Updated on October 28, 2020

Buying your first kiteboarding kite can be intimidating. You’ve likely progressed from using a training kite on land to bumming a kite off a friend. But now, it’s time to go all-in and buy your own kiteboarding kite! Everyone seems to have a different answer on what they think is the best kiteboarding kite, but it’s important to find the right kite for you as a beginner. If you are buying a kite online, the only way to guarantee the kite is in good condition is to buy a new one. In this article are some of the best kiteboarding kites for beginners. Check it out and get yourself on the water on your own terms — without relying on friends or a school for a kite.

Disclaimer: Is it your first time buying a kiteboarding kite? Don’t worry. We know that many of the technical details in this article may be confusing. Check out the “Things to Consider” and “Features Explained” sections below to help you make an educated decision.

For more of our top kiteboarding gear recommendations, check out the Best Kitesurfing Boards.

 

Quick Answer - The Best Kiteboarding Kites

  1. 2019 Slingshot Rally
  2. Liquid Force 2020 NV
  3. 2021 Cabrinha Contra
  4. 2020 Liquid Force Solo
  5. 2021 Duotone Rebel

 

Comparison Table - Best Kiteboarding Kites

For the best experience turn your device horizontally
NameHangtimeRiding StyleTurning SpeedPriceRatingReview
2019 Slingshot RallyLongFreestyle/ WakestyleQuick, Pivot Turns$$4.7Read Review
Liquid Force 2020 NVLongAll-AroundQuick, Pivot Turns$$$4.5Read Review
2021 Cabrinha ContraMediumFreerideMedium$$$4.4Read Review
2020 Liquid Force SoloMediumFreerideMedium$$$4.9Read Review
2021 Duotone RebelLongFreerideMedium - Quick$$4.7Read Review
NameHangtimeRiding StyleTurning SpeedPriceRatingReview
Want to learn more about a technical term? Check out our Features Explained section below.

Need buying advice? Take a look at these Things to Consider.

Reviews - The Best Kites for Kiteboarding

2019 Slingshot Rally

Specs
  • Riding Style: Freestyle/ Wakestyle
  • Shape: C Shape
  • Hangtime: Long
  • Turning Speed: Quick, Pivot Turns
  • Struts: 2
  • Available Sizes (meters): 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14
Features
  • Relaunching Is Easy And Gentle, Which Is Great For Beginners
  • Flys High But Allows For Very Soft Landings
  • Wingtips Allow For 3 Different Settings For Customizable Performance
  • Ability To Turn Quickly While Remaining Stable
  • Standard Dump Valve Allows For Quick Deflation

BEST FOR PIVOT TURNS

Do you like to turn quick and sharp? If so, a C-shaped kite is best for you. These types of kites are more aggressive. You’ll be able to jump higher and perform more loops in the air because of the shape of the kite. That being said, C-kites require more precise conditions in order to perform at their highest potential. This kite from Slingshot stays true to the original shape of kiteboarding kites. If you’ve been kitesurfing on older models of kites, you’ll feel much more comfortable on the Slingshot Rally.

Liquid Force 2020 NV

Specs
  • Riding Style: All-Around
  • Shape: Hybrid Bow
  • Hangtime: Long
  • Turning Speed: Quick, Pivot Turns
  • Struts: 3
  • Available Sizes (meters): 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.5, 12, 13.5, 15
Features
  • Very Responsive Turn Initiation And Feedback
  • Stable And Dependable In A Wide Variety Of Different Conditions
  • Triple Ripstop Canopy Material Is Durable And Protects Kite
  • 3 Strut System Allows For Performance In Many Different Riding Styles

BEST FOR DURABILITY

If you’re new to kiteboarding, it can be intimidating to purchase a new kite because you’ll fear ripping it. Fortunately, NV has redesigned this kite to be extremely durable. The frame is layered many times over and is constructed with Triple Ripstop material. The main advantage of this kite is its adaptability. As a beginner, you can try a wide variety of riding styles to see what fits you best. This kite can handle all of those different types, making it a kite you’ll use for years to come.

2021 Cabrinha Contra

Specs
  • Riding Style: Freeride
  • Shape: Hybrid Open C
  • Hangtime: Medium
  • Turning Speed: Medium
  • Struts: 3
  • Available Sizes (meters): 13, 15, 17, 19
Features
  • Very Responsive Kite That Performs Well In Light Wind Conditions
  • Great Stability Makes It Easy For Beginners To Learn With This Kite
  • Relaunching Is Easy And Gentle, Which Is Great For Beginners
  • Moderate Turning Speed Allows For Easier Control

BEST FOR LIGHT WIND DAYS

The Cabrinha is a much larger kite, which makes it ideal for days where the wind isn’t strong. Even though the kite is large, it feels much smaller because of how easy it is to control. Beginners will like this kite for a variety of reasons. First, relaunching is really smooth and simple. Second, the turns with this kite aren’t very aggressive. Third, because the kite is larger than most, you won’t be launched into the air in an uncontrollable way. If you want a versatile kite for light wind conditions, consider giving this one a shot.

2020 Liquid Force Solo

Specs
  • Riding Style: Freeride
  • Shape: Hybrid Bow
  • Hangtime: Medium
  • Turning Speed: Medium
  • Struts: 1
  • Available Sizes (meters): 5, 7, 9, 12, 15.5
  • Bridle: Multiple Configurations
Features
  • Triple Coated Ripstop Material Makes The Kite Very Durable
  • Wider Wingtips Give The Kite Strong Power
  • Lightweight Shape Allows The Kite To Perform In Light Wind Conditions
  • Multiple Bridle Configurations For Customizable Performance

BEST FOR LIGHTWEIGHT

The 2020 Liquid Force Solo was completely redesigned to make the kite lighter. This makes the kite much more forgiving and nimble in the air. It also will allow you to use the kite in lighter wind conditions. Reviewers rave about the control they have with this kite. The “sweet spot” of the kite is larger than most, which will keep your kite in the air and out of the water. Liquid Force is highly trusted by the kitesurfing community, and this kite builds upon that reputation.

2021 Duotone Rebel

Specs
  • Riding Style: Freeride
  • Shape: Delta
  • Hangtime: Long
  • Turning Speed: Medium - Quick
  • Struts: 5
  • Available Sizes (meters): 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15
  • Bridle: Multiple Configurations
Features
  • Extreme Stability Is Great For Beginners
  • Delta Hybrid Shape Is The Best Shape For Simple Relaunching
  • Kite Accelerates Slowly Allowing You To Immediately Control The Kite
  • Flies Well In A Wide Variety Of Wind Conditions
  • Multiple Bridle Configurations For Customizable Performance

BEST FOR BIG AIR

The Rebel is known as being one of the best kites out there for big air. When reviewers say that you’ll launch on this kite, they mean it. The kite will lift you, but return you to the water in a controllable way. Another highlight of this kite is its stability. The kite is built with 5 struts, which allows the kite to maintain stability in gusty wind conditions. Beginners will fall in love with the turning ability of the kite. If you’re just starting to get the hang of quick, sharp turns, this kite will allow for quick learning while remaining forgiving. If you’re a beginner who wants to get big air, this is a great option for you.

 

 

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A KITESURFING KITE

 

HANGTIME

Oftentimes beginner riders think that the larger the kite, the longer the hangtime. This is a misconception. What really impacts the hangtime is the shape of your kite. C-Shaped kites will boost you into the air quickly with a lot of power. However, they won’t glide as long in the air as delta or bow-shaped kites. Delta or bow shaped kites won’t boost as quickly, but they hang in the air for a long time. The best kites for big air riders, however, are hybrid shaped. These kites have both good boost and good hang time. 

RIDING STYLE

If you’re a beginner, chances are your style of riding is freeriding. These sorts of kites, paired with the right board, will allow you to try different types of riding. If you want to spend more time in the air, consider a freestyle or wakestyle kite. These kites don’t require as much effort to get into the air.

SIZE

Determining what size of kite to buy can be one of the most difficult things for beginners. There are three different things that you’ll want to consider when determining what size of kite you should buy. First and foremost, your weight. Second, the style of riding you prefer. Third, the average wind speed at the place you plan to use your kite at most. To make things easier on yourself, consider using this kite size calculator.

STRUTS

Struts are what give kites their shape. They are the rigid air chambers where the kite folds. Kites with more struts will be heavier but will keep their shape in high wind conditions. Nowadays, kites are being built with fewer and fewer struts to keep them lightweight. These kites require more power when the wind is strong. However, you won’t have trouble getting them into the air if the wind is light.

TURNING SPEED

How comfortable do you feel when kiteboarding? If you are progressing quickly, you’ll feel comfortable on a kite that can make quick, sharp turns. If you are just starting out, a kite with medium turning speed will be easier to control. 

 

 

SPECS AND FEATURES EXPLAINED

 

MULTIPLE BRIDLE CONFIGURATIONS

Bridles are the lines that connect you to your kiteboard. The benefit of having a kite with multiple configurations is that you can change the style of riding that you want to do. Most beginners will prefer a 4-line system, but as you progress you may want a 5-line system. 

RELAUNCHING IS EASY AND GENTLE

If you are a beginner, this is something you will want in your kite. Relaunching is the very beginning of a kiteboarding session, and chances are you’ll be relaunching a lot during your first sessions on the water.

 

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