What Should Be The Perfect Size For Your Snowkiting Kites?

Some very familiar questions I used to come across daily are "What size snow kite do I need?" or "Which is the best size for a snow kite?" Although I try not to answer a question with a single option, the optimal kite size will depend on the terrain and how you plan to ride.

With kitesurfing, the kiteboard kite size largely depends on wind speed and rider weight. Kite size is proportional to wind speed and rider size. During kiteboarding on water, you need to attain speed to stay on top of the water, but you don't need to during snow kiting. 

That is why kiting on snow is a more approachable sport for beginners than water-based kiteboarding. It frees up mental space for the rider to concentrate on kite technique and body posture rather than the mechanics of board starts and relaunches. 

Learning how to ride snowkiting kites is safer and less daunting since the rider may start with less power. A 12m kite, like the Cabrinha Switchblade, is recommended for a regular rider to learn on the water in 18 mph wind. 

Riding a 5m kite like the Cabrinha Vector on snow with the same rider and wind speed is feasible. You should also consider the area you'll be riding in, your riding style, the size of your quiver, and your experience when choosing a snow kite.

You'll want a full-size kite if you plan on riding in thick powder or over steep slopes, where the extra power will be necessary. This is great news because the same snowkiting kites will also be your go-to for water-based kiteboarding. 

Because different riding methods call for different amounts of power, your preferred riding style will dictate the ideal kite size. It is especially true in extreme sports like wakestyle and freestyle riding, where you need a lot of force to get airborne and perform your trick. 

Most novice cyclists lack a distinct riding style and would benefit from a straightforward introduction to the sport. A level riding region with less than six inches of snow and winds under twenty miles per hour is ideal for novice snow kiters. 

They'll be able to have a good time on the bike despite using very little energy. The Prism Tensor 4.2, a relatively small trainer kite, may be a reliable travel companion under the appropriate circumstances of snow kiteboarding.

General Snowkite Sizes

• Trainer Kite (2 m - 3.5 m) - This size kites are used to learn kiting skills at the basic level. Too small for the average person to snowkite with. Person with body weight lying between 90 - 120 lbs could use it to learn kiting. Also, you can use it in moderate winds ranging between 12 mph to 18 mph. 

• Beginner (4 m - 6 m) - This size is good for learning kiting and riding. Big for a trainer kite, but could be used in light winds. Good entry level kite for a person weighing 140 - 250 lb. Good size for higher winds as you advance. 

• Entry Level (7 m - 9 m) - Proper sizes to fully engage in sport. Entry level size for a person who has had enough lessons before trying the sport independently. Great size to learn & progress. Broad wind range for advancing kiters. 

• Progression (10 m - 15 m) - Good choice for Intermediate & advanced level kiters. Most common sizes depending on wind conditions, environment, & skill level. Useful for large wind ranges. Good for areas with lighter winds. 

Whatever size you prefer, you can get that at Kiteline. Browse our store to see our amazing collection.