My most regrettable kitesurfing purchases
Do I need this or just want it?
There’s nothing like the thrill of getting new kite gear. The smell of fresh neoprene, the crisp feel of untouched lines, the way the colors pop in the sun. But sometimes, that thrill fades fast when you realize you’ve just spent a small fortune on something you really didn’t need. Here are some of my most regrettable kitesurfing purchases.
The beginner shopping spree that wasn’t worth it
The secondhand bar
Thought it was a better idea for the wallet than buying a new one.
Apparently, if you don’t know anything, you end up with a bar where the lines are uneven as hell.
Spent money on a brand new bar and vowed never to buy a secondhand bar or lines again.
The board that was too big
They say beginners should start with a bigger board, but 140 was not my vibe.
Heavier than I expected, making kiting feel sluggish.
Struggled for at least a year before buying a better board that I tested first.
The helmet that I did not try before buying
Thought I needed it.
Felt like wearing medieval armor rather than something meant for fun.
Half the time, the helmet made me look like a kook; the other half, I couldn’t see anything because the fit was terrible.
The unnecessary accessories that collected dust
The ultra-cool looking pump
More shiny than the old pump but way worse. The hose broke after two weeks.
Yes, it inflated my kite, but my hands always cramped up.
Felt ridiculous spending money on a new pump that was only beautiful but pumped like garbage.
The amazing-looking directional leash
As a wave rider, you need one, they say.
Hate riding with a leash, even if the waves are huge. I’d rather catch my board back at the beach than ride with a leash.
Looks really cool, love it, but never use it.
The waterproof phone case
Seemed like a genius idea at the time.
Turns out, I don’t need my phone while kitesurfing.
Also, touchscreens and saltwater don’t mix well. Locked myself out of my phone for a decent hour.
The bought-it-on-a-whim but is actually pretty nice
The bring-me-to-the-next-level directional
Did not need a second directional board, but the Black Friday deal convinced me.
Still cannot do freestyle, even if the board is designed for it.
Like it better than my first one, but I cannot say that out loud, of course.
The fluffy poncho that catches compliments
Already had a good functional poncho.
Wanted to be cool, so I needed this specific poncho.
Love it. It’s the best poncho there is.
How to avoid buying regret
Buying gear is part of the fun, but it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you need the latest and greatest. Before making a purchase, ask yourself:
Do I really need this, or is it just shiny and new?
Will it actually improve my riding, or will it make things harder?
Have I tried something similar before committing to it?
Gear smart, ride happy
At the end of the day, the best gear is the gear that works for you. While I’ve had my fair share of regrettable purchases, they’ve at least given me good stories to tell. And let’s be honest, we all know that money spent on kitesurfing is never truly wasted... Right?
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a nearly new, barely used pro-level kite to sell. Any takers?
xox Berit