. Depending on your weight, a 10, 11, 12, or 13-meter kite is the right choice. If you're going to only get one kite, this is the range most shops and schools will start you on. If you already have your mid-range kite, you can size up or down 2 or 3 meters for your light-wind and high-wind kite.

What kite size do I need for strong wind? Strong winds are less common but tend to be everyone's favorite. Big air kiteboarding is trending, and kite loops are an exciting, eye-catching part of the sport. You'll need a small kite to get out in these conditions. Something like a 6, 7, 8, or 9-meter kite is a good choice.

Building a custom kite quiver 

This is where things get interesting. You can customize your kiteboarding quiver to your specific style for the different wind conditions in which you will be kiteboarding. Let's look at a few options:

Using the same model: The easiest option is to get the same kite for your whole quiver. "The benefit of using the same brand and kite model is consistent control systems, safety systems, connecting points, and knots. Sticking to one model can help with muscle memory and control for beginners. As you gain experience, diversifying your quiver with different models from the same brand can offer versatility without compromising familiarity.

Choosing the right model: An all-around kite will do everything you need regardless of whether you want to kite foil, kiteloop, jump high, do freestyle, or pretty much any style of kiteboarding you can think of. In 2024, all-around kites have gotten really versatile and make few trades, if any.

Using the Same Kite Model:

• Benefits include consistent control systems, safety systems, and muscle memory.
• Ideal for beginners.

Choosing the Right Model:

• All-around kites can accommodate various styles (kite foil, kiteloop, jump high, freestyle).
• Modern all-around kites are versatile with minimal trade-offs.
• If you're set on a dicipline, the choice is easy. Get that style of kite.

Mixing Kite Models.

• Choose a model that suits specific conditions (e.g., wave kites for ocean, big air kites for high winds).
• Combine different types for a custom quiver (light wind all-around, freestyle mid-range, wave/big air for strong wind).
• Mix and match based on you're interests and the dicipline you want to practice in that wind range.

Mixing kite models - Big Air Kites, Freeride Kites, Hydrofoil kites & More.

 An attractive and smart choice is to choose a kite model that suits the riding you want in certain conditions. For example, if you live on the ocean and the waves are huge in high winds, consider getting a wave kite for your small kite. Something like the Airush Session, for example. Wave kites make really fun all-around kites but have the added benefit of drift and wave specialty performance.
 
Likewise, if you are interested in big air, opting for a big air kite for your 8 or 9-meter is a good move. Another example is how big air kitesurfers would benefit from having a small kite that loops well but choose a lofty mid-range kite so they can work on board-offs or late rotations with extra hang time. You can play with this thought experiment with all the different wind ranges and disciplines that interest you. A light wind all-around kite or a foil kite for light wind, paired with a freestyle mid-range kite and a wave kite or big air kite for strong wind. You can customize it for your needs. You can always call the team at Elite Watersports to chat about building a custom kiteboarding quiver.

Having two kites of the same size: Sometimes, you might have two kites close in size. For example, you could have a 9m big air kite for kite loops and a 9m one strut kite for kitefoiling in light wind. I actually use two 14-meter kites. One is for freeride and loft, and the other is for freestyle, depending on my mood. Having the right tool makes a big difference in the water.

Talking to experienced riders and shop experts can provide invaluable insights tailored to your local conditions. Figure out what you want to do, then speak to someone who knows as a starting point. Local kiteboarders and shop staff understand your area's specific wind patterns and conditions, helping you make the best choices for your quiver.

Choosing the right kite quiver is about understanding your riding goals, wind conditions, and appropriate sizes. Leverage local expertise and talk with the shop to build the perfect kiteboarding quiver.Whether you're a beginner sticking to one model or an experienced rider diversifying your quiver, the key is to start with a clear plan and build a quiver that will be usefull and fun for you.

The expert team at Elite Watersports is here to serve. If you have any kiteboarding related questions call us. We can build custom kiteboarding packages, book kiteboarding lessons or simply offer helpful advice. We're your one stop shop for kiteboarding knowledge.
Swing by the shop and you can try on different kiteboarding harnesses and more. 

If you need help deciding on your first kiteboarding kite give Elite Watersports a call. We're happy to set you up with your first kiteboarding kite.
(727)-800-2202