Beginner Kite Gear Recommendations
Kites - Cabrinha Moto X and Switchblade
Cabrinha has several models that are suitable for beginner kiters and my most common recommendations are the Moto X and Switchblade. Both kites relaunch easily and offer maximum upwind ability, which will help you learn to kite independently as quickly as possible. The new 03 Moto X is very forgiving to handle, with recent updates helping the kite to go upwind better and jump higher. The Switchblade is one of the longest-running models in the industry, and its predictable handling and explosive power for jumping make for a great model than you can learn and progress on. Both models offer great pop and hang-time when jumping, and make novice riders feel accomplished early on in their progression. The number of struts is the biggest difference between the two kites, as the Moto X is a 3-strut design and the Switchblade has 5. Personally, I prefer the Moto X due to its fast-steering characteristics and light bar pressure. The Switchblade’s 5-strut design maximizes jumping power, while also providing a stiff and solid frame for all-around handling.
Boards - Cabrinha Spectrum, Ace, Stylus, XO
Your ideal board depends on body size, local conditions and long-term goals. The Spectrum (pictured) is the most popular for beginners and also remains very fun to ride as you progress. The Stylus (and larger-size Spectrum) are larger platforms that will maximize your pace of progression, and I’d recommend these especially for larger riders and lighter-wind areas. These large boards maintain your ride in the lightest possible winds and go upwind with ease, while having enough performance to have a place in your board quiver as you improve. The smaller-size Spectrum boards go upwind well, are reasonably priced, and are perfect for riders ~75kg and below in locations with consistent wind. Fast-learning, smaller riders may prefer the Ace & Ace Hybrid, and there is an XO board made specifically for female riders. The Ace and XO are higher-performance shapes that can handle big jumps and feel more comfortable in high winds. The XO features a softer flex pattern and narrower stance options for female riders. The Ace Hyrbid is my preferred model for free-ride twin tip sessions. I felt comfortable riding fast and jumping as high as possible during my first session on the board!
Harness - Dakine Pyro and Wahine
I recommend using a harness with lumbar support for kiteboarding. I use Dakine’s most-supportive Pyro shell and they also offer a women’s-specific model, the Wahine. The Pyro has a hard-shell back support panel which is surrounded by memory foam. I feel that it’s the best balance of comfort and support and the memory foam helps customize the fit to your body over time. The Wahine harness features a composite flex shell on the back panel, memory foam panels throughout the shell and a silicon graphic on the interior that helps keep the harness from riding up. I feel that most riders will be comfortable with any of these harnesses and many people that opt for the cheaper models often regret choosing a soft-shell harness and end up upgrading eventually. These harnesses are sold without a spreader bar and I recommend the Dakine Connect Spreader Bar for any of these shells. The Connect Kite Bar is most popular for twin-tip riders, while those looking to ride surfboards and foils prefer the sliding rope option on the Connect Slider. Harnesses are sold without a kite leash and the Dakine Kite Leash Shorty works well for all disciplines.
Pyro Harness Wahine Harness Kite Leash Shorty Connect Spreader Bar
Control Bar - Cabrinha Operating System
Cabrinha’s new Operating System control bar has all the latest features and is intuitive to use. I started using this bar with my first Cabrinha kites in January 2023 and have already logged over 100 hours on the water. There are two different bar sizes that correlate to each kite size: S/M (42-50cm) / M/L (47-55cm). I feel that the simplicity of the Trimlite stainless steel cleat system results in lower chances of failure compared to more complex depower systems. I most often use the S/M bar with 22m lines, which steer and loop faster compared to standard 24m lines. The slightly shorter lines are ideal for wave riding and kite foiling, both of which involve quick direction changes with the kite. I like to remove the 2m extensions and run 20m lines with my 6m Drifter. 20m lines loop and steer even faster and help smaller size kites feel less “twitchy” in the sky.
iKitesurf Pro Membership
iKitesurf.com offers wind forecasts and real-time wind meters. I feel that their $10/month pro membership is well worth it, even for those who can only kite once or twice a month. The wind meters on the pro version update every 5-10 minutes and are located in ideal locations throughout the states and even internationally. There is also a pro forecast included, which has a writeup for each region of the country followed by daily forecast tables for the most popular riding spots. Having the pro membership will save you time and gas money since you’ll know exactly what the wind is doing before you head out to your kite spot. The meters will give you insight into which kite size to rig and whether the wind is building, fading, or holding steady. The meters included on the pro membership also show gust and lull values, which can help you gauge wind quality before deciding whether to drive to a particular location.
Local Riding Spot Considerations
It’s important to consider your local conditions when selecting your gear. Historical wind statistics are available at iKitesurf.com and can help you decide which kite sizes you might use most often. Another consideration is whether you’ll be riding flat water or ocean conditions. I live in close proximity to the ocean and wanted to prioritize riding a surfboard in waves when I picked up the sport. If you’re interested in riding waves, I’d consider a kite like the Cabrinha Drifter or Moto X, which will be more stable in the air and better suited for kiting in surf. For those living further inland or near spots with barrier islands or jetties to create flat water, it might be better to choose a twin-tip board and a kite like the Cabrinha Moto X, Switchblade or Nitro. I am well-versed in all kite disciplines and knowledgeable about each of the various kite and board options for both my partner brands and others.
