Although kiteboarding is relatively young, the sport has a wide variety of riding styles. The different types of boards are what allows riders to change their style from day to day. Kitesurfing is one of these styles, ideal for surfers who want to ride long, rolling waves without being locked into their board. Kitesurfing boards, however, are different from regular surfboards. Thanks to an epoxy foam core, they are lighter and easier to control in the air. This list features the five best kitesurfing boards. Snag yourself a new board and get out on the water!
For more of our top surfing gear recommendations, check out the Best Surfing Wetsuits.
Quick Answer - The Best Kitesurfing Boards
- Ocean Rodeo Jester
- Ocean Rodeo Duke
- Cabrinha 2019 S:Quad
- 2020 Slingshot Celero
- Slingshot Sports 2020 Tyrant
Comparison Table - Best Kitesurfing Boards
For the best experience turn your device horizontallyName | Fins | Nose | Tail | Traction | Price | Rating | Review |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ocean Rodeo Jester | 5 Options | Round | Round | Front Pad, Back Pad | $$ | 4.4 | Read Review |
Ocean Rodeo Duke | 5 Options | Round | Round | Front Pad, Back Pad | $$$ | 4.3 | Read Review |
Cabrinha 2019 S:Quad | 4 | Pointed | Rounded Squash | Back Pad (Front Pad Can Be Purchased Separately) | $$ | 4.6 | Read Review |
2020 Slingshot Celero | 3 | Pointed | Pointed | Front Pad, Back Pad | $$ | 4.7 | Read Review |
Slingshot Sports 2020 Tyrant | 3 | Pointed | Rounded Squash | Front Pad, Back Pad | $$$ | 4.8 | Read Review |
Name | Fins | Nose | Tail | Traction | Price | Rating | Review |
Reviews - The Best Boards for Kitesurfing
Ocean Rodeo Jester
Specs
- Color: Green/Black
- Size: 5’1”
- Fins: 5 Options
- Nose: Round
- Tail: Round
- Traction: Front Pad, Back Pad
Features
- Can Be Set Up With Different Fin Configurations For Customizable Performance
- More Lightweight And Nimble Design Makes The Board More Playful
- Small Construction Is Great For Freestyle Riding
- Thermo-Molded Skin On Board Can Handle Large Jumps
- Foot Strap Inserts Available In Board For Riders Who Want To Lock-In
BEST FOR FREESTYLE RIDING
The Ocean Rodeo Jester is more suited to freestyle riding than any other board on this list. It’s short and light, feeling more like other types of kiteboarding boards. There are five different slots for fins. This will allow you to customize how you want your board to feel. You can pop into the air much easier and land comfortably due to its foam construction. Reviewers love the playfulness of this board, which is why freestyle riders will fall in love with it.
Ocean Rodeo Duke
Specs
- Color: Orange/White
- Sizes: 5’4”
- Fins: 5 Options
- Nose: Round
- Tail: Round
- Traction: Front Pad, Back Pad
Features
- Can Be Set Up With Different Fin Configurations For Customizable Performance
- Rounded Shape Is More Forgiving For Beginners
- Easy To Ride And Very Stable Through Turns
- Durable Construction Makes The Board Long Lasting
- Foot Strap Inserts Available In Board For Riders Who Want To Lock-In
BEST FOR COMFORT
The Ocean Rodeo Duke is a great board for beginners. If you’re transitioning from other styles of kiteboarding to kitesurfing, this board is a great starting point. Its rounded construction is much more forgiving. Keep in mind that it may not be as easy to do quick, snap turns with this board. However, your turns will be much easier to control with this board as opposed to other boards on the list. The board is also thicker than others, which makes it very durable. Kitesurfers rave about the responsiveness of this board.
Cabrinha 2019 S:Quad
Specs
- Color: Wooden
- Sizes: 5’7”, 5’9”
- Fins: 4
- Nose: Pointed
- Tail: Rounded Squash
- Traction: Back Pad (Front Pad Can Be Purchased Separately)
Features
- 4 Fin Configuration Is Extremely Stable At High Speeds
- Bamboo Construction Keeps The Board Lightweight And Responsive
- Foot Strap Inserts Available In Board For Riders Who Want To Lock-In
- Board Accelerates Quickly On All Sorts Of Waves
- Bamboo Fins Are Lightweight Without Sacrificing Power
BEST FOR LIGHTWEIGHT PERFORMANCE
The construction of the Cabrinha S:Quad is really what sets it apart. It’s much lighter than other boards on the list, which allows you to twist, jump, and accelerate better than other boards on the list. Its pointed nose and round squash tail allow for sharp turns without losing control. The 4-fin configuration also helps the board maintain stability at high speeds. If you want a board that feels natural on the waves, check it out.
2020 Slingshot Celero
Specs
- Color: White/Blue
- Sizes: 5’6”, 5’8”, 5’11”
- Fins: 3
- Nose: Pointed
- Tail: Pointed
- Traction: Front Pad, Back Pad
Features
- Classic Shortboard Frame Makes The Board Extremely Stable And Easy To Ride
- Foot Strap Inserts Available In Board For Riders Who Want To Lock-In
- Traction Pad Has Diamond Pattern For Great Grip
- Board Is Heavier, Allowing It To Remain Stable In Choppy Conditions
BEST FOR STABILITY
The Celero is a very reliable kitesurfing board. It will perform well in a wide range of conditions, especially in small, choppy waves. If you are transitioning from surfing to kitesurfing, this board will allow for a smooth transition. It has a classic surfboard construction, which makes for easy learning. Another great feature of the board is its pointed tail. This sort of tail is great for quick, sharp turns that kitesurfers love. At the end of the day, the Celero is a board that you will feel confident on.
Slingshot Sports 2020 Tyrant
Specs
- Color: White/Blue
- Sizes: 5’8”, 6’0”
- Fins: 3
- Nose: Pointed
- Tail: Rounded Squash
- Traction: Front Pad, Back Pad
Features
- Rounded Squash Tail Has Tons Of Snap For Sharp, Quick Turns
- Traction Pad Has Corduroy Pattern For Great Grip
- Bamboo and Carbon Fiber Patches Add Durability In Key Areas Of Board
- Foot Strap Inserts Available In Board For Riders Who Want To Lock-In
BEST FOR BIG WAVES
The Tyrant is a kitesurfing board that people can’t stop raving about. The board was completely redesigned for 2020, making it more lightweight without sacrificing control. If you are going to be surfing in small, choppy waves, then the Celero (featured below) might be more for you. If you want to ride on some big, rolling waves, then look no further. This board will allow you to stay in control as you ride big waves. That being said, you will still be able to do quick, snap-like turns. Finally, this board is very durable. It may be the most expensive board on the list, but it will last for years.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A KITESURFING BOARD
FINS
Most kitesurfers prefer to set up their boards with 3 or 4 fins. A 3-fin setup is ideal for beginners because it allows a good balance of control, stability, and maneuverability. Having a fin that is located at the back of the board makes turning much more controlled. You’ll be able to do the quick, sharp turns that surfers love.
A 4-fin setup allows for much more acceleration and speed. Because there is no fin in the middle of the board, your turns will have more of an arched shape. The board will lock into all sorts of waves and accelerate on its own, whereas on a 3-fin setup, you’ll have to pump in order to speed up your board. Ultimately the setup of your fins comes down to personal preference.
NOSE
There are two different types of kitesurfing board noses on this list. The first is the rounded nose, which is better for beginners. The board will have more float and stability, especially in smaller waves. A pointed nose, on the other hand, allows for more board performance and quicker responsiveness.
SIZE
If you are a true beginner, a larger board is recommended. Your board will be much more stable, allowing you to remain in control throughout your session. Shorter boards, however, are more playful. You’ll be able to toss your board around with much more ease.
TAIL
There are three different types of kitesurfing tails on this list, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:
Pointed – Much better for larger waves. The board will really lock into the waves, however, this makes the board a bit more difficult to turn.
Rounded – Strikes a balance between Rounded Squash and Pointed. The traction is good, but you won’t be able to turn as sharply as you would with a rounded squash board.
Rounded Squash – Great for turns and speed, but you won’t have as much traction as other shaped boards. This type of tail is good for a wide variety of surf conditions.
TRACTION
The traction of your kitesurfing board is important because unlike other types of boards, you won’t have anything locking your feet in. Some kitesurfers can do without a front traction pad, but it’s recommended to have both a front and a back traction pad so you can really lock into your board.
SPECS AND FEATURES EXPLAINED
BOARD ACCELERATES QUICKLY
Nothing is worse than your kite accelerating while your board is left behind. A board with a 4-fin setup will keep up with your kite in a variety of wind and wave conditions.
DURABLE CONSTRUCTION
Surfboards and kitesurfing boards are quite similar in their shape, but kitesurfing boards are lighter due to their foam core. A board with durable construction protects this core better and makes the board less prone to snapping or being damaged.
FOOTSTRAP INSERTS AVAILABLE
All of the kitesurfing boards on the list allow for foot straps to be inserted. This will allow you to modify how you want to be attached to your board.
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