Gear

What Size Kite Do You Actually Need?

2026-03-08 · 3 min read

The single most-asked beginner question, finally answered without the usual hedging.

The classic answer to "what size kite do I need?" is "it depends." That's true but unhelpful. Here's the practical version.

The simple formula

Take your bodyweight in kg, divide by twice the expected wind speed in knots. That's roughly the area of kite (m²) you want. Example: 75 kg rider in 20 knot wind = 75 / 40 = ~9m kite. It's not perfect but it's a sensible starting point.

Adjust for your level

Beginners go bigger. A beginner in 18-22 knots wants 10-12m to make controlled body-drag and easier upwind possible. Advanced freestyle riders go smaller for the same wind - they want to be powered but not overpowered.

Adjust for your spot

Choppy water needs more kite power. Flat water with side-shore wind needs less. Beach with onshore wind needs careful sizing - too big and you can't depower quickly enough to ride safely.

The two-kite quiver

For most adult riders at most spots, two kites covers 90% of conditions: one medium (9-10m) and one small (7-8m). The medium is your default; the small handles big-wind days. Some riders add a 12m for light-wind days.

Don't trust online "wind range" charts

Brands publish wind ranges like "8m: 18-28 knots." These are optimistic and assume a specific rider weight. The actual usable range is narrower. Talk to riders at your spot who use the same kite size before buying.

The lazy answer that works

If you're 60-75 kg riding in 18-24 knots: buy a 9m. If you're 75-90 kg: buy a 10m. If you're 90+ kg: buy an 11m. Most beginner kites work fine through the whole 15-25 knot range, so a single size gets you started.