The impact of line length on kitesurfing performance
Ever wondered why some kitesurfers look like they’re defying physics? While others seem to be in a slow-motion ballet on the water? The secret might just be hanging above their heads—literally. Line length is one of those sneaky variables in kitesurfing that can make or break your session.
You might think, “But my lines are fine, right?” Sure, the standard lines every brand provides are engineered to give you smooth turns, decent lift, and a balanced ride. But here’s the thing—changing your line length is an underrated gear tweak that can transform your riding experience.
So, let’s dive in and break down the impact of short, standard, and long lines.
Short lines: Fast, technical, and wild
Fun fact: Some bars come with multiple attachment points, letting you adjust line length on the go. You can also shorten your lines by doubling them back yourself check out this tutorial). No excuses—if you want to experiment, it’s easier than ever.
Short lines are gaining popularity, not just for beginner lessons but also among big air riders. Why?
Quick response: With lines between 5 and 18 meters (but let’s be honest, 18m is still pretty long), your kite reacts instantly to bar movements.
Smaller wind window: Less power and a tighter turning radius make them perfect for high-wind conditions or gusty days.
More control for megaloops: Ever seen Jett Bradshaw or Jason van der Spuy send massive loops? That’s the short-line advantage.
Trick-friendly but less float: Short lines make for snappy, high-energy tricks, but they reduce your hangtime. Smooth, flowing jumps become harder to pull off.
Beginner-friendly: Shorter lines make the power zone smaller, reducing the kite’s overall power. This makes mistakes more forgiving and helps new riders get direct feedback on their movements, improving their control and learning curve.
In short, if you want a high-adrenaline, technical ride or a more controlled learning experience, short lines might be your new best friend.
Standard lines: The reliable all-rounder
Most kitesurfers ride with 20–24m lines. They offer the best mix of power, control, and versatility.
Larger wind window: More power and efficiency compared to shorter lines.
Smooth power delivery: Great for freeriding, light wind, and all-around fun.
Big air and freestyle friendly: More hangtime and better lift.
Standard lines are like a good slice of pizza—always a solid choice, no matter the conditions. You can’t go wrong with them.
Long lines: Power, float, and the light wind hack
Think 25-30m. Longer lines let your kite reach higher altitudes, where the wind is stronger. This means:
More power: Perfect for light wind sessions and foiling.
Slower kite response: A downside for quick turns but great for big, floaty jumps.
Better for racing and cruising: Ideal for riders who want smooth power over aggressive tricks.
Be warned: longer lines make your kite sluggish. Not ideal for technical riding, but if you want to cruise or boost huge in light wind, they might be worth trying.
Insane long lines: Just for fun (or crazy people)
Ever seen Kevin Langeree’s 225m line experiment? Check it out here. It’s hilarious, weird, and the perfect example of how line length changes everything.
Would I recommend 225m lines? Nope. But if you’re feeling adventurous, 30m+ lines could be fun for a novelty session. Just don’t expect them to improve your kitesurfing.
The evolution of line length: From niche to mainstream
Line length experimentation started as a niche practice, but thanks to pioneers like Jett Bradshaw and Jason van der Spuy, it’s now a hot topic in the kitesurfing world. Riders are realizing that tweaking their kitelines can unlock new possibilities and push the sport to new heights.
While the standard 20-24m setup remains dominant, kitesurfers are starting to see the benefits of customizing their line length for different conditions and styles.
Some riders are shortening their lines to make kite loops even more aggressive, while others are going the opposite route, extending their lines to maximize hangtime and smoother power delivery. The beauty? You can switch things up based on what you want to do.
How to apply this to your kiting
Thinking about making the switch? Here’s how to experiment without turning your session into a never-ending relaunch attempt:
For boosting big: Try adding a few meters. Longer lines = more airtime.
For technical tricks: Shorten your lines for faster loops and precision control.
For light wind sessions: Longer lines help generate more power.
For high wind sessions: Shorter lines keep things under control.
Pro tip: Bar size matters. Match your bar width to your line length—longer lines need wider bars for better leverage.
Switch it up and send it
Line length is one of the easiest ways to tweak your riding without swapping out your entire kite setup. Whether you want to go full Kevin Langeree with 30m lines or dive into the world of Short Line competitions, experimenting with different setups will help you find your perfect ride.
So, next time someone at the beach asks why your lines look different, just tell them you’re optimizing for maximum send. And if they don’t get it? Well, they clearly haven’t read Berito yet.
xox Berit