Your weight in lb and the wind in mph, and a kite size with a range around it
Value in mph. 1 knot = 1.15 mph. Ideal kiteboarding wind: 14–29 mph (12–25 knots).
One size is never a quiver. These are the decisions that follow the number, and the one kit item that matters more than any of them.
We don't publish prices here: nothing on this site keeps them fresh, and a stale price is worse than none. Check the figure on the product page before you order.
| Wind (mph) | Wind (knots) | 130 lb | 165 lb | 200 lb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12–14 | 10–12 | 11–13 m² | 14–16 m² | 17–20 m² |
| 14–17 | 12–15 | 9–11 m² | 11–14 m² | 13–17 m² |
| 17–23 | 15–20 | 6–9 m² | 8–11 m² | 10–13 m² |
| 23–29 | 20–25 | 5–6 m² | 7–8 m² | 8–10 m² |
| 29–35 | 25–30 | 5 m² | 5–7 m² | 7–8 m² |
| 35+ | 30+ | 5 m² | 5 m² | 6–7 m² |
These figures are for an intermediate level. Beginners should go one size up, experts one size down, depending on style. The table comes from the same formula as the calculator, so the two cannot disagree.
A kite's size (measured in m²) determines how much power it generates. The larger the surface area, the harder it pulls: great in light wind, dangerous in strong wind. Two main factors guide the choice: your weight and the wind strength.
For a 165 lb (75 kg) beginner in 17 mph (15 knots) of wind, a kite of around 12 m² is generally a good fit. Every extra 22 lb (10 kg) of bodyweight needs roughly 1–2 m² more. Every extra 5 knots of wind (about 6 mph) lets you drop about 2 m².
Beginners are better off with a slightly larger kite, giving more power in reserve for lighter wind. Experts often prefer smaller kites for sharper feel and less physical effort.
The tool takes any of them, plus km/h. What it cannot account for is gust factor: a steady 15 knots and a gusty 10-to-20 are very different days on the same kite.