How to choose a twintip kitesurfing board

There are many differences between twin-tip kitesurfing boards: length and width, shape, finish, and more. Having the right board will help you progress in kitesurfing faster and easier. Here are the most important things to consider when choosing your new board.

Still can't decide? Don't worry, you can schedule an appointment (in person or by phone) with our team, who can help you find the best kite available to suit your needs.

1. Twintip kitesurfing board size

Does size matter? In kitesurfing, it does! Choosing the right size board depends on several factors: your height and weight, your skill level, and where you'll be kitesurfing most often.

• Height and weight : The more you weigh and/or are tall, the larger the board you'll need. A larger surface area under your feet, in contact with the water, provides more buoyancy and makes it easier to gain speed. Smaller boards are often said to turn faster and offer more control, but with modern board shapes and designs, larger boards are also easy to handle. Furthermore, the larger the board, the easier it is to sail upwind, allowing you to spend more time on the water and less time walking on the beach.
• Level : For beginners, it is recommended to get a board slightly larger than the standard size for your height, because the extra surface area will help you start sailing upwind, and if you make a mistake with the kite, the extra buoyancy will give you more time to react before your board sinks in the water.
• Spot : Each spot has an average wind speed, so if you plan to kite more often in lighter wind spots (between 10-18 knots), you might also consider bringing a board that's a bit larger than the standard size for your height/weight. This will help you stay upwind and gain speed faster, which will help you beat the lighter winds.

However, it's also not recommended to bring a board that's really too big for you; while you might think it will help you ride and gain more speed, there's also a way to go too big. You'll go too fast, and you won't be able to control your board.

2. Shape of a kitesurfing board

The shape of the board has a big impact: more speed, more grip, efficiency against the wind, better for jumping… There are two main things you can consider in a board: rocker and channels.

• Rocker : Rocker is the curvature of the board. Less rocker will help you gain speed more easily (because there's more surface area in contact with the water), and these "flatter" boards are better for riding upwind. Boards with more rocker are specifically designed for more advanced riders, those who want better pops (jumps) and easier landings when performing freestyle tricks.
• Channels : These are the channels underneath the board. The channels help you land jumps with control and make it easier to go upwind when using small fins, because they give the board more grip. On beginner boards, since you're not yet jumping, you can easily replace the effect of the channels by using larger fins (4.0 to 5.0 cm).

3. New or used kitesurfing board

Kitesurfing is still a relatively new sport, which means the equipment is constantly changing and improving every year. People typically use a kitesurfing board for 4-6 years before wanting to upgrade, so the boards you usually find on the second-hand market are a bit outdated in terms of shape, material, and design; all the aspects we've discussed so far will perform better on a newer board.

A new board will be lighter and perform better (more buoyancy, more speed, more efficiency), making it easier to progress. And for now, beginner/intermediate boards on the market will allow you to progress not only in riding but also in jumps and tricks, meaning you can use your new board for the next 4-6 years.

Of course, new boards will be more expensive than used ones, and not everyone's budget allows for a new board. Prices for a new beginner and intermediate board range from €500 to €1000, while you can find a used board for as little as €350 or less on Wallapop. If you decide to go for a used board, be sure to keep the above information in mind when looking for options.

In our online shop we have labeled the boards that are suitable for beginners with the " Suitable for beginners " label to help you identify the best models for beginner kitesurfers.

In the Offers / Sales section of our online store you can find second-hand boards, checked by us to ensure they are good for a long time!