Which kite size do you need?

Which kite size do you need? Do you need a new kite, or want to buy your first kite surfing set? The right kite size for every situation.

Which kite size?

Which kitesize do you need and what does the kite size all depend on? In this article we explain what you can pay attention to to determine the size of your kite, so that you go well powered on the water!

Are you a beginner kiter and buying your first kite set? Then you can use the tables below, but you can also get good advice from the kitesurf shop or kitesurf school where you have had lessons. Also read our blog that you can pay attention to when purchasing your first Kite surfing set.

What determines the kite size?

The size of the kite depends on a number of factors:

Body weight
Wind force
Level of the kiter
Dimensions of your board
Kite type
Current
Waves

Body weight and wind force most determine the choice of your kite, but the other points also play a role. As your kite skills progress, your kite size will change. At a certain moment you will also measure a specific kite surfing style in which the type of kite is decisive. This also changes the size of your canvas.

Body weight

If the body weight determines the size of your kite, you can maintain the following range with an all-round kite with a wind force of 18-22 knots:

30 – 40 kg	5 – 6 m²
40 – 50 kg	6 – 7 m²
50 – 60 kg	7 – 8 m²
60 – 70 kg	8 – 9 m²
70 – 80 kg	9 – 10 m²
80 – 90 kg	10 – 11 m²
90 – 100 kg	11 – 12 m²
100 – 110 kg	12 – 13 m²

Wind force

It is clear that the wind force determines the kite size. The faster the wind blows, the smaller your kite. If you are a recreational all-round rider of 75 kg, you can use the table below for the different wind strengths:

09 – 12 knots	16 m²
10 – 13 knots	15 m²
11 – 14 knots	14 m²
12 – 15 knots	13 m²
13 – 16 knots	12 m²
14 – 17 knots	11 m²
15 – 18 knots	10 m²
16 – 22 knots	9 m²
20 – 24 knots	8 m²
22 – 26 knots	7 m²
> – 27 knots	6 m²

Level of the kiter

The level of the kite surfer is also decisive for the kite you sail. The better your kite skills, the more square meters you can control. You can also better handle situations if you get overpowered, so you can bring a larger kite on the water.

Dimensions of your board

The size of your board also plays a role. The wider your board, the more buoyancy. A waveboard or directional board also requires a smaller kite. With little wind, a large board can be a solution. The so-called light windboards are ideal for sailing with less wind. Do you want to know how best to set your footstraps? Read our blog about adjusting straps & pads .

Type of kite

There are different types of kites on the market that affect the wind range. A freeriders allround kite generally has more wind range than a C-kite. You also have differences in typical Low-end kites, suitable for riding with little wind, and High-end kites that are suitable for strong winds.

Current

The current determines whether you car n take a larger or smaller kite. As a rule, you can keep in mind that when the wind is going the same way as the current, you need more square meters to maintain height. Conversely, you therefore need fewer meters.

On the North Sea, where we have the most kitesurfing spots in the Netherlands, the tide is flowing towards the North and the ebb current is towards the South. With wind from Southwest, it is best to kite surf with the tide going down to have as little trouble as possible from the current and with Northwest wind so exactly the opposite.

The right kite size

As you can read, the right kite size depends on several factors. (in this case it does matter 😉 As you become a more advanced kite surfer, you will know better which kite in which wind range suits you best. When in doubt, you can always ask a buddy which kite is best to inflate. Stay cool, stay safe!