Modern kite surfing kites are exceptionally advanced and fulfil specific design criteria that allow them to be safely used on the water.

• Water relaunchable: if the kite crashes it can easily be relaunched off the water surface.
• Performance: the kite aerodynamics facilitates turning, jumping and efficient upwind riding.
• Control: the power of the kite can be effectively controlled to enable a wide wind range.
• Safety: the kite can be instantly depowered using an easily activated safety system.

There are currently three distinct types of kite surfing kites that fulfil these criteria.

1. Flat Inflatable Kites
2. Hybrid Inflatable Kites
3. C Inflatable Kites

Inflatable Kites...

Leading Edge Inflatable kites (LEIs) consist of a single skin canopy with an inflatable leading edge and a number of inflatable struts providing a rigid structure. The leading edge and strut bladders are inflated prior to use to create a rigid structure. The air filled bladders enable the kite to be easily relaunched if crashed into the water because the kite floats on the surface. LEIs have a reputation for high performance and easy water relaunch with post 2006 kites being leagues ahead of older models.

Previously the kite industry has produced 3 distinct types of LEI kites as listed below. However, since 2008 many manufactures are aiming to produce kites that offer the best performance attributes associated with each type of kite. The descriptions listed below are merely a guide to the different types of kite you may encounter when looking to purchase a new or secondhand kite.

Flat kites (also known as bow kites) use a bridle system to support the leading edge, allowing the kite to have a much flatter shape, rather than the more conventional C shape kites of previous years. The flat shape gives a larger wind range and near 100% depower by merely letting go of the bar. Since their launch late 2005, flat style kites have gained a huge market share due to the safety and convenience associated with a much larger depower range, and have become the obvious choice for beginner through to advanced riders. Flat kites are operated on a four line control bar with a simple pulley system to facilitate turning the kite. Relaunch is generally effortless - pulling on a back line will allow the kite to instantly flip over and slide to the edge of the wind window.

Hybrid kites (also known as supported leading edge kites) aim to provide the depower of a bow kite with the performance characteristics of a C kite. A bridle system is still commonly used, but is normally simpler than that used on Flat Kites and normally only attaches to the front lines of the kite. The rear lines are attached as per a conventional C kite and the control bar operates without a pulley system, giving lighter bar pressure and more responsive turning. In reality, the depower range is not as extreme as a flat kite, but riders who have previously ridden C kites, will appreciate the familiar handling characteristics with the kite power being more progressive as the bar is sheeted in or out, rather than the on / off feel associated with flat kites.

C Kites feature a very simple 4 line system with no bridles or pulleys attached to the leading edge of the kite. Whilst the depower range is not as good as Flat or Hybrid kites, the pull from the kite is a little more consistent, so they can be a better choice for advanced wakestyle and unhooked riding. However, their ability to handle gusty winds and the ease of water relaunching is compromised by the lack of leading edge support. All modern C kites now use a 5th line system for improved safety and performance; the main benefits being increased leading edge support for improved kite stability and more consistent water relaunch ability.

Kite choice is very important and will determine how quickly (and safely) you will progress through the sport. Every brand has a kite in their range aimed at learners and these will help you progress much faster through the sport.

• Beginner / intermediate kites are designed to provide safety, performance and convenience so that riders can safely and easily progress through the sport. They generally have a lower aspect ratio to make them stable and predictable. Low aspect ratio kites are also easier to relaunch off the water after a crash so offer increased confidence and more riding time. The new flat / hybrid style LEI kites now make kite surfing safer, easier to learn, and accessible to the everyone due to incredible wind range and near 100% depower.
• Advanced kites generally have a higher aspect ratio and increased turning rate.  They will react faster to rider input and will generate larger amounts of lift meaning additional control and skill is required from the rider.

Most regular riders use 2 different kite sizes to cover a range of different wind speeds...

• A light to moderate wind kite - normally 11 - 13m
• A moderate to high wind kite - normally 9m or less

Riders looking to purchase one kite should choose an 11 - 13m. This is the 'standard' size that every rider should have, although the exact size depends on rider weight and local conditions. You can then add to your quiver at a later date by choosing a high wind kite.

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