Choosing your equipment to start kitesurfing after a course is not always easy. Contrary to popular belief, it is very important to choose the right kitesurfing equipment even as a beginner. First of all, you have to take into consideration the weather, climate and environmental conditions of your region. Then, make sure you choose a suitable and good quality kite surface. A good kite must be stable, which will ensure excellent support on the water. Indeed, the control and safety of your kite should not be overlooked. Also, for beginners it is not advisable to opt for a C-shape kite. They are considered to be too fast and far too technical. They are difficult to handle at first and are often reserved for freestyle tricks. They don’t offer much scope for other techniques.
Opt for hybrid kites
Hybrid wings have both the technical characteristics of C-shapes and flat wings (Bowkites or SLE). The latter is a wing with flanges. They are perfect for beginners and offer good performance and are affordable. In addition, they will allow you to make good progress. You will be confident, as safety is paramount when choosing a good kite. You will see that by using these kites, you will manage to achieve great feats and only then will you be able to really measure your abilities and change equipment.
Choosing new or used equipment?
To start out, it is probably best to opt for second-hand kitesurfing equipment, but in good condition. Make sure that the equipment is not too old and is not more than two years old. If you want to save money, it is best to choose a cheaper kite. However, if your budget allows it, don’t hesitate to invest in a brand new kite. However, there are some inexpensive packages that are great value for money. At least that way you won’t be disappointed. And whether you are buying new or second hand equipment, don’t hesitate to ask questions to the specialist shops. They will even be able to advise you on size, weight or other characteristics to consider that you may not be aware of, for example.
Choosing the right board
How to choose a board? Indeed, this question remains very difficult, but the main thing is to make sure to choose it according to your wing. Indeed, constraints of size and speed may arise. Once again, it is necessary to contact a professional. He or she will be able to ask you the necessary questions to help you choose your board. If you choose a board that is faster than your kite, you will feel that you are pulling it. Some experts say that it will get stuck in the middle of the window. It will be difficult to get upwind. On the other hand, if you choose a kite that is much faster than your board, you will feel as if you have to use all your strength to drag your kite all the time. It is recommended to start kitesurfing with a twin-tip model. This is an all terrain model, with which you can practice different tricks. There are also other types of boards on the market, such as freestyle, freeride, surf and wave race boards. Indeed, there is a multitude of equipment for kitesurfing. Make sure you choose a board that is long enough, measuring between 1m40 and 1m50, and that has a good width of between 41 and 45 cm. The length ensures stability and accessibility. This criterion must be taken into consideration. As for the width, it has an impact on the heading and the planning. A good kitesurfing board allows you to improve your skills. You can also choose a second-hand board if you can’t afford to buy a new one to start with.
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