Kitefoiling is the quiet, elegant sister of kitesurfing. On the hydrofoil you lift off and glide silently across the water even in light wind. The gear overlaps with kiting, a few things are added. Here is our list.
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What matters
Foiling works even in light wind, often enough to use what would long be too little for kiting. For that you need a foilboard with a hydrofoil and ideally a kite that pulls even in a lull. For the start, a stable foil with plenty of lift is better, it forgives more.
First purchases with examples based on body weight
With kitefoiling, what counts above all is a large, high-lift front wing that takes off early and slowly, plus a stable board with some volume. Honest reference values for getting started:
| Body weight | Front wing | Foilboard volume | Mast |
|---|---|---|---|
| approx. 45 kg | approx. 1100–1300 cm² | approx. 45–55 L | 75–85 cm |
| approx. 65 kg | approx. 1300–1500 cm² | approx. 55–70 L | 80–90 cm |
| approx. 85 kg | approx. 1500–1800 cm² | approx. 70–85 L | 85–90 cm |
| approx. 100 kg | approx. 1800–2100 cm² | approx. 85–100 L | 90 cm |
You choose the kite by weight and wind just like for kitesurfing, but for foiling it can often be a size smaller, because you lift off even in light wind. On the flat Baltic you ride more relaxed with the shorter mast at first, later a longer one gives more scope.
Safety and care
Helmet and impact vest are mandatory when foiling, a fall onto the foil really hurts. After the session rinse foil and screws with fresh water and dry them, otherwise the salt eats its way into the connections.
Foil cleaned, list ticked off? Then off you go onto the water, even a light breeze is enough. Browse the other packing lists or check whether there is enough wind today.