How to Choose Your First Kitesurf Kite If You’re Just Starting Out? (Complete Guide)

Choosing your first kitesurf kite is one of the most important steps when you start in this sport. It doesn’t just affect how you ride, but also your safety, your confidence, and how quickly you progress.

After many hours on the water and seeing dozens of riders start from scratch, one thing is clear: a well-chosen kite makes learning kitesurfing much easier and more fun. In this guide, I’ll explain how to get it right from the beginning and which Airush models are best suited for riders taking their first steps.

Why Your First Kitesurf Kite Is So Important

When you’re learning, your goal isn’t to jump high or ride fast. What you really need is:

• Control and stability

• A feeling of safety

• The ability to correct mistakes without scary moments

• Easy water relaunch

A kite that is too technical or aggressive often leads to frustration.

What a Good Beginner Kitesurf Kite Should Offer

If you’re in the learning phase, look for a kite that provides:

• Constant stability in the air

• Progressive and predictable depower

• Easy relaunch, even in light wind

• Smooth turning, without sudden reactions

These features allow you to focus on learning basic technique instead of “fighting” the kite in every maneuver.

The Most Common Beginner Mistake: Choosing the Wrong Size

One of the most common mistakes is buying a kite that’s too big, thinking it will give you more power. In practice, this usually means less control and more errors, especially in gusty wind conditions.

The correct size mainly depends on:

• Your weight

• The typical wind at your spot

• Your real experience level

As a general reference, for riders between 70 and 85 kg riding in medium winds (15–25 knots), a mid-size kite is usually the most balanced option to start with.

Riders from 60 to 70 kg

Riders from 70 to 80 kg

Riders from 80 to 90 kg

Riders over 90 kg

The Most Recommended Airush Kite for Beginners

Within the Airush range, one kite stands out for riders who are just starting and want to progress without needing to change equipment after a few months: the Airush Lithium v14.

The Airush Lithium v14 is designed for freeride and learning, with very stable behavior and a wide wind range. It’s a kite that builds confidence from the very first session and continues to perform well as your level improves.

Why the Airush Lithium v14 Works So Well for Beginners

• Smooth, easy-to-manage power

• Fast and effortless relaunch

• Excellent stability even in gusty winds

• Ideal both for learning and progressing

For riders looking for a slightly more precise feel and premium materials, the Airush Lithium Team v14 offers the same ease of use with a more direct response.

How to Choose the Right Size for Your First Kite

There’s no single perfect size for everyone, but there are safe ranges. When you’re starting out, it’s better to go slightly smaller rather than too big.

A practical tip based on real experience: if you’re between two sizes, choose the smaller one. You’ll gain more control, confidence, and learn faster.

The Rest of the Equipment Also Matters

Bar and Control System

The bar is your direct connection to the kite. A simple, intuitive, and safe control system makes a huge difference when you’re learning. Airush designs its bars with exactly that in mind: safety and ease of use.

The Right Board for Beginners

The kite and the board work together. To start, a stable board with good early planing will help you get up more easily and maintain your ride with less effort.

Two very balanced options in the Airush range are the Airush Switch v11, designed for learning and progression, and the Airush Apex v9, a very versatile board that offers great control from the first sessions.

Final Recommendation from Experience

If you’re starting in kitesurfing, don’t look for the most radical or the cheapest kite. Look for a kite that helps you learn properly, doesn’t limit you, and allows you to progress for a long time.

A setup like the Airush Lithium v14, correctly sized and paired with a stable board, will give you:

• More good sessions

• Less frustration

• Much faster and safer progression

Choosing your first kitesurf kite is a key decision. Starting with models designed for learning and progression, like those from Airush, is an investment in safety, enjoyment, and real progression on the water.

When your equipment works with you, learning kitesurfing stops being complicated and becomes what it truly is: pure fun from your very first tack.