Kiteboards come in two main kinds – Twin tip and directional boards.

Twin tips are most common, being easier to learn on and progress for flat-water freestyle, and freeriding in all conditions.  They vary from easy, forgiving boards for learning on to dedicated wake-style and high performance freestyle boards.

A bigger board with bigger fins will be easier to learn on.  More flex will make the board smoother in chop.  A flatter rocker offers better early planing and upwind performance, but more rocker pops better for wakestyle moves.  Choose a board based on your ability and the type of riding you will do.

Becoming increasingly popular in surf locations, the surfboard shape is far superior for waveriding and light wind freeriding in the ocean.

Additionally, there are ‘mutants’, skimboards, freestyle surfboards and surf twintips, and wakeskates!

Underground has been making kiteboards since the beginning.   Their new range includes surfboards and twin tips, and is their biggest range to date.

Slingshot has some of the best riders in the world, which is reflected in their boards.  Their surfboards in particular benefit from Ben Wilson’s experience and are an awesome range.  Their new ‘Bolt-On’ pad/strap system is nothing short of amazing!