🪁 Kite Size & Board Selector

Determine the ideal kite size and board setup for your next session using wind speed and rider weight.

Light: 12–18 kn • Moderate: 18–25 kn • Strong: 25+ kn

Recommended Kite Size

11.0 m²

Wind: 18.0 kn • Weight: 75 kg

Board Suggestion

135–140 cm twin tip

(Adjust for riding style and skill level)

Use a quiver with ¹2 m² increments to cover wind ranges. Downsize in overpowering gusts; upsize for marginal conditions. Always follow local safety guidelines.

How to Use This Calculator

1

Input wind speed

Use forecast or measured wind at your location.

2

Select rider weight

Choose the option closest to your actual riding weight.

3

Set wind conditions & surface

Adjust for gusty/strong winds and waves vs flatwater.

4

Review kite & board

Use results to choose the best kite and board combination for your session.

Formula

Kite Size ∝ (Base size × Weight factor × Surface factor × Wind factor)

Wind factor increases size for lighter winds; decreases for stronger winds. Surface factor accounts for extra power needed on waves.

This is a practical approximation—not a strict physics model. Always adjust based on skill, kite model, board type, and gustiness.

Kiteboarding Tips

Maintain at least two kite sizes to cover wind variability. Practice safe launch and landing procedures and respect spot rules.

Beginner Guidelines

  • Start with larger boards to plane early and reduce kite size demands.
  • Work with certified instructors before riding independently.
  • Avoid offshore winds and crowded spots until confident upwind.

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is the kite size estimate?

It’s a starting point. Adjust for kite brand, personal preference, and local wind gustiness.

What if wind speed changes?

Bring multiple kites (+/− 2 m²) to cover shifting winds. Change down if overpowered, upsize if underpowered.

Do foil boards need different sizes?

Yes—foil boards require significantly smaller kites due to low drag. Reduce recommended size by 20–30%.

Can I convert wind units?

Use the unit toggle to convert between knots, mph, and m/s. All calculations use knots internally.

Should I always follow the board recommendation?

Use it as a guide. Fine-tune board size based on skill, riding style (freeride, freestyle, wave), and local water state.