Recommended kite gear:
Kite size and wind speed:

Wind speed: 10 knots and above
Kite size: [Trainer Kite] 1-3 squared meters
Function: Learn kite control and use to master co-ordination

Wind speed: 8-13 knots
Kite size: 13 and above, squared meter kites
Function: Larger kites are used for light wind conditions

Wind speed: 14 to 20 knots
Kite size: 9-13 squared meters
Function: These kites function well in average winds and are usually part of every kiters collection (quiver).

Wind speed: 20 knots and above (CAUTION: High risk conditions) Kite size: 5-8 squared meters
Function: To maintain kite control, smaller kites are used in high
wind speeds.

Pro-tip:
The size kite you choose will also depend on board size, surf conditions and personal body weight.

Kite Styles:

Trainer Kites:

Features:
Trainer kites are small, usually 1 to 3 meters and have two lines with a control bar. Some trainer kites come with leashes for safe depower.

Good to know:
 Trainer kites are a great way to become familiar with stearable kites. Although these kites are not a necessity, they can greatly improve a person’s flight skills before signing up for expensive kiteboarding lessons.

Pro-tip:
A kiter with 8 to 10 hours of trainer kite experience will move through a kiteboarding program at a much faster rate.

Some trainer kite exercises would include:

- Turning right
- Turn left
- Move the kite up and down
- Figure eights, loops and squares in both directions
- Stop the kite at different altitudes
- Fly the kite one handed and equally well in both hands

C-Kite:

Features:
C-Kites were the original inflatable power kite some companies till make C-kites available. C-Kites are good kites, although some feel they’re not quite as safe as the new bow-kites and Hybrid kites.

Good to know:
C-Kites, when sheeted-out depower only around 30%, while a bow kite depowers near 90% depending on conditions

Pro tip:
C-Kites have greater bar pressure on the hands but respond quickly to commands by the rider.C-Kites are more difficult to relaunch from the water, but not impossible. A different technique is employed to get the job done

Bow Kites or Hybrids:

Features:
Bow Kites or Hybrids; employ bridels connected at many points along its leading edge. The bridle in combination with pulley blocks enable the kite to rock fore and aft which powers and depowers the kite to a greater degree.

Good to know:
Bow kites relaunch from the water easier than C-Kites.

Pro-tip:
Care should be taken when rigging and launching Bow Kites, due to the added complication of the bridles. Bow Kites also have a greater wind range due to their ability to depower with the push of the bar.

Harnesses:

Seat harness:

Features:
Seat harnesses have straps, which are placed under the back of the legs to prevent the harness from rising up. As a result the spreader bar and hook remain closer to the riders center of gravity, and gives the rider greater leverage against the kite and board.

Pro-tip:
Seat harnesses are not as comfortable to walk around in. If you need lower back support, this harness is a good choice.








Waist Harness:

Features:
Waist harnesses are worn around the rider’s mid-section. These harnesses are popular with riders who like to have more freedom around their hips and thighs.

Pro-tip:
Kiters who like to perform unhooked tricks also use these harnesses. The hook location tends to be higher on the body, reducing the leverage.