​Big kites Vs small

Recently I was tasked with reviewing the ocean Rodeo Flite Aluula 17m. The kite flew so different that it really got me thinking about how different size kites fly and what I’ve come to expect over the years.

For this blog, I’ll break down the general characteristics of kites in a size range, conditions and the disciplines they are good for. I’ll also break down techniques for flying these kites and the best use of your time on the water.

The 15m North Reach is a faster fun big kite

Big kites

This is generally 13 to 17 meter kites. You’ll see light wind specific kites drop into as small as 13m and freeride ,or freestyle kites get as large as 15m. These kites are best in lighter winds and tend to be less responsive.

In recent years people have moved away from big kites because they can foil on smaller 10m kites that are more fun to fly. If you ask me, this is the most underrated, underutilized wind range. This is time times to work on new tricks, break platoues try anything and everything you’ve been working on.

This is a low consequence time to progress because crashing doesn’t hurt too bad!

Practicing loops on my 14m Slingshot RPM

Learning kiteloops

This is the time to work on underpowered low kiteloops for muscle memory. You won’t be doing massive sent powered loops but you will get the movement patterns dialed. Bankroll hand drag kiteloops, sent front roll kite loops, Loops transitions. You can bring power back to the session by adding loops as well. Right before writing this blog I was riding with Anthony from ST Petersburg kiteboarding. The wing got light so we started working on unhooked kite loop tricks. The possibilities and progression in light wind is endless if you are willing to work for it.

Progressing unhooked freestyle

Big kites are the easiest for learning freestyle. Something in the 12 to 15 meter range. If you are newer, a crossover kite is best. If you can ride upwind well,

10 to 14m kites are my favorite 

Midrange Kites 

This is a blend of both. Usually 10 to 13m. These kites are still forgiving but not so much as their larger counterparts. They are used in more mellow conditions and it's a great time to take the tricks you masted in light wind to another level with power. Some feel these kites are slow while other find them to be fast! It can be subjective and comes down to the discipline you are practicing. 

Big air riders like faster kites and offten will ride very powered so they might size up on their kite. Many freeriders, freestylers and parkstyle riders prefer midrange kites because they are faster but can be used in mellow to somewhat powered wind safley. A faster kite means more board speed for pop or more speed when flicking for a jump. 

You can use different size bars to speed up or slowdown your kite too. Use a small bar and you will slow the kite way down. Use a large bar and you can speed it up quite a bit. Many freestyle riders will use 41cm bars while riders who do kiteloops like bigger bars such as 55cm. 

Small kites are best for Hydrofoiling

Small kites 

These are the kiteloop machines. You are normally using these in powered conditions and gustier wind. They are 9m and down. These kites turn very fast. Because you are using them in more wind and they are faster, it's easier to get big air on them. Many freeesttyle riders will not practice on anything smaller than a 9 because the chance of injury is too great. Big air riders who go higher and catch themselves for soft landings prefer these conditions. 

Small kites are also prime for Hydrofoling. Foilers love to whip the kite around to create apparent wind. A small surf kite is prime because you can generate power then dump the power and drift the kite while the foil takes over.  

For learning small kites are the most difficult. The faster reaction time makes learning new moves hard. It's easy to accidentally loop the kite mid roll and get worked if you are new.

Ryan (Rygo) Goloversic

Many people dream of quitting their job, traveling the world and pursuing their passions. Rygo is one of those people who pulled the trigger. A few years into his career, he decided to change everything and travel as a kiteboarder, freelance videographer & writer. His mission is to share the stoke & help people put the boarding into their kiteboarding. Get outside and kite!

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Producer of: Ride with Blake I Sessions I Versus I Destinations I Foil Fridays