The basic gear for kitesurfing is fairly compact, quite durable and not too expensive. Kite (mandatory): with an inflatable bladder, they float on the water to enable easy relaunch.
Bar and lines (mandatory): the control system for your kite
Harness (mandatory): provides you with support and some protection, and has a hook to connect the chicken loop to.
Dakine safety hook line knife Safety leash (mandatory): keeps you connected to the kite when you deploy your main safety release or you let go of the control bar while riding unhooked. Helmet (optional): head protection is always good to have. How much is your brain worth?
![]() ![]() Buoyancy/impact vest (optional) provides some impact protection and additional flotation
Board (mandatory): Designed and optimised for travelling upwind under the power of a kite
We strongly recommend that you DO NOT use a board leash. If you get yanked hard, eventually the leash will too (including retractable ones), which can result in your board hurtling at you and causing serious injury and possible knocking you unconscious. Learn to upwind body drag to retrieve a lost board instead. Wetsuits (optional): for cooler and cold conditions, a wetsuit extends your season and allows you to stay out longer
![]() Drysuit (optional): For even colder conditions a drysuit has some advantages over a wetsuit Sunglasses (optional): provide good protection for your eyes against the spray and sun
Gloves (optional): provide some additional protection and improved comfort
Additional Equipment |