Not Sure What Kite to Buy? Start Here.

Not Sure What Kite to Buy? Start Here.

This guide isn’t about picking the “best” kite. It’s about helping you figure out what’s right for you.

We break down the major kite types—what they’re made for, how they feel, and who they’re really for. Whether you're brand new, upgrading, or stuck between big air and freeride, we’ll help you sort through the noise.

You’ll get:

• A no-BS breakdown of all-around, big air, wave, foil, and freestyle kites
  

• Tips for choosing size based on your weight and wind
  

• Real talk on crossover gear and category confusion in 2025
  

• Links to deep dives on cost, gear setup, and kid age requirements
  

Don’t get overwhelmed. Start with the section that matches where you’re at now. and if you’re still unsure, just call or stop by. We’ll help you dial it in.

 

What Type of Kiteboarding Kite Should I Buy?

Kite shapes used to be simple. Five years ago, most kites fit neatly into categories—freeride, wave, freestyle, big air. Not anymore.

In 2025, the lines have blurred. The best kites now blend features across categories to match how real riders actually ride. That means picking your next kite isn’t about staying inside a box—it’s about finding the right tool for your goals, your style, and your local wind.

This guide breaks down the main types of kiteboarding kites you’ll find in our collection at Elite Watersports, and how to think about choosing one.

 

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All-Around Kites: The Best Starting Point

If you’re new to kiteboarding, start here.

All-around kites are designed to do everything well—boost, turn, relaunch, ride upwind, and stay stable in variable wind. They’re forgiving but not boring. These are the Swiss Army knives of the kite world.

Popular models include:

• North Reach
  

• Core Pace
  

• Airush Lithium
  

• Naish Pivot
  

Whether you're learning to ride, cruising with friends, or dabbling in big air or surf, all-around kites give you room to grow without boxing you into a single discipline.

 

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Big Air Kites: For Riders Who Want to Boost

Big air used to mean just one thing—hangtime. Now? It means different things to different riders.

Some big air kites are tuned for huge floaty boosts. Others are designed to handle kite loops, aggressive sheeting, or even crossover into freestyle. Each brand brings its own flavor.

If you're chasing height, loops, or just want a kite that eats gusty wind and begs to be sent, this category is for you.

But—and this matters—not all big air kites ride the same. Some are fast and grippy. Some are slower but loftier. We recommend talking to us in the shop or testing models to feel the difference.

 

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Wave Kites and Foil Crossover

Wave kites aren’t just for surf anymore.

Their drift, light bar pressure, and quick turning make them great tools for foilers and strapless riders, too. And some foil-specific kites—especially single-strut or no-strut models—are actually incredible in small waves or for lightwind carving.

In other words, the “wave” label doesn’t tell the whole story.

If you foil, ride strapless, or want something agile and responsive with a light feel, there’s a good chance a wave kite (or a foil crossover model) is exactly what you’re looking for.

 

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Freestyle and Freeride Kites: It’s Not What It Used to Be

Here’s the thing—there really aren’t “true” freestyle kites anymore.

Ten years ago, freestyle meant unhooked. Riders were throwing handlepasses, megaloops, technical passes on slack. Freestyle kites were five-line C-kites or tight three-strut crossover designs that had specific purpose: power on tap, slack on demand, and no hand-holding. That was 2013 to 2018.

Now? Freestyle means something totally different.

The average rider calls freeride “freestyle.” Even brands market all-around kites as freestyle because it sounds cool. And the old-school unhooked tricks? Most of that crew shifted toward big air or creative strapless riding. So the category got blurry.

What used to be freestyle kites are now the early DNA of modern big air kites. Think grippy, responsive, raw-feeling kites that aren’t built to cruise—they’re built to fly. They’re fast, technical, and built for the rider who wants that stick-shift feel.

There’s a type of rider who still loves these kites. The one who:

• Loves throwing kite loops in powered conditions
  

• Doesn’t mind a bit less hangtime if it means more control
  

• Wants a kite that pushes back a little
  

• Values tuning and feel over ease and range
  

These crossover freestyle kites now sit in a weird place. They’re not as floaty as big air models. They’re not as accessible as all-arounds. But they hit a sweet spot for the right rider.

Modern versions have better wind range than the past—but yeah, you’ll trade off a bit of loft. For most riders, that’s worth it. For beginners, it’s often too much kite. They won’t feel the difference. But advanced riders? They’ll notice the bar pressure, the turning speed, the feedback—and they’ll love it or leave it.

This is where you need to talk to Aaron.

We’ve both been testing and reviewing gear for over a decade. And Aaron? He gets early access to kites before they hit the floor. Most of the time, he’s already been flying the next model before it even gets a public release. So if you want the real breakdown—not just what the brand says, but how it actually flies—come ask.

And just a heads up: these models change fast. Not in wild ways, but in tuning. Wind range, bridles, bar feel—those details are where the magic is, and they shift every season. So don’t lock in too hard on what you read here. The kite you want might not be in this blog—it might be the next one Aaron just rode last week.

Let us help you find the right match. Freestyle today doesn’t mean what it used to. And that’s okay—as long as you know what you’re getting.

 

What Size Kite Do I Need?

Kite size isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on your weight, the wind speed, and what type of riding you’re doing. Most riders in Florida have a quiver of 9m, 12m, and maybe a 7m for high-wind days—but that doesn’t mean you need all three to start.

If you’re renting or buying your first kite, you’ll want to pick a size that matches your body weight and the average wind where you’re riding. In St. Pete, most days fall between 12–25 knots, so many riders start with a 12m.

Heavier rider? You might size up to a 14m. Lighter rider or stronger wind? Maybe a 10m or 9m will feel better.

For a deep dive on how to choose the right kite size, check out our full guide here:
What Size Should My Kiteboarding Kite Be?

We break down wind charts, weight ranges, and ideal quiver setups to help you make the right call—whether you’re renting, upgrading, or just learning.

 

Why It’s Hard to Choose (and How to Get It Right)

Here’s the truth most shops won’t say: it’s confusing. Even writing this blog is tricky, because so many kites now blur the lines.

A foil kite might double as a wave kite. A big air kite might ride like a freeride kite on a certain setting. Everything overlaps.

So don’t get too caught up in categories. Instead:

• Start with your end goal
  

• Match that to your current skill level
  

• Talk to people who ride your local spots
  

• Test gear whenever possible
  

We’re here to help you do all of that.

 

How Do I Know What Type of Kite Is Right for Me?

Let’s be real, choosing a kite isn’t about picking a category. It’s about knowing yourself as a rider.

That means asking the right questions:

• Are you still figuring out the basics—or locked in after years of riding?
  

• Do you value stability and forgiveness—or power and feel?
  

• Are you chasing loops, hangtime, style, or just smooth progression?
  

• What kind of conditions do you ride most—gusty bays, clean surf, or lightwind flatwater?
  

• What’s your end game? Learning tricks? Sending jumps? Foiling? Surf?
  

These questions matter more than brand marketing or categories.

Here’s a rough guide:

• Beginner or early intermediate? Start with an all-around kite. That’s what they’re made for—easy relaunch, stable wind range, safe handling. No ego. Just progress.
  

• Been riding 3–4 years? If you want more power, more feel, more edge—you might be ready for a crossover freestyle or big air kite. Something that loops tighter, drives upwind, and rewards technical input.
  

• Loop addict or airtime junkie? Then you need a proper big air kite. Not all are created equal. Some are for float, some are for full yank. We’ll walk you through which does what.
  

• Ride surf or foil? Surprisingly, a wave kite might be your best choice. Especially for strapless riding, light bar feel, and quick turns in downwind angles.
  

Here’s the trick: all the lines are blurry now. A wave kite might be your foil favorite. A freestyle shape might be tuned for hangtime. The labels don’t matter. The feel does.

And that’s where we come in.

Call Us, Don’t Guess

If you're not sure what fits you, we'll help you figure it out. Call the shop, shoot us a message, or better yet, stop by.

Tell us where you're at, where you ride, what you're working on, and what you want next. We’ve flown these kites, broken them down, and taught hundreds of riders through the same decision.

You don’t need a spec sheet. You need a match.

 

What Does All This Cost?

If you’re talking gear, lessons, or rentals—it all comes down to money, right?

Instead of guessing, we’ve already mapped out typical kiteboarding costs:

• Basic kite quiver (kite + bar, board, harness, pump): $1,900–$3,200
  

• Top-end gear, newer tech, multi-kit setups: $3,200–$8,000+
  

But here’s where rentals and demos shine:

• You get current-season, high-quality gear without dropping thousands up front.
  

• You avoid airline fees and gear wear.
  

• You test what works for you before buying.
  

Curious what the full breakdown looks like compared to renting? Check out How Much Does Kiteboarding Cost? for a transparent breakdown of gear, lessons, and seasonal costs.

This way, you can choose what makes sense—whether that’s a rental trip now, a demo-to-buy later, or saving up for your own set. No guess, just clarity.

 

What Other Kiteboarding Gear Do I Need?

If you're gearing up beyond kite, bar, board, harness, and pump—this guide covers it:

• Footstraps or bindings – Choose comfort and adjustability.
  

• Wetsuits/Boots – Protection for colder water or rocky shorelines.
  

• Safety gear – Helmet, hook knife, impact vest, and optional leash.
  

• Extras – Bar floats, GPS trackers, whistles, and poncho towels.
  

The key takeaway? You don’t need a ton of extras to start—but once you’re riding consistently, these add-ons improve performance and safety.

Check out the full breakdown here, where we dive deeper into why each item helps beginners and seasoned riders alike:
What Other Kiteboarding Gear Do I Need?

 

How Young Can a Kid Start Kiteboarding?

There’s no hard age limit—but it’s not just about the number.

Most kids can start learning kiteboarding safely around 100 pounds, as long as they can follow directions and stay focused. Some are ready earlier, some later. It depends on their weight, maturity, and ability to handle the wind without panicking.

If your kid can fly a trainer kite, listen under pressure, and wants it—great. Just don’t rush it.

Start small. Let them fly kites on land. Get them into a real lesson when they’re ready.

We go deeper into this in the blog What Is the Minimum Age for Kids to Learn Kiteboarding?

 

Stop by the Shop or Demo at the Beach

At Elite, we ride what we sell—and we keep a full demo fleet available so you can feel the difference between models before you commit. Whether you’re chasing big air, learning to foil, or just need a new quiver for the season, we’ll match you with the kite that actually suits you.

Got questions? Bring them in. Let’s find your fit.