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.
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, for the 2008 season 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. 
1. Flat Kites Flat kites (also known as supported leading edge kites or bow kites) use a simple 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 and intermediate riders. Flat kites are operated on a four line control bar with a simple pulley system to facilitate turning the kite - unfortunately this does give heavier bar pressure. 2. Hybrid Kites Hybrid kites aim to provide the depower of a bow kite with the performance characteristics of a C kite. A bridle system is still used, but 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 much lighter bar pressure and the more responsive turning associated with C kites. 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. 3. C Kites C shape kites claim to offer the best performance characteristics for advanced riders. Whilst the depower range is not as good as Flat or Hybrid kites, the pull from the kite is more consistent making them a better choice for wakestyle and unhooked riding. All modern C kites now use a 5th line system for added safety and performance, with the 5th line running alongside the central leader line and then connected along the leading edge of the kite. The 5th line provides a much better safety and relaunch system, and increases the wind range of the kite. Once connected to the safety leash, the rider can unhook and let go of the bar at any time causing the 5th to engage and immediately kill the power of the kite until the rider is ready to relaunch. The kite can then be easily flipped onto its back for simple and fast relaunch.
Skill level... 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.
Kite Size... Most regular riders use 2 different kite sizes to cover a range of different wind speeds... 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. Return to the top Text and images Copyright © Session1 | 
