What kind of gear do I use?

If you’re starting kitesurfing, you have the choice to rent your gear or to buy it. Buying can be a daunting step because, although the sport is free when the wind blows, the gear can be quite expensive. However, investing in your own equipment is definitely worth it. You don’t have to invest in the latest gear; second-hand equipment or last year’s models can be great options.

Kites

My first kites were F-One Bandits, and I loved them. I had a beautiful set of 6, 8, and 11 square meters. After four years of using them, I decided to switch to other kites to improve my skills and become a wave rider. So, I bought F-One Bandits again, but this time the wave version.

I have kites in the following sizes: 6, 8, and 10 square meters. This way, whether the wind is light or strong, I can always go for a session. Since I don’t have a money tree in my backyard, I decided to buy last year’s version, which is cheaper than the newest one.

Bar

Of course, you cannot fly a kite without a bar with lines. Being quite lazy, buying the F-One bar seemed like the best idea. It is designed to fly my kites, and I don’t need extra lines or pigtails to prepare the bar for the kites. Win-win.

Directional Boards

In 2020, I wanted to start my directional journey, so I thought the best idea was to get a second-hand directional board. Luckily, through some connections, I got a brand-new second-hand board, a 5'7 Naish Global, which I still use today. I’m not sure if I want a new one because I’m emotionally attached to it.

Without much thought, I bought another directional board for freestyle—a North Comp in size 5’0. It was a Black Friday deal, and I thought I needed two directional boards. That was when I still crashed a lot and didn’t know how to turn. So yeah, why not shoot for the stars…

Are two directional boards too much? Maybe, but I like how they excel in different disciplines. I use my Naish Global in the waves, and if it’s flat water, I love to use the North Comp.

Harness

Without a harness, kitesurfing gets hard and wild. So, of course, you cannot forget the harness. I started with a softshell, and for the price, it was good. But if I kited longer than an hour, my back started to hurt, and multiple sessions were a no-go. Almost five years ago, I decided to buy a hardshell harness. Best decision ever. I have a lovely green Ride Engine harness that I've used for almost five years now. Why? I still haven't found a better harness.

Wetsuit

Where I kitesurf most of the year, you need a wetsuit, preferably a 5/3 millimeter. I had to buy a new wetsuit this year because they had to cut open my Mystic wetsuit when I dislocated my patella. Now I have a beautiful Manera Seafarer 5/3mm. And do you want a back zip or front zip? I wanted to be cool, so I chose a front zip. Yes, it looks really cool, putting your wetsuit on is a workout, and there is less water coming in. But a back zip wetsuit will also do its job. And don’t forget: always fit your wetsuit before buying it.

Accessories

Think we have all the stuff you need? Wrong!

Always bring your pump if you go to an unfamiliar place. I like to bring my pump everywhere. I don't want to be hyped up to go out on the water and then find no pump I can use or one that doesn’t have the parts I need.

Another thing I can't go without is earplugs. SurfEars are a lifesaver. If I don’t use them, I will be deaf for a week and probably damage my ears a bit more each time. Be cool and be nice to your ears; the wind and water can do nasty stuff to them.

With a directional board, you can use a leash like surfers do. I absolutely hate it. The leash is always in the way, I have to untwist it multiple times during a session, I feel the drag of it in the water, and if I crash, I’m scared my board will fly to my head because of the tension on the leash. So, yeah, normally I don’t use it; if I crash, I can body drag to my board. But, there is a but. If the waves are big—like really big—I like to use it. In big waves, I’d rather be on my board than not. So only then do I use it to feel a bit safer and have my board close.

Tips

• Try stuff before you buy it.

• Always fit your wetsuit and harness. Many kitesurf stores have a bar hanging so you can mimic kitesurfing to see if the harness suits you. If you’re not sure, the store staff can help you.

• With kites, it's not that easy to try them in a store, but there are test festivals or test centers. If you have your eye on a kite, try to test it before buying. The same goes for boards.

• At a test day, try more than one kite. Maybe there’s another kite you didn’t consider that feels amazing.

• If you’re new to kitesurfing, ask your teacher or someone in the shop for advice. They can recommend the best kites to start with. Many stores offer combo deals where you get a kite, bar, and board—perfect for starting out.

• Lastly, enjoy your gear.

xox Berit