The sport of kiteboarding revolves around the proper choice of kites. Choosing a kite may seem like a mountainous challenge with all the types of kites available today. There are many types of kites: Leading Edge Inflatables (LEIs), Foils, Ram-air foils, etc. With all there is to choose from it is important to understand that each type of kite has been created to fulfill certain needs. Some opt for less lines to make set-up easier for beginners. Others add more to give the rider more control over the kite enabling them to de-power more and better adjust in variable wind conditions. When deciding which kite to buy it is important to ask yourself what types of riding you intend to do and what the wind conditions are usually like around where you live.

Leading Edge Inflatables kites have air bladders built-in which form a frame to hold the kite material’s shape. These types of kites are often more favorable for water use because when they hit the water, they float. These kites aren’t always the best water kites though because the bladders can be damaged by hard impacts. Flying LEI on land increases the chances of kite damage. On a good note, when a bladder becomes damaged it can be replaced relatively cheaply

Foil and ram-air kites do not have bladders. Instead of having one skin of kite material like the LEI kites, these kites have two and form an airfoil shape, much like an airplane’s wing profile. Some foils require a complex structure of external lines to hold the kite’s shape in the air known as bridles. Some kites use internal bridles and use vents to force the air in, to “pump up” the kite while flying. These kites are usually lighter than LEIs, and will float for short periods of time. An advantage to foil kites is that they require less setup (there is no pumping) and are safer to fly over land, ice, and snow.