Kite Foil

Kite foiling is a unique and innovative form of kitesurfing that involves using a hydrofoil attached to the bottom of a special kite foil board. This hydrofoil, often simply called a 'foil,' consists of a mast, a front wing, and a stabilizer at the back. As you gain speed, the wing lifts the board out of the water, allowing you to "fly" above the water's surface with minimal resistance.

To begin with, the kitesurfing world wasn't the first to encounter the hydrofoil. Experiments with the foil wing to bypass water resistance have been going on for years. In the early 1900s, the first experiments were conducted with boats that could hover over the water. Hydrofoils have also been used in waterskiing for years as the Skyski. Naturally, kiteboarders didn't want to be left behind. Want to kite in flat water starting from 5 knots? Then kite foiling might be just for you.

One of the biggest advantages of kite foiling is the ability to ride in very light wind conditions, often at wind speeds of 5 to 8 knots. This makes it a popular choice for kitesurfers who want to get on the water even with minimal wind. Because the hydrofoil lifts the board out of the water, you can glide very smoothly over the water, without being affected by waves or chop. This gives a unique and almost weightless feeling while kiting. The foil reduces resistance, thus increasing efficiency, which means you can cover longer distances effortlessly. This makes kite foiling a great way to take long trips and explore new spots.

Almost all major kite brands have a wide range of kite foils. On this page, we will tell you everything about the different kite foils.

To start kitefoiling, you need a hydrofoil and a foilboard. This hydrofoil includes a front wing, rear wing/stabilizer, mast, and a fuselage that connects the front wing to the rear wing. Additionally, it's recommended to make your first attempts on the kitefoil with a helmet, neoprene boots, and an impact vest to avoid injuring yourself on the foil if you fall. Also, try to foil with the right kite. It's advisable to choose a model that flies stably in low wind. Many manufacturers offer special light wind kites that are particularly suitable for kite foiling.

Kitesurf Foil Wings
To begin, just like with kites, there are foil wings with a high Aspect Ratio (AR) and with a lower Aspect Ratio. The higher the AR, the faster it will ultimately go. A wing with a low AR, on the other hand, gets out of the water more easily. If you want to ride comfortably, it's best to choose a foil with a low Aspect Ratio. If you prefer to ride fast and have stability at high speeds, you should opt for a kite foil with a high AR. The size of the wings also significantly affects the foil's characteristics. A larger front wing has more lift, is more stable, and requires less kite power to ride. A smaller front wing, however, requires a bit more kite power but is more playful with a higher top speed. With a smaller wing, you can carve and turn more easily. Generally, kite foils are made from Aluminum or Carbon, depending on the price of the foil. Carbon is the lightest and fastest but is slightly more prone to breaking compared to an aluminum foil. An example is the North Sonar S01 Stabilizer

Kitesurf Foil Mast
A foil mast is the part that connects the foil to your board. The length of the mast significantly influences the riding behavior of the foil. The standard size of a foil mast is between 75cm and 90cm. For a beginner, a shorter mast around 60cm is easier to ride as it provides more stability. However, you must be cautious to prevent it from accidentally breaching the water's surface. The material used for the mast also affects the foil's performance. Most masts are made of aluminum. High-performance masts are made from carbon, making them lighter and more responsive. An example is the North Sonar AK Kite Mast.

Kitesurf Foil Boards
There is now a wide range of kitesurf hydrofoil boards available on the market. The main differences between the boards lie in their volume and length. A large foilboard with lots of volume is easier for beginners, but for advanced riders, it can feel slow. A smaller board with less volume feels more playful/maneuverable and is much more responsive. Foilboards like the Appletree Mini Foil Kite Full Carbon Foilboard and the Slingshot Hope Craft V2 2024 Foilboard are popular among many foilers. For more information about foilboards, you can visit this page: Kite Foil - Board.

Hydrofoil Protection
The hydrofoil itself is sharp. The wings have sharp points, and the metal mast can also cause serious damage. Additionally, when foiling, you often ride at higher speeds than usual. Be aware of the dangers and wear a helmet, long wetsuit, and impact vest while foil kiting. For our range of protective gear, see this page.

As a newbie in kitefoiling, you need to consider your body weight, skills, and, not to forget, your budget. To start kitefoiling, buy a larger front wing and a shorter mast to make your initial experience easier. It should also be possible to swap masts of different lengths. Additionally, the wing should be interchangeable so that as you progress, you can develop your skills further without having to buy an entirely new kitefoil. Fortunately, all brands now offer interchangeable masts, fuselages, and wings, making it very easy to purchase different sizes later on.

The size of the front wing is crucial for getting started with kitefoiling. A larger front wing provides more lift at lower speeds and greater stability. You should also pay attention to the aspect ratio (AR) of the wing, which indicates the ratio of length to width/depth of the wing. A low AR means the wing has a wider/deeper profile and is better suited for beginners. A narrow, elongated wing has a higher AR and is less suitable for beginners. Additionally, a shorter mast can give you more confidence initially, as you stay closer to the water surface. With a longer mast, you also go higher into the air, which can be quite daunting at first. Also, any touchdowns with the foilboard are less harsh as you remain closer to the water surface. Masts with lengths of 30 - 60 cm are ideal for this. Many kitefoils offer the option to swap masts of different lengths, so you can switch to a longer mast after gaining your first riding experiences.

In principle, the type of mast attachment determines whether a foilboard and a foilmast are compatible. There is a mounting plate, the Base Plate with four screws, or a so-called Tuttle Box, which connects the mast directly to the board. With the Tuttle Box, you cannot adjust the position of the mast under your foilboard.

If you choose a brand that produces both kitefoils and foilboards, you can assume that they will fit perfectly. Keep in mind that there are also brands that only produce kitefoils or only foilboards. These brands often provide recommendations on which foil best matches their products. Not sure? Just ask us. You can always send us a message via WhatsApp, email, or visit our kiteshop in Noordwijk.

At Kitemana, we offer a wide selection of complete foil sets. Foilboard, mast, wings, fuselage, and all necessary mounting materials—our complete sets include everything you need to get started right away! Whether you're looking for a foil set for cruising on flat water or performing new tricks, we have something for everyone. Not sure which set suits your needs? Feel free to contact our customer service team. We are always ready to help you choose the right foil set that matches your skills, needs, and budget. For more information on buying a kite foil set, check out this page.

In the Kitemana online shop, you will find surfboards for kitesurfing from the following brands:

Airush: BY INNOVATORS FOR INNOVATORS
Appletree: LIGHTEST, STRONGEST AND BEST-PERFORMING KITESURF BOARDS
Cabrinha: LIVE FREE. RIDE FREE.
Core Kiteboarding: PREMIUM KITES & BOARDS FROM FEHMARN, GERMANY.
Duotone Kiteboarding: TRUE KITEBOARDING.
F-One: ENJOY ALL CONDITIONS, TRY OUT NEW THINGS, OPEN UP YOUR PLAYGROUND
Levitaz Hydrofoils: HYDROFOILS FOR ALL DISCIPLINES
Moses Hydrofoil: HIGH QUALITY HYDROFOILS MADE IN ITALY
Naish: POWERED BY NATURE.
North: FOR THE SEEKERS.
Reedin Kiteboarding: IMAGINE KITEBOARDING #BEYOND
Slingshot: THE ART OF POWER