Kiteboarding Questions 

How big a kiteboard should I choose?

If you live in a high wind area (18+ knot winds most of the time) and are of average height and weight (5'8" x 160 lbs) you should choose a bidirectional kiteboard 139 cm or smaller. If you live in a light wind area (5 to 18 knot winds most of the time), you should choose a kiteboard longer than 139 cm. There are a few points to keep in mind to increase the range of your equipment. If you have limited kite sizes, you can increase your opportunities to ride by changing the line length (decrease length in windier conditions and increase in lighter conditions) and you can also change up the board. For example, if the winds drop and your kite is too small you could try a floatier directional board, which is normally used in the surf when kiting.

• What are the terms and names for kiteboarding tricks?
• What is the difference between kitesurfing, kiteboarding, and flysurfing?
• What is the wind window?
• Can I relaunch the kite from the water?
• Do I need assistance to launch or land the kite?
• How much does equipment cost?
• How big a kiteboard should I choose?
• What is the typical wind range of a kite?
• How many kites do I need?
• Will I need a wetsuit on Maui?
• What equipment do I need to kitesurf?
• Do I need to bring anything with me for the lesson?
• When is the best time to come to Maui for lessons?
• Is kiteboarding safe?
• How hard is it to learn how to kite?
• I am a windsurfer, is it hard to convert?
• How fast will I learn the sport?
• What sort of physical shape do I need to be in?
• I have done some trainer kite flying and body draggng. Will I be able to take a class starting with the kiteboard on my first lesson?
• Will I be riding on a board the first day?
• Will I get on the water on the first day of lessons?
• What is the best time of day for lessons?
• My son and I would like to take a lesson together. Do we have to each take private lessons or can we take lessons with one instructor?
• What can I do to prepare for my lesson ahead of time?
• I already kiteboard. Can I rent kites?
• What does FAA have to do with kiteboarding on Maui?
• What does the IKO and PASA certification offer students?
• Is KSM insured?
• How long has KSM been in business?
• How much experience do KSM instructors have?
• What sets KSM apart from other Maui kiteboarding schools?
• What should I look for so I know I have found a safe, quality school?
• Will the 2009 Cabrinha IDS control bar work with 2008 Cabinha kites?
• Is the bow kite bridle system complicated?
• How do the bow kites turn?
• What does the bridle on a bow kite do?
• Can I use the bow kite with a 5th line?
• Are bow kites better than other kite designs?
• How did kiteboarding start?