If you are just starting out in the world of kitesurfing or have been riding for a while, you have surely asked yourself this question more than once:¿qué tipo de cometa necesito?And not all kites are the same.
There are different types of kites, each designed for a specific style of riding, experience level, and wind conditions.
Choosing the right kite is essential to enjoy kitesurfing safely, progress faster, and get the most out of every session on the water.
From kites designed for freestyle and radical maneuvers to more stable and easy-to-relaunch models for beginners, the variety is wide.
In this article we tell youHow many types of kites are there for practicing kitesurfing?, what features each one has and how to know which one is best for you according to your level and style of navigation. 🌊💨
Types of kitesurf kites
1. C-Type Kites (C-Kites)
TheC-type kites, also known asC-Kites, they are the most recognizable by their classic well-defined "C" shape when inflated and in the air.
This type of kite was the first used in kitesurfing and, although the designs have evolved a lot over the years, they remain the favorites for those seeking power, precision, and total control in maneuvers.
Main features of the C-Kites:
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C-shaped arch form.
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Lower depower range compared to other types of kites.
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They require greater skill for relaunching from the water.
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Great responsiveness and direct feel on the bar.
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Explosive power and constant traction.
¿Para quién son las cometas tipo C?
This type of kite is mainly designed foradvanced ridersor those who practicefreestyle, wakestyleand technical maneuvers where a lot of pop, power, and control in the movements are needed.
It is not the best option for beginners, as it requires experience to manage the power and relaunch it correctly in case of a fall.
If your goal is to work on tricks with disengagement (unhooked tricks), rotations or handle passes, the C-Kites are the ones that will offer you the performance you need.
Pros and cons of C-type kites:
✅Advantages:
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Maximum power and control for freestyle maneuvers.
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Very direct feeling with the kite.
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Ideal for riders seeking technical performance.
❌Disadvantages:
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More challenging relaunch, especially in low wind conditions.
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Lower usable wind range.
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Not recommended for beginners or for those looking for a versatile kite.
2. Bow Kites (Bow Kites)
TheBow kites, also known asBow Kites, they revolutionized the world of kitesurfing when they appeared on the market thanks to their design with a flatter leading edge and open tips.
This type of kites is characterized by offeringgreat depower, making them one of the safest and easiest options to control, especially for those who are learning or looking for a smooth and versatile ride.
Main features of Bow Kites:
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Flatter shape and open tips.
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Wide usable wind range.
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Much depower: ability to reduce power almost completely by releasing the bar.
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Relaunch from the water easy and fast.
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Good stability and control in all types of conditions.
¿Para quién son las cometas tipo Bow?
The Bow Kites are the best option forbeginners, but also forintermediate ridersand advanced users looking for a kiteversatile, ideal for freeride, big air, and wave sessions where safety and control are priorities.
If your goal is to progress safely, sail comfortably, or enjoy an easy-to-handle kite in different wind ranges, the Bow Kite is a safe bet.
Pros and cons of Bow kites:
✅Advantages:
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Much power depower and control, ideal for learning and progressing.
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Easy relaunch from the water.
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Wide wind range, allowing you to take advantage of more sailing days.
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Versatility for freeride, waves, and big air.
❌Disadvantages:
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Less explosive power than the C-Kites for unhooked freestyle.
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Less direct sensation on the bar compared to C-type kites.
3. Delta Kites (Delta Kites)
TheDelta kites, orDelta Kites, they have gained their popularity for being some of the easiest to handle, stable, and versatile. Their design is an evolution of Bow Kites, but with a more triangular shape, similar to the Greek letter delta (Δ), which facilitates therelaunch from the waterand offers great stability even in gusty wind conditions.
Thanks to this combination of features, the Delta Kites are one of the favorite options for bothbeginnersfor intermediate riders looking for a kiteall-around, capable of performing well in different styles and conditions.
Main features of the Delta Kites:
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Very pronounced triangular shape, with a rounded leading edge.
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Excellent stability and control.
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Effective and progressive depower.
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Re-launching from the water is very easy.
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Good power, but easy to manage.
Who are Delta-type kites for?
The Delta Kites are designed forriders of all levels, especially for those who want a kite that works well infreeride, first freestyle maneuvers, wave riding, and even jumps. Their design makes them an ideal option if you're looking for a single kite that works for almost everything and don't want to complicate things too much with specific models.
If you are a beginner and want a kite with which you can learn, progress, and continue enjoying as you improve your skills, a Delta Kite is a highly recommended choice.
Pros and cons of Delta-type kites:
✅Advantages:
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Very easy to relaunch from the water.
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Great stability, even in irregular wind conditions.
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Wide range of use, ideal as versatile kites.
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Good balance between power and safety.
❌Disadvantages:
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Although they work for various styles, they are not the most specific for unhooked freestyle or race.
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They may offer less explosiveness than a C-Kite if you are looking for very technical maneuvers.
4. Hybrid Type Kites (Hybrid Kites)
Thehybrid kites, orHybrid Kites, they arise from the need to combine the best features of several types of kites into a single design. It could be said that they are the "middle ground" between C-Kites, Bows, and Deltas, aiming to offerversatility, good performance, and ease of useat the same time.
These kites usually have an intermediate shape, with a curvature less aggressive than C-Kites, but more pronounced than Bow or Delta. Thanks to this blend, they manage to maintaina good power and response, but without sacrificing safety or ease of relaunch.
Main features of the Hybrid Kites:
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Design that blends elements of the C, Bow, and Delta.
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Good combination of power, depower, and stability.
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Easy relaunch, although somewhat less automatic than in the Deltas.
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Quite a direct response, without being as aggressive as a C-Kite.
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They usually include adjustable settings to customize the kite's behavior.
Who are Hybrid-type kites for?
The hybrid kites are ideal forintermediate and advanced riderswhat are you looking forversatilityand they don't want to limit themselves to just one navigation style. They work very well forfreeride, jumps, big air, and even moderate freestyle (although they are not designed for radical unhooked).
If you like to do a bit of everything — cruising calmly, catching some air, hitting waves occasionally — and don't want to have multiple kites for each discipline, a Hybrid Kite might be the perfect option.
Pros and cons of Hybrid-type kites:
✅Advantages:
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Versatile and balanced kites.
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Good relaunch and depower.
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More responsive and powerful than the Deltas, but without the technical demands of the C-Kites.
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They usually offer various configurations to customize the navigation style.
❌Disadvantages:
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Although they do everything, they are not the best in specific disciplines (pure unhooked freestyle, race, etc.).
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Some models may be less intuitive for absolute beginners.
How to choose the ideal type of kite according to your level and style?
Choosing the right kite is not just a matter of taste, but also of being clearWhat do you want to do in the water, what is your current level, and under what conditions will you usually be sailing?. Each type of kite offers different advantages, and choosing the right one can make the difference between enjoying every session or getting frustrated for not having the right equipment.
🔰 For beginners:
If you are starting in kitesurfing, it is most advisable to choose a kite that offers you:
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Ease of relaunch.
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Wide wind range.
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Good depower for increased safety.
✅The best options:
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Bow KitesSafe, stable, and easy to relaunch.
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Delta KitesVery versatile, easy to handle, and stable.
🚫 Avoid C-Kites and Foil Kites in your early stages, as they require more experience to control and relaunch.
🌊 For freeride and versatile sailing:
If you enjoy sailing without complications, jumping occasionally, and doing a bit of everything, you need a versatile and comfortable kite for different conditions.
✅The best options:
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Delta Kites: Perfect for freeride and all-around.
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Hybrid KitesGood balance between performance and ease of use.
🎯 For freestyle and wakestyle:
If you already have experience and are looking for explosive power for unhooked tricks, rotations, or handle passes, you need a kite that responds quickly and has good pop.
✅The best options:
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C-Kites: The top choice for radical freestyle and wakestyle.
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Hybrid KitesIf you're looking for something less demanding, but with good freestyle performance.
🌊⚡ For wave (surfkite on waves):
In waves, the most important thing is to have a kite that isstable, easy to relaunch, with good drift (ability to stay flying while moving with the wave)and that offers control without having to constantly pull on the bar.
✅The best options:
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Bow KitesandDelta KitesVery recommendable for wave.
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SomeHybrid Kitesalso designed with good wave performance.
🪁 For foil, race, and light wind:
If what you're looking for is to sail when there's barely any wind or you want to compete in races, you need a light and efficient kite.
✅The best options:
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Foil Kites: Unbeatable in light wind, foilboarding, snowkite, and race.
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Some models ofBowandDelta Kitesthey also have specific versions for light wind.
👉 Final tip:
Before you decide, keep in mind:
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Your real level and experience.
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The usual wind conditions at your spot.
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The navigation style that motivates you the most.
Si tienes dudas, lo mejor es probar diferentes modelos o consultar con riders más experimentados o en tu escuela/local shop de confianza (como hacemos siempre en Surfoon 😉).
