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Guides & Expert Tips
Everything you need to choose the right gear — from kite sizing charts to wetsuit guides, written by our team.
Best Wetsuits for Kitesurfing 2026 — Top 5
01 -- CRITERIA What to Look For in a Kitesurfing Wetsuit 3-5mm Thickness range 4 Key materials €150-400 Typical price range 12-24°C Water temp range Kitesurfing wetsuits aren't like regular swimming suits. You're being dragged across the water at speed, battling impact when you fall, and staying in for hours...
Cabrinha Switchblade vs Duotone Evo 2026
01 -- VERDICT Quick VerdictThe Duotone Evo SLS 2026 edges ahead for most riders: it's more forgiving, delivers better low-end grunt, and feels planted in marginal wind. The Cabrinha Switchblade Apex 2026, however, is the choice if you prioritise drift, playfulness, and responsive turning--it's a true freestyle-freeride...
Best Windsurf Sails 2026 — Top Picks by Category
01 -- CRITERIA What to Look For 10-25 Wind range (kts) 3.7-5.8 Sail sizes (m²) 5 Top picks compared 2026 Season Choosing the best windsurf sail 2026 means matching three essentials: your skill level, your local wind conditions, and what you actually want to do on the water. A freeride sail prioritises balanc...
Duotone Evo vs Rebel — Which Kite Is Right for You?
01 -- VERDICT Quick VerdictChoose the Duotone Evo SLS 2026 if you want all-round freeride performance with effortless speed and stability. Pick the Duotone Rebel SLS 2025 if you prioritise low-end grunt, extreme power delivery, and lock-in hold in variable wind. Both are outstanding kites -- the Evo is more forgiving a...
Windsurfing in El Gouna Egypt — Spot Guide
El Gouna, on Egypt's Red Sea coast, is one of Europe's most accessible windsurfing destinations and a genuine year-round thermal wind factory. The spot delivers consistent 12-20 knot afternoon thermals, flat to choppy lagoon water depending on season, and genuinely warm conditions--you'll windsurfing in shorts most of ...
Best Wing Foil Spots in Europe — Top 10 Guide
Europe has some of the world's most accessible and consistent wing foil spots. Tarifa in southern Spain, Leucate on the French coast, and Vassiliki in Greece lead the pack with reliable wind, shallow launch zones, and thriving communities. Whether you're a beginner or advanced, these locations offer the conditions and ...
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Kitesurfing in Dakhla Morocco — Lagoon & Wind Guide
Kitesurfing in Dakhla, Morocco is an extraordinary experience: the lagoon offers sheltered, shallow warm water, consistent Atlantic trade winds blow year-round, and you'll find everything from flatwater freestyle spots to wave riding in open ocean. It's one of Africa's premier destinations, attracting riders of all lev...
Windsurfing at Lake Garda — Spot & Wind Guide
Lake Garda is Europe's most consistent inland windsurfing destination, offering reliable thermal winds from spring through autumn, multiple launch spots for all skill levels, and a vibrant rider community. Whether you're chasing flat-water freestyle, waves, or foiling, Garda delivers--and the season runs longer than mo...
Kitesurfing in Fuerteventura — Spot & Wind Guide
Fuerteventura is one of Europe's most reliable kitesurfing destinations, with steady north-east trade winds blowing 12-25 knots throughout the year. The island's exposed coastline and shallow lagoons create perfect conditions for beginners and intermediates, whilst reef-lined breaks challenge the advanced crew. Whether...
Kitesurfing in Tarifa — Complete Spot Guide 2026
Tarifa, nestled at Spain's southern tip where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean, is Europe's most consistent and accessible kitesurfing destination. With trade winds that blow 300+ days annually, beginner-friendly shallow waters, and a world-class infrastructure of schools and rental shops, Tarifa attracts kiters of...
Best Harness for Kitesurfing 2026 — Waist vs Seat
01 -- CRITERIA What to Look For 2 Main harness types €120-500 Typical price range 5-10 Years durability 2026 Season A kite harness is your connection to the board -- it transfers power from the kite to your body and bar control. After 20+ years in the sport and helping thousands of customers, I've learned th...
Kiteboard Size Guide — By Weight & Riding Style
Your kiteboard size is determined by three factors: your body weight, your riding style, and local wind conditions. As a general rule, multiply your weight (in kg) by 1.5-2.0 to find your board size in litres. Freestyle and light-wind riders lean toward 1.5, while wave riders and heavier riders lean toward 2.0. Wind st...
Wing Foil Beginners Guide — Everything You Need to Know
Wing foiling is one of the most rewarding water sports to learn because it combines the freedom of wind-powered flight with accessibility--you need less wind than kitesurfing, smaller spaces than windsurfing, and the learning curve is faster than you'd expect. We've taught dozens of customers at Surf Store to wing foil...
Windsurf Sail Size Guide — Weight & Wind Chart
Your windsurf sail size is determined by three factors: your body weight, the wind speed at your spot, and your skill level. As a rule of thumb, heavier riders need larger sails, stronger winds require smaller ones, and beginners often prefer one size up for easier control and early planing. Get this right, and you'll ...
How to Choose a Wetsuit — Temperature & Fit Guide
Choosing the right wetsuit comes down to two things: water temperature and fit. Pick the wrong thickness and you'll either freeze or overheat; get the fit wrong and water flushing and chafing will ruin your session. We've been fitting riders since 2003, and the good news is the logic is straightforward once you know it...
Best Kites for Beginners 2026 — Complete Guide
01 -- CRITERIA What to Look For in a Beginner Kite 12-20 Ideal wind range (kts) 12-15 Best starter size (m) 4 Top beginner models 2026 Latest season Choosing the best beginner kite comes down to five critical factors that separate forgiving, confidence-building designs from advanced freestyle machines. I've ...
Wing Foil Beginner Guide - Everything You Need to Know
Wing foiling is the fastest-growing watersport in the world. This beginner guide covers everything from equipment selection to your first flights on the water.
Complete Kitesurfing Gear Checklist - What Equipment Do You Need?
Starting kitesurfing? Here is everything you need. From kites and boards to harnesses, wetsuits, and safety gear — your complete equipment checklist with buying advice.
Kite Size Chart - What Size Kite Do I Need?
Not sure what size kite you need? Use our comprehensive kite size chart and calculator to find the perfect kite for your weight and local wind conditions.
Best Kiteboard for Beginners - Complete Guide
Choosing your first kiteboard can be overwhelming. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about board types, sizes, and features to find the perfect beginner kiteboard.