Kiteboarding is an extreme watersport that is the combination of windsurfing, surfing, snowboarding, skateboarding, and paragliding.
It is one of the most popular watersports that caught the interest of many. And if you are one of them, before you become an excellent kiteboarder, you must first invest in a premium-quality kiteboard.
Looking for the best kiteboard in the market can be challenging. There are lots of options to choose from and factors to consider. If you are buying for the first time or just need a refresher, you’ll find out all you need to know in buying the best kiteboard here.
Table of Contents
Top 5 Best Kiteboards in Review
Kiteboarding is a fun water activity that you can try this summer. It requires a minimum wind speed before you can glide through the water and be carried by the wind.
A large hand-controlled kite is what you need to begin kiteboarding. Since this is a popular watersport, there are lots of offers on the market. The following are the best kiteboards we’ve ranked according to durability, functionality, and budget.
- Thurso Surf Kiteboard
- 2020 X Caliber Wood by Cabrinha
- Phish Freeride Kiteboard by Progressive Boards
- Misfit Kiteboard by Slingshot Sports
- SCI-Fly Kiteboard by Slingshot Sports
#1. Thurso Surf Kiteboard – Best Intermediate Kiteboard
Specifications:
- Size: 5 feet
- Weight: 16 pounds
- Ideal for: Beginner Riders
Durable construction, strategic design, and premium quality, this kiteboard by Thurso Surf is the best kiteboard to learn the basics of kiteboarding.
Thanks to the innovative design of the Aero kiteboard, this product offers an optimal comfort and the best kiteboarding experience.
This kiteboard features a Kevlar strip and full light wood core to level up the kiteboarding experience of the rider.
The board is lightweight yet durable. Its ultra-lightweight will ensure that it will never cause hindrance to the rider. Bringing this board to the beach will never be a problem. You can easily store it at the back of your car.
It also offers a fantastic pop, which is vital to learn as an intermediate rider. Its high built quality indicates years of service. This kiteboard can withstand abuse and heavy-duty use in the long run.
Furthermore, this kiteboard can offer a wide range of tricks and maneuvers to perform regardless of the water condition. Thanks to the optimal control that you will gain with this board, you will gain confidence while in the sea and ride the best wind and wave that you can.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Offers optimal control | Low upwind drive |
| Durable construction |
|
| Ideal for beginners |
|
| Lightweight |
|
#2. 2020 X Caliber Wood by Cabrinha – Best Freestyle Kiteboard
Specifications:
- Size: 4.52 feet
- Ideal for: Beginners to intermediate riders
This year’s latest freestyle kiteboard is this lightweight and soft X Caliber wood by Cabrinha. For freestylers and beginners, this is the best kiteboard to use.
Cabrinha is best known for their premium-quality kiteboards that provide the best performance. They also offer boards that can take your kiteboarding skills to the next level.
This kiteboard is one of their best collections. It is easy to pop and allows you to land smoothly and softly.
Whether you’re an intermediate rider or an advanced rider, this kiteboard can perform well regardless of the water and wind condition.
The board is lightweight, allowing you to carry it anywhere you want. Its solid construction offers superior durability. The natural wood core indicates service for years to come.
Albeit it takes the same shape as a carbon kiteboard, rest assured that it gives an entirely different feeling. Thanks to its wood structure, it allows the rider to glide smoothly even if the water is rough.
Its improved edge will give you a better pop, and in freestyle, pop is the most important.
For the upwind drive, rest assured that this board can offer the best upwind drive there is. Its early planning lift, low spin weight, and solid construction make it an appealing choice to riders who want to advance their skills in kiteboarding.
Loading off the back foot is not a problem; this kiteboard features quad channels in the tips for an improved grip and high performance.
To sum it all, this Cabrinha board is an appealing choice thanks to its optimal boarding, undefeatable design, and solid construction. If you want a kiteboard that can serve you for years to come, this model is for you.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great for beginners and advanced riders | Short warranty period |
| Offers high upwind drive |
|
| Solid construction |
|
| Lightweight |
|
#3. Phish Freeride Kiteboard by Progressive Boards – Best Beginner Kiteboard
Specifications:
- Size: 4.82 feet
- Weight: 20 pounds
- Ideal for: Beginner riders
Take a look at this stylish kiteboard with its blue-gray modern hip design. It’s one of the well-designed kiteboards that we have in this list, and it almost looks as if it’s been customized!
The Progressive Boards Phish freeride kiteboard is the perfect fit for beginners with its optimal construction, efficient design, and affordable price.
This all-around board is perfect for any of your kiteboarding conditions. It can handle choppy waters, and by giving you optimal control when riding the board, rest assured that you can maintain your balance while gliding.
The Paulownia wood core of this kiteboard is a clear indication of its durability. Rest assured that this kiteboard can last for years to come and withstand heavy-duty use.
It also features ABS side rails and stainless-steel rails for great stability. This board is a perfect choice if you’re want to perform a freeride style.
It offers a high upwind drive. Doing chops with this kiteboard has never been more fun.
Since it has large fins, rest assured that it is easy to ride and can be used even in light wind conditions.
The package includes the fins, handle, and footpads.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can be used in rough, choppy waters | The painting easily comes off |
| Can be used in light wind conditions | |
| Offers high upwind drive |
|
| Easy to ride |
|
#4. 2020 Misfit Kiteboard by Slingshot Sports – Best Dried Kiteboard
Specifications:
- Size: 4 feet
- Weight: 15 pounds
- Ideal for: Advanced riders
If you are a beginner, the 2020 misfit kiteboard by Slingshot Sports is precisely what you need. This board is easy to ride and allows you to progress as a rider. If you want to unlock an intermediate skill level, this kiteboard is the best board to practice with.
Its solid wood construction is an indication that this kiteboard can serve you for years to come. This board is made of rugged yet lightweight Koroyd material.
The stiff flex of the board will allow you to gain more control over the board when gliding through the waters. It also features a bottom profile and mild rocker, giving you high upwind drive and awesome chops.
The high-tech Korroyd tips are light and help to increase the speed of the board without losing the grip.
For those who are looking for the perfect kiteboard for a beginner, this is one of the best kiteboards to choose from.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can slice through choppy waters | Stability issues |
| Lightweight and durable | Smaller fins |
| Perfect for beginners |
|
#5. 2020 SCI-Fly Kiteboard by Slingshot Sports – Best Overall Kitesurf Board
Specifications:
- Size: 4.8 feet
- Weight: 15 pounds
- Ideal for: Advanced Riders
A new year means a new design for Slingshot Sports. If you are a fan of this kiteboard manufacturer, take a good look at the Slingshot Sports 2020 SCI-Fly.
Thanks to its new and solid construction, innovative design, and efficient fins, this kiteboard is super-efficient and agile that can help you to level up your kiteboarding experience this year.
The new construction makes this board more lightweight compared to its previous models. It also offers optimal control when riding the board. In that way, the connection between you and your kitesurf is enhanced, even in rough water conditions.
The kiteboard’s deck pad is cushy to provide optimal comfort when you’re riding. Its strategic design is to ensure that you don’t lose grip of the board when you’re riding.
Not to mention that this board is shorter, too. It means that you can perform different tricks and maneuvers. It can also perform aerial tricks and other skate-style surfing techniques. If you want to enhance your freeriding abilities, this is the right board to purchase.
Take a look at the parallel rail outline that helps to produce an awesome pop and also helps in edging. The high rocker is built to improve your landings. This innovative design helps you to prevent nose-diving.
Innovation takes this kiteboard to the next level. Now you can perform mid-air with this kiteboard. It features a top and lower grab so you won’t lose your grip while on the water.
The chopped nose of the kiteboard is designed to lower the swing weight of many folds.
From tip to tip, this kiteboard is impressive kiteboarding equipment. If you want the best kitesurf board, then you should consider this product. It is the newest and most versatile board that you can find in the market.
This kiteboard is best for advanced riders who want to enhance their skills in the long run.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great for performing mid-air tricks | Hard to balance |
| Lightweight and durable |
|
| Offers optimal control |
|
| Solid construction |
|
Top Pick – Best Kiteboard
For this review, our top pick for the best kiteboard is the THURFO Surf intermediate kiteboard. This is the best kiteboard to choose whether you’re still a beginner or an advanced rider.
THURFO Surf also has a reputation for producing premium-quality kiteboards over the years. They have excellent customer service that will give you assistance any time you need help.
Going back to the board, its innovative design and ultra-lightweight will take your kiteboarding experience to the next level. If you want a board that can withstand heavy-duty use for everyday practice and a board that you can also take to race courses, this is the right board for you.
The THURFO Surf intermediate kiteboard is easy to use. It also offers a high upwind drive. The board is beginner-friendly and freestyle-friendly. Its strategic design helps you to prevent nose-diving in the long run. It is built to last for a long time.
The board has enough tech and performance that can be used by a beginner to learn the basics and an advanced rider who wanted to perform mid-air tricks.
Overall, with its impressive design and affordable price, this board is a good investment for beginner to intermediate riders of kiteboarding.
What is Kiteboarding?
Kiteboarding is also known as kitesurfing. This watersport is extreme and requires an ample amount of practice before you can gain your momentum on the water and wind.
The premise of this watersport is simple. You need to attach yourself to a large, hand-operated kite and then strap your feet to the kiteboard. From then on, you will rely on the power of the wind to help you glide over the waters.
However, the execution of kiteboarding can be a little tricky. With lots of practice and sunscreen, you’ll be able to synthesize three of the most common watersports into one: wakeboarding, surfing, and windsurfing.
Kiteboarding is one of the most difficult, yet coolest water activity that you can try this summer.
Short History of Kiteboarding
History books trace back the first use of the kites 2800 years ago in China. At first, it was used for sending messages, measuring distance, and testing the wind speed. As years passed by, kites have become a vital part of different sports and fun-filled activities that many people are engaged into.
The first patent for kitesurfing was by Gijsbertus Adrianus Panhuise way back in October 1977. The patent was all about a water sport that makes use of a floating board where the pilot will stand up and let the wind pull him with the use of a parachute type tied to his harness. However, this patent didn’t make much sound and stir much interest from people. It took a few years before it was sensationalized by many.
Kiteboarding was made famous by the Legaignoux brothers, Bruno and Dominique, way back in 1984. They introduced the first inflatable kite to the public, and the following year, they presented a demo of a prototype at the Brest International Speed Week before applying for a patent.
Then in 1997, the partnership between Neil Pryde and the Legaignoux brothers have generated a number of kites. These kites feature a simple bridle system and inflatable tubes to assist the re-launching of the rider. Their bow kite design was introduced after a few years after.
And this day, this watersport has become popular and the modern-day kitesurfing that we know of.
Buying the Best Kiteboard – Buyer’s Guide
Kiteboarding will take your summer to the next level. If you want to be a good rider, you must equip yourself with the best kiteboard.
Buying the best kiteboard in the market isn’t as easy as it sounds. You might want to invest your money in a board that will help you to unlock new kiteboarding skills and help you to become a skilled rider.
Below is a comprehensive buying guide that will help you choose the best kiteboard in the market. It will serve as your guide to narrow down your choices and choose only the best board that matches your skills.
Types of Kiteboards
The following are the three common types of kiteboards that are available in the market:
#1. Twin-Tip Kiteboards
This is one of the most common kiteboards that you can find in the market. This type of kiteboard offers the best versatility and easiness of use, making it an ideal choice for beginners.
Also, twin-tip kiteboards are a delight to use for advanced riders thanks to their versatility.
As the name implies, twin-tip boards have symmetrical tail and tip. This strategic design allows you to ride the board in any direction.
Twin-tip boards are best for wake-style riding and freeriding.
These models usually come with foot straps and pads to give you optimal control of the kiteboard and increase the stability.
It has concave bottoms and channels that allow you to heighten the speed of the board while gliding across the water.
It’s also the best kiteboard to choose as it can offer the best air time, allowing you to do any kiteboarding tricks.
#2. Foil Boards
This type of kiteboard is designed for course race boarding. Advanced riders who participate in competitions usually own a foil board.
Foil boards are designed to offer exceptional high speed and optimal control. It features a hydrodynamical wing that will allow you to level up your game in the water.
This kiteboard can also float even in rough, choppy waters without catching an edge. The drag on the board’s ride is eliminated, and the degree of speed is unbelievable, even if there is an only light wind.
Furthermore, it is easy to ride a foil board compared to a twin-tip board and kitesurf board. It does not take too much of your energy and allows you to gain optimal control.
Using this board will also allow you to control its position and maneuver it; however, you like, at a high wind speed rate.
For professional racers who are looking for kiteboards that can help them win the game and improve their skills, this is the best type of kiteboards for you.
#3. Kitesurf Boards
This type of board is almost similar to surfboards. The outline looks the same, but there are some significant modifications that create a thin line of separation from surfing boards.
A kitesurf board is narrow and has a smaller profile if you compare it with a surfboard. Because of this compact design, it is easier to ride and maneuver even in choppy waves.
Most models have an epoxy core. It is also available in an oval-shaped design. But some new kitesurf boards in the market have diamond tails and tips.
This is the type of kiteboard that a freestyle rider or anyone looking for fun on the beach would want to use. It is also sold at an affordable price, making it an appealing choice for beginners.
Factors to Consider when Buying Kiteboards
Here are the following factors to keep in mind when buying the best kiteboard:
Profile
The general outline of the board is called profile. And in kiteboards, there are two types of profiles that you can choose from.
First is the square profile. It is easier to ride and offers a high upwind drive, making it an ideal choice for beginners. However, keep in mind that you will feel more chop using a board with a square profile.
Next is the tapered profile. A kiteboard with this profile is what you need in riding choppy waters smoothly and with higher speed. It does not cause fatigue to your legs and allows you to have smooth riding experience.
Rocker
The overall curvature of your kiteboard from tip to tip is called the rocker. Some kiteboards may feature a perfect flat curvature while other kiteboards have a high curvature.
Always keep in mind that if your kiteboard has a higher curvature, the higher amount of pop it can offer. Also, kiteboards that feature an upper rocker allows you to land smoothly compared to kiteboards with a perfect flat rocker.
A perfect flat rocker is what you’d choose if you want a kiteboard that can give you a higher upwind drive and hold an edge. A kiteboard with classic flat rocker is larger and wider compared to kiteboards with a high rocker.
Fins
Fins are a vital part of a kiteboard. When buying a kiteboard, you have to choose between small and large fins.
If you are still a beginner in kiteboarding, it is recommended that you start with a kiteboard that features large fins. It allows you to ride the board with ease and. Even riders with little experience will be able to maneuver kiteboards with large fins easily.
Also, if your kiteboard has larger fins, it can perform better in choppy waters. It allows you to have a higher edge without losing your grip on the board and has a great stability.
On the other hand, kiteboards with smaller fins are only suitable for riders with vast kiteboarding experience. You can slide out the kiteboard with ease, and it also allows you to perform a variety of kiteboarding tricks and maneuvers.
Width
The width of your kiteboard is vital. Generally, the width ranges from 40 centimeters to 43 centimeters. The width of your kiteboard will determine the amount of water that you can displace.
Purchasing a wider kiteboard will allow you to maneuver without exerting too much effort. Narrow kiteboards are more complicated to use and drain your energy.
If you are a beginner, it is recommended that you purchase a wider kiteboard. A wide width means it is easier to balance and can work even in light wind conditions.
However, the only downside is the wide width will affect your maneuverability.
Length
In choosing the right length of your kiteboard, your height and weight must be taken into consideration.
For instance, if you are heavy and tall, then it is ideal that you use a longer kiteboard.
However, if you weight below 150 pounds, then it is recommended that you buy a kiteboard between 135 centimeters to 148 centimeters only.
But if your weight ranges from 150 pounds to 200 pounds, then it is ideal that you get a kiteboard with a length of 145 centimeters to 160 centimeters.
Riders who weigh over 200 pounds, it is ideal to choose a kiteboard with a length from 150 centimeters to 165 centimeters.
Materials
It is crucial to consider the material of the kiteboard you are planning to purchase before proceeding to the checkout. You might want to invest in a kiteboard that can last for a long time.
Twin-tip boards have a real wooden core. It indicates superior durability and also the flexibility of the board.
Most kiteboard usually has a composite material to be complemented with the wooden core. The core is pressed between the two thick composite layers for maximum durability.
Some models of kiteboards are also made of carbon fiber material. It is lightweight yet durable.
However, keep in mind that kiteboards that are made of carbon fiber material are more expensive compared to wooden-core kiteboards.
Graphic Design
If you want a kiteboard that will introduce yourself before you even speak, consider the graphic design of the kiteboard. Once you’ve been able to check the right width, length, rocker, profile, and size of your board, you may now proceed to the aesthetic aspects of the kiteboard.
A kiteboard comes in different designs and colors, depending on the manufacturer. Some boards are painted with bright colors to spot the rider in the sea easily.
Should you wish to invest in a cutting-edge kiteboard, you may get a board with a personalized design. Most racers personalize their boards to identify themselves in the crowd.
For riders who have a gift of painting, tweaking the graphics and design of the board is also recommended to save money.
Conclusion
Kiteboarding, for passionate riders, is now a lifestyle. It’s not just a simple summer hobby that will keep your mind off stress due to adrenaline rush.
While there are kiteboard rentals that you can find in most beaches, you will never be able to enjoy kiteboarding if you don’t own a kiteboard. Investing in a kiteboard will entice you to spend more time on the beach instead of keeping a sedentary lifestyle at home.
Owning the right kiteboard will allow you to master this watersport with ease and fun. Consider the factors we’ve discussed above in choosing the best board for you.
Carefully considering the factors in buying a kiteboard will help you make an important investment.
In due course, the best kiteboards will help you to sharpen your kiteboarding skills. Not all kiteboards are created equally. What could be the perfect board for one rider may not be the ideal board for you.
Therefore, you need to be careful in buying your board to make sure that it is the ideal model for you. Follow the guide above to help you choose the best kiteboard for your next kiteboarding experience.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: Is kiteboarding a dangerous sport?
Q: Can I learn kiteboarding with my age?
Q: What gears do I need to start kiteboard?
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Torsten Bjord is a talented and adventurous waterman from Western Australia, passionate about surfing , stand-up paddleboarding , hydrofoiling , skimboarding , snowboarding and skateboarding . Torsten has spent countless hours mastering his skills and his dream is to one day represent Australia as an Olympic athlete.