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Everything you need to choose the right gear — from kite sizing charts to wetsuit guides, written by our team.
Kitesurfing Formentera — Estany Pudent Lagoon Guide 2026
01 -- THE SPOT Why Formentera, Spain Is Worth the Trip 12-18 Avg wind (kts) May-Sep Peak season 20-24°C Water temp 3-4 hrs Typical session Formentera is the smallest inhabited island of the Balearics, and it's a secret gem for kitesurfing in the Mediterranean. Unlike crowded Ibiza, Formentera offers calm, tu...
Kitesurfing Impact Vest Guide 2026 — Safety & Fit
01 -- CRITERIA What to Look For 50-100 kg impact protection (J) XS-XXL Available sizes 2-5 Years durability 2026 Current season A proper kitesurfing impact vest isn't just about comfort -- it's your last line of defence against rib fractures, internal injuries, and collarbone breaks. Since 2003, we've watche...
How Long Does a Kitesurfing Kite Last? — Lifespan Guide
A quality kitesurfing kite lasts 3-7 years with proper care, or roughly 200-500 hours of active riding. The exact lifespan depends on how often you ride, the conditions you tackle, how well you maintain your gear, and whether you hit rocks, reefs, or power through heavy crashes. Some riders get a decade out of a single...
Kitesurfing vs Wing Foiling 2026 — Which Is Easier?
01 -- VERDICT Quick VerdictWing foiling is easier to learn initially -- most riders find their first full flights within 2-3 sessions and experience immediate progression. Kitesurfing demands more patience; the kite control curve is steeper, but you'll ride powered sooner. Choose wing foiling if you want to foil in wee...
Wetsuit Care & Maintenance Guide 2026 — Make It Last
01 -- CRITERIA What to Look For in Wetsuit Care 5-7 Years (proper care) 2-3 Rinses per season 15°C Max wash temp 100% Air dry (no heat) A quality wetsuit like the ION Amaze Amp or ION Element range is a serious investment. Whether you're riding in cold Scottish waters or the choppy Atlantic swells off Ibiza,...
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Kitesurfing Brouwersdam Zeeland — Spot Guide 2026
01 -- THE SPOT Why Brouwersdam -- Zeeland, Netherlands Is Worth the Trip 12-22 Avg wind (kts) Mar-Oct Peak season 8-14°C Water temp range 2-4 hrs Typical session Brouwersdam sits at the mouth of the Haringvliet, where the North Sea meets shallow inland waters--and that geography is exactly why it's become th...
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Windsurfing Lefkada — Vassiliki Spot Guide 2026
01 -- THE SPOT Why Lefkada -- Vassiliki, Greece Is Worth the Trip 12-25 Avg wind (kts) May-Oct Peak season 18-22°C Water temp 4-6hrs Typical session Vassiliki Bay in Lefkada is the reason thousands of European windsurfers plan their summers around Greece. The bay's unique geography--mountains to the west, op...
Fanatic SUP vs JP Australia SUP 2026 — Brand Comparison
01 -- VERDICT Quick VerdictJP Australia takes the crown for technical riders and performance racing, with their track-record in foiling and flat-water speed. **Fanatic excels for all-round recreational paddlers** seeking rugged versatility and stability across varied water conditions. Both are world-class; your choice ...
Can You Kitesurf in Rain? — Safety & Gear Advice
Yes, you can kitesurf in rain--and it's generally safe. Rain itself doesn't make kitesurfing dangerous; what matters is wind consistency, water temperature, and your ability to see the shore and other water users. Many experienced riders enjoy the unique feel of rain sessions, but planning and the right gear make all t...
How to Store Your Kite for Winter — Off-Season Care Guide
The golden rule: keep your kite dry, cool, and out of direct sunlight. Before winter storage, rinse the kite with fresh water, deflate the bladder completely, and store it flat or rolled loosely in a dedicated bag. This simple approach prevents UV damage, fabric rot, and line tangling that can ruin your gear during mon...
Duotone vs Cabrinha Kite Bars 2026 — Which Is Better?
01 -- VERDICT Quick VerdictDuotone edges out Cabrinha for most riders in 2026--sharper bar feel, lighter weight, and better depower throw at comparable price. Cabrinha wins if you prioritise durability and simplicity. For technical progression and freestyle, Duotone. For cruising and all-day comfort, Cabrinha. 2 Br...
How to Choose a Kite Bar — Line Length, Safety, Compatibility
The best kite bar for you depends on three core factors: boom length (matched to your kite sizes), depower range (typically 25-30% of total throw), and safety features that suit your experience level. Most riders stick with one bar across a quiver of kites--so compatibility across your full range is more important than...
How to Care for a Wetsuit — Washing, Drying & Storage
The simplest answer: rinse your wetsuit in fresh water immediately after every session, hand wash it with cool water and mild soap every month or two, and always air dry it away from direct heat and sunlight. This three-step routine--rinse, wash, dry--will keep your suit supple, odour-free, and usable for 5-7 years ins...
Can Beginners Windsurf Alone? — Safety & Learning Guide
Short answer: yes, but not immediately. A beginner who's completed 10-20 hours of instruction in light wind (8-12 knots) on a shallow, flat-water bay can safely windsurf alone -- provided they follow strict safety protocols, check conditions beforehand, and stick to familiar spots. The key is knowing your limits and ne...
What Age Can Children Learn to Kitesurf? — Junior Guide
Most children can begin learning to kitesurf between ages 10 and 12, provided they have qualified instruction, appropriate-sized gear, and realistic expectations. There's no hard minimum age--some gifted, strong swimmers as young as 8 have succeeded--but 10-12 is where physical strength, water confidence, and cognitive...
How Much Does Kitesurfing Cost Per Year? — Full Cost Guide
Kitesurfing isn't cheap, but it's far more affordable than most people assume. Once you've bought your first quiver and wetsuit, ongoing costs are roughly €1,500-€3,500 per year for a regular rider who travels occasionally. That includes new gear, maintenance, lessons for friends, and fuel to the best spots. 01 -- FUL...
What Is Freestyle Kitesurfing? — Tricks, Styles Explained
Freestyle kitesurfing is a discipline where you perform aerial tricks, handle passes, and stylish manoeuvres with your kite and board. Unlike wave riding or racing, freestyle is about progressing through a technical skillset: you master one trick, then build on it. You'll spend time in the flats, working your way up fr...
What Is Wave Kitesurfing? — Surfing with a Kite Explained
Wave kitesurfing is riding ocean swells and waves whilst controlling a power kite, blending the flow of traditional surfing with the control and pop of a kitesurfing kite. You're not relying on the kite for forward momentum across flat water--instead, you're using it to generate lift, speed, and tricks as you ride real...
What Is Foil Kiting? — Hydrofoil Kitesurfing Explained
Foil kiting--or hydrofoil kitesurfing--is a discipline where you ride a kitesurfing board fitted with a hydrofoil underneath. The foil (a wing-shaped structure) generates lift as you move, lifting the board and rider above the water's surface. Once airborne, there's dramatically less friction, so you can ride in lighte...
How Many Knots Do You Need to Kitesurf? — Wind Guide
Most kitesurfers need between 10-25 knots of wind to get going, though the exact range depends on your kite size, body weight, and experience level. Lighter riders or those on larger kites can start in as little as 7-8 knots; heavier riders or those on smaller kites typically need 15+ knots. In short: if the wind is st...