HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR KITESURFING GEAR IN 2025
Choosing the right gear is essential to progress and enjoy every session to the fullest. In 2025, technological innovations continue to transform kitesurfing with lighter kites, more versatile boards, and smarter accessories. But with so many options available, it’s easy to feel lost.
Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced rider, this practical guide will help you choose the equipment best suited to your level, goals, and local conditions.
KEY CRITERIA TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT
Before buying or renting gear, it’s important to define what kind of rider you are and what conditions you typically ride in.
1. Your Level and Progression
Your level will largely determine your equipment choice:
- Beginner: focus on ease of use and safety
- Intermediate: you’re working on transitions, jumps, or advanced tricks
- Advanced: you can go for more technical or discipline-specific gear (freestyle, wave, foil)
💡 Be honest about your skill level to avoid gear that’s too technical and slows your progress.
2. Wind Conditions
Your spot’s typical wind range is also key:
- Light wind (10–15 knots): go for large kites and high-volume boards
- Moderate wind (15–25 knots): versatile gear will do the job
- Strong wind (+25 knots): choose smaller kites and more compact boards
How to Choose Your Kitesurfing Kite
The kite is the core of your gear. Each type has different features in terms of control, power, and handling.
Types of Kites in 2025
Duotone EVO
- Versatile and easy to handle
- Smooth pop and progressive lift
- Forgiving and accessible – great for all levels
- Also available in EVO SLS: stiffer, lighter, more responsive
Duotone REBEL
- Powerful and very stable
- Excellent lift for jumps
- Less forgiving – best for intermediate to advanced riders
- Perfect for big air and old-school hooked tricks
Duotone NEO
- Reactive and light
- Great drift, ideal for wave riding
- Agile and intuitive
- Perfect for strapless, downwind, and light wind freeride
NEO / EVO / REBEL DLAB
- Built with Aluula for unmatched precision and control
💡 Tips:
If you ride regularly, consider owning multiple kite sizes to adapt to conditions.
Lower wind = larger kite (e.g., 15 m²)
Stronger wind = smaller kite (e.g., 6 m²)
How to Choose Your Kitesurfing Board
The board is key to glide and control. Choose based on your level, riding style, and home spot conditions.
Types of Boards
Twin-Tip (all-round)
- The #1 choice for most riders
- Perfect for freeride and freestyle
- Easy to handle and good in all conditions
Duotone suggestions:
- Gonzales: beginner-friendly
- Select: smooth freeride
- Jaime: dynamic freeride/freestyle
- Soleil: designed for female riders
Surfboard (wave board)
- Ideal for surfkite lovers
- Great control in waves
- Less suited for flatwater
Duotone suggestions:
- Whip: for strapless freestyle and small waves
- Fish D/LAB: great in light wind and fast planning
- Wam: versatile in all wave conditions
- Session: built for big waves and down-the-line surf
Light Wind Board
- Wider and longer for early planing in light wind
- Very stable – great for beginners
Foil Board
- Designed for hydrofoil riding
- Rideable from 8–10 knots
- Needs some time to master balance
💡 Pro Tip: For versatility, go with a twin-tip between 136–139 cm. If you’re wave-oriented, try a strapless board.
ESSENTIAL ACCESSORIES FOR 2025
Beyond kite and board, here are some key items for safety and comfort:
1. Harness
Crucial for comfort and power transfer. Two main types:
- Waist harness: more freedom, ideal for advanced riders
- Seat harness: more supportive, great for beginners
Check out ION’s wide range of harnesses adapted to all styles.
2. Bar
Make sure your bar is compatible with your kite and in good condition.
At Duotone, you’ll find bars with:
- 22 m lines: more reactive, ideal for freestyle and strong wind
- 24 m lines: more power and hangtime – great for freeride and big air
3. Impact Vest & Helmet
Must-haves for safety, especially if you’re a beginner, doing jumps, or riding in tough conditions.
4. Wetsuit
Choose one based on water temperature:
- Shorty – warm water
- 3/2 mm – mid-temp
- 4/3 mm – cool water
- 5/4 mm (with hood) – cold water
Where to Test and Buy Your Gear
ION CLUB centers let you try out the latest gear before buying. You’ll also get expert advice from our local team to find the perfect match for your level and goals.
Why test gear?
- Compare kites and boards in real conditions
- Get advice from certified instructors
- Avoid costly mistakes
💡 Just starting or traveling light? Renting is a great way to begin.
Gear Up to Progress in 2025
In 2025, kitesurfing gear is more accessible, powerful, and tailored than ever. Whether you love freeride, freestyle, waves, or foil, there’s a perfect setup for you.
Take time to define your needs, test different equipment, and invest smart.
With the right gear and guidance, every session !
WINGFOIL WATERSTART TECHNIQUES: TIPS TO MASTER THIS KEY SKILL
WINGFOIL WATERSTART TECHNIQUES: TIPS TO MASTER THIS KEY SKILLThe waterstart in wingfoiling is the crucial step that marks your transition from beach training to real sessions on the water. While this maneuver might seem intimidating at first, it quickly becomes second...
THE BEST SPOTS TO COMBINE KITESURFING AND CULTURAL EXPLORATION
THE BEST SPOTS TO COMBINE KITESURFING AND CULTURAL EXPLORATIONWhy choose between watersports and cultural discovery when you can have both? Some destinations are ideal for passionate kitesurfers who also want to explore local history, culture, and traditions. Whether...
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST WINGFOIL GEAR IN 2025: A PRACTICAL GUIDE
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST WINGFOIL GEAR IN 2025: A PRACTICAL GUIDEWingfoiling has become one of the fastest-growing watersports, and every year brings new innovations that make gear more accessible and high-performing. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider,...