Beginner kitesurf gear guide

Your first kitesurf setup should make learning easy, not just look good. Here is what we put together for beginners on Exmouth seafront, and why.

Learn first, then buy

Kitesurfing is one sport where lessons before buying gear genuinely saves money. After a course you will know your size, the conditions you like and what you actually need. Our courses use current kit, so you can try sizes before committing.

Kite

Your first kite should be an all-round, three-strut kite with easy relaunch and a wide wind range. Freeride kites from the main brands are perfect. Size depends on your weight and the wind you will ride most. On Exmouth seafront that is usually 15 to 25 knots.

• Under 65kg: 7m to 9m
• 65 to 80kg: 9m to 12m
• 80 to 95kg: 10m to 13m
• Over 95kg: 12m to 14m

One kite gets you going. A second, smaller kite is the first upgrade most people make, so they can ride on the windier days.

Bar and lines

Buy the bar made for your kite. Modern bars have a reliable safety release that flags the kite on one line, and that system is the most important piece of safety gear you own. We will show you how to use it. Check a second-hand bar carefully: lines stretch and safety releases wear.

Board

A twin-tip is the board for learning. Bigger boards get you up and riding in less wind and make staying upwind easier. Around 136 to 145cm is right for most beginners, with a softer flex and larger fins for grip. Pads and straps should be comfortable in the sizes of the shoes you will wear.

Harness, wetsuit and safety

A waist harness is the norm and works for most people. A seat harness sits lower and is more comfortable if you have a bad back or find the waist harness rides up.

The UK sea is cold. A 5/4mm wetsuit covers autumn to spring, and a 3/2mm or 4/3mm covers the summer. Boots, gloves and a hood extend the season. We also recommend a helmet and an impact vest while you are learning.

Never ride alone as a beginner, and always check the tide and forecast. Our Live Conditions page shows the seafront wind and the webcam.

Second-hand and packages

A well-looked-after used kite is a great way to start, and our clearance section always has some. Bring it in and we will check it over for you. Our starter packages bundle kite, bar, board and harness at a saving over buying separately.