Kiteboarding Knowledge Center

Kiteboarding

We share our thoughts on anything and everything having to do with this amazing sport.

Check out our "Welcome to Kiteboarding" intro page.

Beginner Articles
Let's get started!

How to Progress
You've got the basics down. What's next?

Kiteboarding Tricks
It's time to add some style!

Kiteboarding Reviews
Get informed before you buy.

Gear Buying Tips
How do you make smart buying decisions?

Gear FAQs
Good stuff to know about gear.

Gear Maintenance
Take care of your gear, and it will take care of you.

Kite Foil
Add a foilboard and unlock a whole new experience!

Cold Water Kiteboarding
Baby, it's cold outside! What to do to stay warm and safe.

Snowkiting
Snow what if it's snowing? Grab a snowboard and find a field, and off you go!

Travel Tips
Kiting in the cold not your bag? Pack a bag and take a trip!

Kiteboarding Fitness
You don't have to be in shape to ride, but it sure helps!

MACkite's Kiteboarding Article Archives

Getting Started: Beginner FAQs

You've just gotten into kiteboarding or are thinking about it. You have lots of questions about the gear, how to learn and, well, pretty much everything about kitesurfing. We were there once too, and here we'll share what we wished we knew when we were just learning to ride.

What is Kiteboarding?
How Do I Learn to Kiteboard?
Do I Need to Get a Trainer Kite?
What Gear do I Need to Go Kiteboarding?
Where Can I Kiteboard?
More beginner articles...

Weather

Having the right skills and gear helps a lot, but let's face it- whether or not you're going to ride today ultimately depends on the weather. So it's worth investing the time to learn all you can about the wind and how and where to find it. Your session (and perhaps even your sanity) depends on it.

Weather Links and Webcams
How to Kitesurf More Safely in Gusty Conditions
Choosing a Lightwind Kite for Summer
Judging Wind Speed Without a Wind Meter
The Benefit of Kiteboarding in Low Winds
More weather articles...

Kitesurfing gear pumped up and ready to ride

Gear Info and Maintenance

Your kiteboarding gear is important to you. You've endlessly researched which brand, which shape, and which size are right for you and you've invested a lot of cash into it (or are about to). We ride it all and make over a thousand gear recommendations every year- here's our take on kitesurfing equipment.

How To Maintain Your Kitesurfing Pump
Kiteboarding Gear Thoughts for 2014
What Does a Trim Strap Do?
How Does Sheeting a Kitesurfing Kite Work?
Mistakes to Avoid When Buying New Kiteboarding Gear
More kiteboarding gear articles...

kiteboarding tricks make riding more fun

How To: Kiteboarding Tricks

So you're up and riding, and you can even stay upwind. Ready to take it to the next level and start having some real kiteboarding fun? Unless you're content to just mow the lawn, sooner or later you're going to want to spread your wings and fly. We know that's why you got into kiteboarding, so here are some tips.

How to Throw a Raley (includes video)
Toeside Transitions (includes video)
Boosting 101 (includes video)
How To Improve Your Board Skills
Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone
More kiteboarding tricks articles...

Gear Comparisons

Which one is better? Is that one worth the extra cost? Which one suits my style best? Very few of us have the resources to buy every piece of kitesurfing equipment we consider, so we have to make some decisions. Here we weigh the pros and cons of some commonly compared kiteboarding gear.

Gloves vs. Mittens vs. Claws
2012 vs. 2013 Cabrinha Switchblade
2013 Cabrinha Switchblade vs. 2013 North Rebel
New vs. Used Kiteboarding Gear
Kiteboarding Boots vs. Straps
More kiteboarding gear comparison articles...

launching a kiteboarding kite at a riding spot

Kiteboarding & Snowkiting Spots

Sure, you've got your usual kiteboarding hangout, but what do you do when the wind isn't cooperating there? Are you willing to drive to find good wind? Yeah, we thought so. Or maybe you just want a change of scenery. Whatever your motivation, here are some kiteboarding spots and things to know about them.

What does a good kiteboarding spot look like?
Southern Florida
Grand Haven to Buchanan Downwinder
Grand Haven, MI
Muskegon, MI
More riding spots articles...