KITE EQUIPMENT
A top selection of kites, bars, and kiteboards that won’t disappoint in any conditions. At Bananaway, you’ll find kite equipment from well-known and reliable brands, suitable for both beginners and advanced kiteboarders looking to take their skills to the next level.
In our store, you’ll find kite gear from Eleveight and Duotone, featuring modern safety systems, tested technologies, and advanced materials. We are happy to offer advice when choosing the right model for you!
1.KITE EQUIPMENT – HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT KITE?
With the development of kite technology and safety systems, kites have become significantly safer.
They are now lighter on the bar, requiring less strength to control. As a result, the number of people interested in kiteboarding has increased dramatically.
Choosing the right kite is an important step when entering the world of kiteboarding or upgrading your existing kite equipment. Beginners will struggle with advanced, more aggressive kites, making it harder to enjoy the learning process.
Advanced riders, on the other hand, may find beginner kites lacking in performance features.
Unfortunately, there is no universal kite model that suits every rider. Different kites are optimized for specific riding styles and skill levels.
1.1 TYPES OF KITES
The type of kite is not defined by rigid rules. By changing the shape, certain characteristics blend into others. In aerodynamics, improving one feature often means sacrificing another.
Therefore, manufacturers constantly seek the best possible shape and ratio to achieve the desired kite behavior.
Most modern kites fall somewhere in the hybrid spectrum – between the square-cornered C kites that dominated the early days of kiteboarding and the more triangular Delta kites.
Here are the main kite types:
Beginner Kites: Generally Delta-shaped with more triangular wingtips. They have a smaller aspect ratio (width-to-length ratio) compared to other kites. These kites are more forgiving, making them easy to relaunch and stable in gusty wind conditions. Recommended beginner kites: Duotone EVO, Eleveight RS.
Big Air Kites: These are longer Delta kites with a higher aspect ratio, ideal for high and long jumps. They generate more lift and work well in lighter winds. However, they are less forgiving and require more precise control. Recommended kites for high jumps: Duotone Rebel, Eleveight XS.
Hybrid C Kites: These kites have a more curved shape and square wingtips. They are versatile, suitable for jumping, kiteloops, and freestyle tricks. They have a slightly smaller wind range but offer excellent performance.
Top hybrid kites: Duotone DICE, Eleveight FS.
Wave Kites: Designed for wave riding, these kites are fast and responsive, allowing precise positioning on the wave. They drift well downwind even when lines are slack. However, they are not optimized for big jumps. Recommended wave kite: Duotone NEO.
Freestyle Kites: C-shaped with long, square wingtips. These kites generate strong pull at low angles in the wind window, making them ideal for unhooked freestyle tricks. They offer excellent pop and slack for advanced maneuvers. However, they have a smaller wind range and are not suitable for beginners. Top freestyle kite: Duotone Vegas.
Racing & Hydrofoil Kites: Designed for speed, these kites have a high aspect ratio and a thin profile, allowing them to generate power even in light wind. They are less stable and highly sensitive to wind gusts. Due to their efficiency, they require precise handling and are not beginner-friendly.
Modern kites are more versatile than ever. Even a beginner-friendly kite can deliver high jumps and advanced tricks.
However, if you're looking to progress quickly, a more advanced kite will help accelerate your skill development.
1.2 HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT KITE SIZE?
The size of the kite depends on wind strength and rider weight. The stronger the wind, the smaller the kite should be. To choose the right size, consider where you will be kiteboarding and the typical wind conditions: If your local spot has light thermal winds, opt for larger kites. If you ride in strong wind locations (e.g., Brazil, Tarifa, Cape Town), smaller kites are preferable.
1.3 HOW MANY KITES DO YOU NEED?
A single kite cannot cover all wind conditions. To maximize your time on the water, most riders have 2-3 kites in different sizes.
Common kite size combinations:
For lighter riders (50 kg): 6 + 9m² or 7 + 10m²
For heavier riders (90 kg): 9 + 12m², 7 + 9 + 12m², or 8 + 11m² Many couples share kites, as different weights require different kite sizes in the same conditions.
For example, when a heavier rider uses a 12m², the lighter rider may need a 10m².
Pro Tip: On the spot, check what sizes other riders of similar weight are using, or ask someone who just came off the water for advice.
2. ELEVEIGHT KITE – WHICH MODEL TO CHOOSE?
2.1 ELEVEIGHT RS – THE PERFECT KITE FOR BEGINNERS
Eleveight RS is an ideal beginner kite. It is stable, forgiving, and still offers excellent performance for riders practicing jumps and tricks. Key features: Excellent freeride capabilities Stable in gusty winds Direct and responsive control Suitable for both wave riding and freestyle tricks
2.2 ELEVEIGHT XS – THE KITE FOR BIG AIR
Eleveight XS is designed for advanced riders looking for higher and longer jumps. Key features: Hybrid delta shape with high aspect ratio Explosive lift and excellent hangtime Stable yet responsive in diverse wind conditions Ideal for kiteloops and old-school tricks
2.3 WHY CHOOSE ELEVEIGHT KITES?
Eleveight is developed by a team of experienced designers who previously worked for Best Kiteboarding. Their goal is to create innovative and high-quality kite equipment.
Reasons to trust Eleveight Kites:
- Premium Materials: Uses durable 4x4 Ripstop fabric developed with Teijin, a leading Japanese material manufacturer.
- Ultra-Light Kites: Eleveight also offers a lightwind series (PLUS) with lighter materials.
- Versatile Performance: Adjustable bridle settings allow riders to customize kite behavior.
- E/8 Trusted Quality: A commitment to innovation, durability, and performance.
3. KITE BOARDS – HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT ONE?
3.1 ELEVEIGHT PROCESS – BEST BOARD FOR BEGINNERS
The Eleveight Process board is ideal for beginners, offering great stability, early planing, and easy handling in choppy waters.
3.2 ELEVEIGHT MASTER – PROGRESSIVE BOARD FOR ADVANCED RIDERS
Designed with pro kiter Arthur Guillebert, the Eleveight Master board is built for high jumps, freestyle tricks, and technical maneuvers.
Key features: Optimized flex for pop and smooth landings Innovative PRS rails for speed and control Multi-stage rocker for enhanced maneuverability
CHOOSING THE RIGHT BOARD SIZE:
- Riders up to 65kg: Up to 138cm
- Riders up to 80kg: Up to 145cm
- Heavier riders: 140cm+ For light wind conditions, larger lightwind boards up to 160cm are recommended
Choosing the right kite equipment ensures a safe and enjoyable kiteboarding experience. If you're unsure, our team is happy to help you find the perfect setup for your skill level and riding style.