Kiteboards come in many different shapes and sizes. At the beginning, you may not be too concerned about this, but as you spend more time kiteboarding, you quickly develop your own preferences and style. Then it's time to choose a kiteboard that suits you! To make it easy, we have divided the different types of kiteboards into two groups: twin tip and directional kiteboards.

There is a big difference between a twintip and a directional kiteboard. A twintip is the kiteboard you learn kiteboarding with and is actually in almost every kite surfer's quiver. As previously mentioned, a twintip has a parallel shape with two bindings and four fins. With a twintip, you can easily ride upwind, make high jumps, and do unhooked tricks, for example. There are twintips for freeride, freestyle, wakestyle, lightwind, and big air. Click here for an overview of our twintip collection.

A directional is used by kite surfers who love nothing more than playing with the waves. A directional kiteboard resembles a surfboard and is therefore only used for wave riding, strapless freestyle, or lightwind kiteboarding. The biggest difference from a twintip is that these directionals are asymmetrical and therefore have only one front, unlike the symmetrical twintips. Click here for an overview of our directional surfboards.

A foil kiteboard, also known as foilboard or hydrofoil board, is a specialized type of kiteboard designed to be used in combination with a hydrofoil. These hydrofoils are mounted with a mast under the foilboard, which lifts the board out of the water as speed increases. Foil kiteboards typically have a minimalist design with a long, narrow profile to reduce water resistance and maximize efficiency. They are often made of lightweight materials such as carbon fiber to optimize performance. Foilboards, like directionals, are asymmetrical and therefore have a front. Click here for an overview of our foilboard collection.

When choosing a kiteboard, size is very important! Both for a twintip and a directional kiteboard. The size of the twintip or directional depends on several factors: your level, your favorite discipline, and your weight. Starting with choosing the right size twintip. As mentioned earlier, it's wise for a beginner to choose a twintip that is slightly larger than you would normally take. This will make you more stable, ride upwind easier, and get into planing more easily. As you improve, you will need different characteristics of a twintip. The characteristics depend on your favorite riding style. For example, as a big air kitesurfer, you want a twintip with not too much rocker, plenty of channels, and not too large. But as a freestyle kitesurfer, you want a lot of rocker and a slightly larger size. For all riding styles, there is a specific twintip made, including for light wind and freeride. Roughly speaking, an advanced kitesurfer weighing 80 kg has a twintip of about 138, and with 75kg, a 136. This can vary a bit depending on the twintip and riding style.

Choosing the right size directional surfboard is a bit trickier than your twintip. That's because there is another important factor to consider, namely volume. But also when choosing the right size directional, it applies that as a beginner, you take a larger size than an advanced kitesurfer. Even when you mainly use the directional, it's wise to take a directional with a bit more volume. If you are an advanced kitesurfer who loves nothing more than powered riding on high waves, then you want a bit less volume and a directional with a narrower outline to make it easier to perform those top and bottom turns. More information can be found on this page.

At Kitemana, all twintips come with fins and a grab handle included. The size of the fins is determined by the supplier, allowing you to get the most out of the kiteboard. A larger fin provides more grip and makes it easier to ride upwind, while a smaller fin offers greater maneuverability. Most directional surfboards are sold without fins. This is because the choice of fins can be quite personal. Some kiters prefer large, stiff fins while others prefer small, flexible fins. The product description will often indicate whether fins are included with the surfboard or not.

Are bindings and straps included with my kiteboard? All twintip kiteboards are sold without bindings. This allows you to choose the bindings that best suit your kiteboard. There is a significant difference in kitesurfing bindings in terms of fit, size, comfort, and color. Therefore, this is a personal choice and twintips are sold without bindings. Some directional surfboards come with straps included. If a surfboard comes with straps, it will be indicated in the product description.

Airush: twintip and directional surfboards
Appletree: specialised premium directional surfboards only
Brunotti: twintip en directional surfboards
Cabrinha: twintip en directional surfboards
Carved: premium carbon twintip kiteboards
Core Kiteboarding: twintip en directional surfboards
Duotone Kiteboarding: twintip en directional surfboards
F-One: twintip en directional surfboards.
North: twintip en directional surfboards.
Lieuwe:Specialized premium handmade twintip kiteboards.
Naish: twintip en directional surfboards.
Ozone: twintip kiteboards
Reedin Kiteboarding: twintip en directional surfboards
Slingshot Kiteboarding: twintip en directional surfboards

Should I use a leash with a kiteboard? We advise against using a leash with a twintip. The leash can cause your kiteboard to come back after a crash at high speed and potentially hit your head. You want to avoid this at all costs, so do not use a leash. And if you really want to use a leash, for whatever reason, then use the roll leash. The roll leash is less likely to come back hard after a crash.

The same story applies to a directional surfboard but with a small caveat. In the Netherlands, you are unlikely to need a leash. But if you go surfing somewhere abroad on a reef far out at sea with huge waves, it may be useful to use a leash.

At Kitemana, we have a wide selection of hydrofoil kitesurf boards, wings, and masts. We sell hydrofoils from all major brands and a few specialized brands, such as Moses and Levitaz. So, we have a suitable kitesurf hydrofoil for every skill level and budget. Check out our foil kiteboards here.

Sure thing! At Kitemana, we have an extensive selection of used kitesurf boards, kites, and even bars. We sell used kiteboards from all major brands and also a few specialized brands, such as Lieuwe and Appletree. At Kitemana, we have a suitable kitesurf board for every skill level and budget, whether it's a directional board or a foil kiteboard. Check out our second-hand kiteboards here.