Kitesurfing kites
Over the years, kitesurfing has seen a huge transformation. Early models like Flexifoil Ram Air Kites had limited wind range and were hazardous to use - making them difficult for beginning riders. However, Lead Edge Inflatable (LEI) kite designs provide increased safety measures with easy relaunch abilities across wide-ranging wind speeds. Additionally, modern control bars feature quick-release systems that allow users peace of mind as they can quickly depower their kit in any situation and land safely on the water's surface!
Kitesurfing kites come in sizes between 4m to 18m, and most riders with an average adult body weight of 80kgs will start riding with a 12m kitesurfing kite in about 14 knots of wind. When the wind reaches around 20 knots, they will drop to 9m. When the wind pushes to 30 knots, the 7m kite will be inflated. Most kite surfers will have a quiver of kites for different wind ranges, be it 10m, 8m and 6m or a 12m, 9m and 7m. Most kitesurfers will have kites with a good wind range and only overlap each other a little.
Kitesurfing kites come in different shapes. Some are long and thin and very hard to relaunch. These types of LEI kites are called high-aspect kites, and due to them flying relatively fast are great for jumping, but they do not produce good low-end pull. This is where a low-aspect kite comes in. A low-aspect LEI kite is short and fat and sits pretty low in the wind window. The high-aspect kites that are faster and fly right to the side of the wind window may jump well and tear upwind but will not relaunch quickly. An excellent lower-aspect kite will give the kite rider outstanding low-wind planning performance and relaunch much easier but will be slow and not jump that well. It depends on the type of kiteboarding discipline you doing and the wind you use it in, and, of course, your ability to get the kite surfing kite out of the water if it all goes wrong.
Kitesurfing kites are designed for optimal performance in the air. They come equipped with struts that keep the canopy taught and stable, aiding relaunch efforts off the water. The number of inflatable struts on a Kite directly affects its ability to handle wind conditions; too many make it heavy so it may struggle to stay up in light winds, while those specifically made for lighter winds have no or one strut instead – cutting down weight helps maintain manoeuvrability even when there's not much gust behind them! Generally speaking, all-around kites feature three inflatable struts as a delicate balance between a good response and great low-wind capability.
Kitesurfing can offer a wide range of experiences, and each requires its own specialized kite. For expert advice on which craft is best for you - be it wave riding, foiling or using a twin tip board - seek out Boardworx who have been at the forefront of this thrilling sport since day one!
The last thing to consider is the quality of the Kite. Duotone Kitesurfing kites are one of the very best manufacturers. Duotone kites have a long history of top-quality kites that have proven to win test after test and have a great resale value. Used kitesurfing kites are a great way of buying a quality kite at a cheaper or discounted price.
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