Best Beginner Kiteboarding Kite for 2025
Buying your first kite can be very daunting with so many options and brands out there on the market. We are here to break down some of our favorites.
What To Look For In A Good Beginner Kite
You can learn on any kite these days, but having a right kite can make getting pass the beginning stage so much easier. here are a few must‑haves for a beginner kite:
- Predictable, forgiving power delivery (not too aggressive)
- Smooth relaunch from the water
- Good range: both low‑wind performance and safe handling in stronger gusts
- Moderate bar pressure so you don’t fatigue quickly
- Durable materials, since learning means more crashes & wear
2025 North Reach
North Reach has been our favorite beginner kite. 3- a strut all-around kite that has incredible low and high-end power. Perfect progression kite. The new for 2025, the reach is built with North Proprietary N-Max 2 Air Frame, that are used on their PRO model kites. This allows the kite to be lighter compared to a standard Dacron kite and a smaller diameter on the leading edge, and increases durability.
FORCE Rating: 10/10
2025 Naish Pivot
Pivot is Naish’s legendary kite. The Pivot has won three Red Bull King of the Air titles. This kite is designed for extreme conditions, but it is also perfect for beginners. The pivot has always been user-friendly and responsive. The new construction and material give the kite a better low end to allow a better wind range.
FORCE Rating 9/10
2025 Cabrinha Switchblade APEX & Moto X APEX
Two Great option from Cabrinha
Cabrinha Switchblade has been our go-to teaching kite and has been our favorite beginner kite. A more“classic” free‑ride / big air/all-rounder style kite. The power delivery of this kite is very smooth and predictable. The bar pressure for 2025 are much lighter than previous model for smoother and effortless steering.
FORCE Rating: 10/10
The Moto X is also a great first kite for its versatility. The Moto X is lighter than the switchblade thanks to the 3-strut design. That means it has a better low-end wind range. The kite features a lower aspect ratio and a wider wing tip, allowing it to be more nimble and fast. Require a little more techinque to get more power but it is a more performace feel kite design.
FORCE Rating: 10/10
2025 Duotone Evo
The Evo is one of the most beginner‑friendly “do‑everything” kites in the 2025 lineup. The kite has a very great sheet and goes well. A swept-back wing tip that allows the kite to relaunch easily. The Duotone kite is designed with a high-Y setup. It can cause a little bit more of a problem when the lines get tangled.
FORCE Rating: 9.5/10
Choose the Right size for your spot.
Choose the right kite, but the wrong size can significantly impact your learning progression. A few tips below to determine your kite size.
- Wind conditions at your spot — Know the minimum and maximum typical wind speeds where you are going to ride the most. Often you want a quiver of 2 to 3 kites, but if you are buying just one kite. Select a size that allows you to ride more than 50% of the time. Ask your local shop or kiteboarding community if you need help deciding.
- Weight/board type — Heavier riders or those using larger boards (or directional/foil boards) require a kite that can handle that load. Lighter riders want something that can stay up in lower wind.
- Demo if possible — If you can demo a kite locally (or rent), try a few of these models. Even kites of the same size can feel different in your hands, depending on your local conditions.