Kite Shapes Explained (Bow, Delta, C kite, Hybrid, Flat, Aspect Ratio, Buying Choices etc)

[@kitesurfcollege]

Access our playlist to watch all tutorials in order: kzbin.info/aero/PL41dAinz_9ZeaG5FJ_XU8vyBAE_HL_Cgl

[@ivodupal3607]

If I meet you one day somewhere, I buy you a good bottle of Rum (y), best videos on YT ;) Thank you

[@ezequielalvarez9116]

Let me say that if someone paid for this video they should pay even more cause your work is freaking awesome! Thanks a lot!

[@samuelseguel8573]

totally agree!

[@dgipro]

This guy it’s very good !! I’d learn a lot

[@joseepaminondas6407]

Finally, we can get to know the person behind the well-crafted videos from Kitesurf College. Congratulations!!! All the kite surfer in the world are grateful, especially here in Brazil.

[@fabienh3943]

I used to follow quite some tutorials from you. Funny to suddenly discover the face of the voice. You sound a bit like an old school teacher: very articulate, very clear and well spoken. This video caught me by surprise 😊 Excellent as always though! Thanks.

[@kitesurfcollege]

Thanks Fabien. You're spot on, I actually used to be a teacher. Before I got too addicted to kiting to be a good employee.

[@FarhadOmid]

Fabien H definitely has some johnny ive vibe to it ;)

[@AndiMannott]

man... your videos are a treasure... I recommend them to all my students after the lessons and even from this basic knowledge video I took something away! thanks!

[@jeroenoverwater6638]

Defintely some of the best learning content out there. Been kiting a few years now and I still come back here somtimes to refresh my memory! Keep it up :)

[@ЯризовДмитрий]

Hi there! I`m still under impression after watching this tutorial. I suggest making the same video on board shapes (twintips) as beginners often make wrong choices being mislead by either salepeople or adverts. You might tell about such techs as sizes and weight, rocker, width, flexibility, NACA channels etc. All these factors influence greatly one`s gliding, jump levels, going upwind and managing the board in the strong wind conditions. There is also a lot to say about direct boards, I suppose) Best regards from cold Russia, Dmitry Yarizov

[@ride_the_wind]

This guy is simply the best in explaining anything. hands down.

[@JB026]

Excellent video, this video would have been great Before I started as a beginner buying a Vegas... Now I know what to look for on my next kite. Thanks

[@ЯризовДмитрий]

Thank you for your great video and for the subtitles in particular! I`ve been kiting for more than 5 years and still I found the tutorial very informative. Please, approve my translation so that kiters from far and cold Russia could also enjoy the video and learn the basics about the kite shapes. We guarantee an accurate translation as it`s been done by a kiter in cooperation with his wife - a professional translator.

[@kitesurfcollege]

Hello Дмитрий Яризов. Thanks for making the translation. Great job, it's approved.

[@Prydeclub]

Дмитрий, я сделал перевод субтитров для видео про гидрофойл. Если бы ваша супруга согласилась его проверить, всем пошло бы на пользу, так как я кайтер со стажем, но не профессиональный переводчик 🤗

[@ЯризовДмитрий]

@@Prydeclub Привет. Можем глянуть, быстро, к сожалению, не обещаю. Можно в почту youtube.9.techmail(Гаф гаф)spamgourmet.com файл с переводом кинуть. Или может какой механизм проверки субтитров у ютьюба есть?

[@maciejgrzybek2502]

This is one of the most useful video I have ever seen. Great work! This should be compulsory for everyone who start their journey with kitesurfing! Big Up!

[@MrFidibussi]

Excellent video - this is the first time I really understand the relations of kite design and the effects for the rider. Thank you very much.

[@paulblando657]

Superb dissertation on a complex evolving subject by a man who cares about the sport.

[@kitesurfcollege]

Thankyou Paul

[@zandaker]

So useful.. unbelievable that other brands dont explain their kites visually

[@wdavidson4761]

You make Top notch videos : easy to understand, great graphics, usages of charts and graphs that engineers and normal people can all benefit from. I know of no one like you that can express so much info with brevity (since I’m way too wordy!). I went from Cabrinha converts for 2 years, to RPMs for 6 years , then to Dice 2 years ago. Your videos enable me to grasp many concepts I wouldn’t have understood. Let me know if you ever visit NC , USA Outer Banks - OBX !

[@Kah0ona]

This is an awesome explanation. Like really comprehensive and methodical; something that's often missing in these explanatory video's of others. You are doing a very good job explaining this, and luckily I have bought the correct kite since starting again this season (been off kiting a few years, back now due to moving house) So, thanks!

[@fabdefab3996]

First time I find such clear explanations on different shapes! Very interesting and well done!

[@shauncrous4153]

Excellent video! I see so many new kiters on the wrong kite struggling so much

[@kitesurfcollege]

Exactly, that's the reason I made this video. I've seen many older kiters who've been sold a high-aspect C-kite, and are not enjoying the sport as much as they should.

[@neilvanrooyen31]

Great video kite surf college. Used a C shape Slingshot for a while - no wonder I was having difficulty. Wrong kite shape for me. Your explanation is clear and concise. Might've turned me into a Duotone customer.

[@manuelbolanoscollado9714]

Man, you are THE man! Brilliant, as usually, and finally someone has explained the kite shapes in a way that we, the begginers, can understand. Superb video!

[@kitesurfcollege]

Thank you Manuel

[@Boristhecoach93]

Scary how good this video is :) keep it up , excellent work ;)

[@gavinheron1]

Great video. Just after buying a quiver of high aspect ratio kites which were almost impossible to turn because of backstalling. The kites were in a really good sale, so I took a chance. However, if it sounds too good to be true then it usually is! Been kiting for many years so I should have known better and stuck to the excellent content in this video.

[@A-fl1ln]

I can’t stop thank2023, you make me clear:in the region in Germany I live tube kites are not optional so because of you I discovered the right kites:🙏flysurfer kites=very save and easy to learn getting into kiteboarding/kitesurfing step by step.Sorry my bad English

[@freddydad1]

Best kitesufing instructional videos out there..

[@sygrydadumna]

chapeau bas! at last a tutor who actually TALKS to me and bother EXPLAIN. thx! :))

[@jeromeserre]

Super clear video, the most useful I've seen in a long time. Many thanks Nick! No excuse for choosing the wrong kite anymore! ;) Just curious: are you under contract with Duotone? Do you have a kite school?

[@stephensinnhuber8401]

Very informative. I've been kiting a long time and still learned new stuff. Every day is a school day. I will share this with my students. Keep up the awesome work.

[@rileyreese3991]

The most incredible, well crafted, easy to follow Kite tutorials! Thank you for making out Kite learning experience even smoother. Your work is superb! I´d love to donate you money for the awesome job!! :))

[@The1Creston]

Thank you for taking the time to make that video! I feel like I have a much better understanding now.

[@GreKno63]

Two comments on this generally very good video : 1. You missed covering probably the most complex aspect of kite shape - its draft, the fore-aft or chord-wise curvature. 2. Bridle-less 4-line C-kites have limited depower because the centre-of-drag is above the kite's point of de-power rotation, which makes the kite rotate to a positive angle-of-attack. If you place a tensioned 5th line on a bridle-less 4-line C-kite, the depower rotation point is shifted upward and above the drag force, and the kite's depower will be vastly improved.

[@KiteMikePEI]

This was excellent. Very informative and helpful. I too used the wrong kites and wish I had this info sooner. Now, you need to do the same video for boards - especially directional boards. Way too many styles to choose from.

[@madsteeez]

I regularly go back to this video. It's the best

[@madsteeez]

Hah! I've just watched it again

[@GinoMIGUEL-l9w]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ from mauritius island. I always hear your voice. Its a real pleisure to see your face. Your videos are extremely helpfull to me. ❤❤❤❤

[@stokakrishna]

You explain things in the best way possible!

[@A-fl1ln]

Thank you,for my spot i had the wrong kites. For my spot in Düsseldorf needed a flysurfer kite size 5m,8m.... Thank you very much for have helping me 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@samuelseguel8573]

GENIUOS!! Thank you very much to you and all your team! Kitesurf college and duotone! You are amazing. and you are doing a great contribution to our sport and lifestyle.

[@nickolaydobrev714]

Spot on, great job! I wish you could fill that chart with some more hybrid shapes and examples from different brands/models. A 'typical' bow and Delta, a high AR/super flat, etc... but can also understand your limitations. Good job to Duotone too for supporting you!

[@kitesurfcollege]

Hello Nickolay. If you tell me the kite you have, or want to know about, I've probably used it or tested it and can let you know where it fits on the flatness / aspect ratio axis.

[@raffipatch8319]

I am curious I have a 2010 cabrinha switchblade, I assume it is on the slightly flatter side with swept wing tips and slight concave on the back edge. Is that correct? I am only a year in to kiting I also have an ocean Rodeo 2016 prodigy and I would like to get an ocean Rodeo allulah roam. I would like to know more about that.

[@TheNNPW]

amazing information - thank you so much! I would have been so lost without this information!

[@pablo.amoress]

this video is very good ! i was having a few questions always about combination betwenn aspect ratio and the arch and this video solved it !!

[@SteveHofsaess]

Great video,, many kite manufactures use "1 kite quiver" but I noticed that looping kites do not jump as high and jumping kites like the rebel don't loop very well. Also the dice feels like it is 1 size smaller and the neo feels 1 size bigger. I guess I need 4 kites in each size

[@nickolaydobrev714]

4 kites in each size - that was a good one! :) Better get the best performance from each of the of kite types in its sweet spot (size) ;)

[@ArthurT22]

Best video ever made! Great material. Thank you.

[@ricardoserafini3816]

Great video, thanks for making it clear and simple. Really appreciate it.

[@lxfguits]

I bought a used evo based on the examples you gave here and I am very much liking the all round feel of it. I also like how the information you give actually helps me spot the matching shapes from all the other manufacturers I have seen as well. Would you consider making a similar video about board selection as well? I have tried more different boards than kites and find that it makes quite the difference. For example I currently have two boards with quite a lot of rocker and I like them mostly because they are much more forgiving in chop. Not as efficient but much less fatiguing to ride.

[@kitesurfcollege]

Good idea guits. I'm working on that at the moment. It's a bit harder to figure out, strangely. For the kites video I used a lot of research from the aviation industry (and simplified it for the kite shapes video), but there isn't the same level of academic info available on boards.

[@diegobmarques]

Best video ever about this subject! Thanks a lot 🙏🏼

[@Smidge]

Thank you so much! This has helped me so much on picking my kite!

[@j.b.outdoormoscow4757]

Thank god I was not mistaken buying my first kite. I bought blindly. And thank you too

[@peterbarton8943]

Terrific videos, i have learned so much from all of them. Thanks a lot.

[@kristobahl]

thats one hell of a vid. like freaking epic explanation

[@lordlouis2168]

Are you based in SA? Cape Town? As an instructor, you come across as knowledgeable, concise & clear. I'd be glad to get lessons from you at some point. Great work on all levels. 👌

[@kitesurfcollege]

Hello Louis. Thanks for the nice feedback. I'm based in Noordhoek near Cape Town. It's a pretty dangerous kiting area actually (strong waves, current and changeable wind) not acceptable for lessons most of the time. Langebaan near Cape Town, or the Breede river, are better for beginner/intermediate lessons and practice in SA.

[@lordlouis2168]

@@kitesurfcollege am a strong rider. But always happy to take tips and freestyle lessons from a good coach. The time and effort hat goes into the vids is commendable so from me, thank you, Much appreciated.

[@kitesurfcollege]

Thanks very much Louis. Feel free to get in touch if you are ever in the area ([e-mail]) also I will be in the UK next spring. All the best, Alex.

[@JonSteinarMidlang]

Thanks for the great videos. Have probably seen all your videos, and a few repeatedly times. Recently learned to kite, so these are good explanations. Norway, Glesvær

[@kitesurfcollege]

Glad you like them

[@mrklim112]

Great explanation and tutorial as always 👍🏻

[@nils3030]

Great video as always! Why didn't this video exist before I bought my first (wrong) kites this year? 😩

[@dominiquegagnon5264]

What happened ? Why was is a wrong kite and what type?

[@marcusdutton1808]

Really informative and well presented detail - thank you for a fab video.

[@kitesurfcollege]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@charleswilcocks]

Having watched quite a few of the videos, most, if not all of the older videos used Core kites, but this video is primarily centered around Duotone. I am quite new to kiting, and want to get my own, rather than struggle with renting from local place. 1. How do you rate the new Core kites (& new Bars) vs the Rebel / Neo? 2. For same wind, would the size of comparable kite (Core vs Duo) be the same? 3. What size would you suggest for wind range (Summer 5-11kts; Winter 6-17 kts) & 80 kg body. Thanks for all the really good material - appreciate any thoughts on above questions...

[@kitesurfcollege]

Hello Charles, happy to help. Core are focused on making high performance kites. That means the kites are rapid to respond, however that does mean that they are quite aggressive to handle for most, and are more likely to stall after jumps if not looped. Also for jumping they make you climb quickly but you also come down quite quickly. Duotone kites have been the market leader for years, but have also made some of the biggest improvements to kite design in recent years. The rebel, for example, is a kite that always glided well, giving soft landings. Typically a kite that does that is hard to steer and easy to stall. However duotone have made numerous improvements and construction changes that now mean you get that forgiving glide and power from simply sheeting in, plus now with rapid steering and much more stall resistance. Also their click bar is outstanding. Generally sizes of all kite are comparable a 10m2 from one brand should be similar in size to a 10m2 from another brand. The difference is in the projected aspect ratio (the size of the shadow it makes). So a 10m2 flat arc kite will give you a lot more than a 10m2 C-shape. 5 to 17 knots is very light wind. If it rarely goes over that then you definitely want pretty big kites, maybe a 12 and 15. You could then add a 9 for stronger wind. What sort of kiting do you see yourself doing? Do you plan to play in waves, or foil, or would you like to ride a twintip and start jumping? And what's your home spot like, flat, choppy, wave etc? Let me know and I can give you some more specific recommendations on what equipment might work.

[@zoubabprophete5179]

Thank you so muuuuuuch !! Love the explanation. Big cheers from france !

[@davidwalker881]

YOU ARE THE MAN FOR SURE ,NICE TO SEE IT AND LEARN AS WE GO.I NEED YOUR THOUGHTS ON A KITE SUITABLE FOR POWERING UP A TRIMARAN.AS IN A 40 FT ULTRA LIGHT NON FOILER SO AS TO BE A LITTLE HEAVIER THAN IVE SEEN .THANKS

[@bryanhigh6782]

So I am a complete noob and I have a core xr 12m and all the proper gear and what not is this a good starter kite for being a beginner? Thanks for all your advice and videos there so informative and in depth your very awesome at providing quality informed videos thanks 🤟

[@kitesurfcollege]

That's a fine beginner kite, good depower range. Has a tendency to make learning your first jumps harder, as it can front stall more easily than most kites, but you'll learn to work with that.

[@GregoryGuthrie]

Well done, thanks. It would be nice to see other brands/models plotted on your axis of features!

[@kitesurfcollege]

Hello Gregory. Let me know what kite you have, or have been considering. I've probably used it and can tell you where it sits on the axis.

[@GregoryGuthrie]

@@kitesurfcollege Thanks - Cabrinha - Switchblade, Contra.

[@kitesurfcollege]

@@GregoryGuthrie they sit just below the dead center of the axis. They are medium arc, with a slightly lower aspect ratio. Somewhere between an evo and neo.

[@nx9537]

@@kitesurfcollege Hi Alex thanks for the great video as always. Been using CrazyFly Sculps for few years which are an all-rounder. Really stable with good power on the low end. What is the normal direction to go after a few years getting the basics? I love jumps, but also love waves.......The Rebel is appealing, but so is the Dice or Neo..... If you were going to have a mixed kite quiver, would I be better going for a faster kite for waves in the smaller sizes and slower boosting kite in the larger sizes. Eg 7m Neo/Dice 9m Neo/Dice 13m Rebel

[@kitesurfcollege]

Hi N X. Which do you spend more time on: wave sessions or jumping sessions? Also, do you prefer waves in stronger wind/storms? How old are you and how high are you jumping? Do you plan to start looping? If mainly wave riding then maybe 7 Neo, 9 Neo/Evo 13 Rebel. If mainly jumping 7 Evo, 9 Rebel and 13 Rebel. Or you could just go all rebels like me if you mainly enjoy jumping and landing with less impact. Once you learn to handle them you can use rebels for anything, especially with the improvements on the 2021 rebel and 2022 rebel sls which make them work with a wider range of kitesurf disciplines. I would only look into the dice if your looping or unhooking.

[@totococozza]

Hi there, Congratulations for your videos they are very clearly made it. I have a question? I am 108 kg what size of kite I should buy as beginner? Best Toto

[@MatDGVLL]

knowledge is key. Thank you for this one

[@rhcp7710]

Awesome explanation, thanks

[@MartinDevoto66]

Excellent Video!!!!! 👏👏👏👏

[@paulzottola5534]

Great video. Helped clarify things for me. What design would you recommend for a complete beginner who is also a big guy (280 lbs or 127 kg)?

[@cesarhoody4880]

Respect for YOU!!!👍👍👍

[@kitesurfcollege]

Cheers Cesar

[@danyboy6265]

Excellent Work !!! Would Just be interested where you Put the Mono and the juice ... Thx a Lot !

[@kitesurfcollege]

The Juice is close the rebel in shape but has a lighter weight & construction (the juice has a lighter canopy material and 2 less struts). The light weight helps it fly in less wind, makes it drift back nicely during front stalls, and makes it lighter to steer. The stronger and more rigid rebel handles strong wind better, keeping its shape and performance even overpowered. It's a similar story with the neo and mono. The mono is a bit like a stripped-back light-weight version of the neo.

[@danifeifer3959]

@@kitesurfcollege makes sense ! again thx a lot, keep on with the great work !

[@croquar]

Wow, super interesting thanks!! Super clear.

[@lbrancato]

Hi Nick .tks for the awesome help . I’m a beginner. I started to ride last year . I have a zephyr 17 for light winds and a cathalist 12 ( both Ozone) . I don’t wanna be radical as I am in my 50 yo , so safety is priority and having fun by riding in light to mid winds is my goal . Am I using the right gear . Cheers . Al

[@first1389]

awesome video - huge thanks

[@___Tom]

SUPERB video, really great, thanks a lot!

[@andrewbon206]

Please do more videos like this with other brands, if possible 🙏🙂

[@RafCenterMyself]

I've just tried to switch from an evo to a rebel after having some years of experience. I was shocked how big the difference actually turned out to be. I was searching for a small kite for strong winds and ended up with an 8m rebel. Compared to my evos it actually feels like a 10m and it's not forgiving at all... I'm getting used to it now, but was very unhappy at first. Therefore I wouldn't recommend a rebel or any other high aspect ratio, flat kite to a beginner actually. Especially the 2020 rebel is a freakin beast 😄

[@kitesurfcollege]

Yes, there is quite a difference. The rebel does feel like a bigger kite. Stick with it though, it's got amazing hang time and gentle landings once you learn to handle it a bit.

[@RafCenterMyself]

@@kitesurfcollege the landings indeed feel more like flying than gliding 😄 Sometimes it feels like you won't come down at all. But for the intended use of up to 30+ kts I would rather need a 6m or even a 5m with my 72 kilos. A size that I've never even considered using.

[@kitesurfcollege]

@@RafCenterMyself How are you getting to grips with your Rebel now?

[@RafCenterMyself]

It works, but I think that I’ll stick to the evo next season. My main spot is in holland, where we often get colder, stronger and gustier winds. Therefore the Rebel still feels too sensitive most of the time.

[@FredMalab]

Fantastic video, congrats!

[@ametkarakus7859]

Very useful video thank you very much.

[@Island606]

great video! very nicely done - thank you!

[@vladrafikov104]

Thanks for describing Duotone!)

[@markblokhuis2656]

What are kite pulleys? And in what way does it change the kite by removing them

[@kitesurfcollege]

Hi Mark. Pulley's are part of the bridle. Because the kite changes shape a little during power and depower, the bridle needs to change shape, and sliding pulleys help the bridle move. However, a bridle can be built without pulleys. Bridles without pulleys are simpler and give a nicer feeling at the bar. You can feel in your hands what the kite is doing. A kite with lots of pulleys starts to loose feeling. A bit like driving a car with too much power steering.

[@GaetanoCrisci]

@@kitesurfcollege exactly

[@EliSpizzichino]

good info, but what about snow kites? Are the not inflatable kites used only on land? I wish to buy a wing for snow and water but without having to carry a pump....

[@SandroSilvaMascote]

thanks for the video sir. and I want to say sorry for reposting your video in my chanell. I am starting to youtube now and I dont know yet all the regulations very well here. lots of people here in Brazil would love to udnerstand your videos like I do so that is why I translated two of them. but wont do anymore I promisse. see me as a fan of your work and I still recomend your chanell all the time but now I show it in group classes on youtube and translate in real time so people can enjoy your content and still give the "like" and subscribe" to your chanel. Sandro here and see you on the Water big shout out from Brazil riders.

[@pousesyt]

Excellent as usual. Thank you.

[@kitesurfcollege]

Thank you.

[@Zen0xious]

Wow, excellent video, thank you very much.

[@flinkaflenkaflrsk]

What shape do you recommend for wave riding with directional board? I understood the kite needs to drift easily when. You're on the wave

[@mateuszsolinski4796]

Duotone neo or ozone reo for example

[@kitesurfcollege]

Wave specific kites are almost always a medium arc (somewhere between flat and C) but with low aspect ratio and a full bridle for depower. If you're primarily looking to ride waves, then you can get one of those. But if you want to mix up wave surfing and twintip riding, then a standard hybrid is fine, hybrids perform well on the waves.

[@Kitemax]

Thanks for the comments. You mean that the new Dice 2020 for example, will be a good choice for this?

[@adjacircidrao]

Great video, excellent tips. thanks.

[@mendosergi]

Excellent videos!!! thanks

[@leninavila3176]

Good !!....Thanks for your work!....do you have links for buy kites?

[@francescobulletti637]

What about Core kites? Which are the characteristics of the several models?

[@leonardopapanicolaou2054]

Thank you kind sir ! Brilliant video.

[@normsbigwindow9379]

Very informative. Thx you

[@giovannileandri]

Good morning - your explanation about kite shape is great - I was wandering ,though , if you could compare Cabrinha different kite shapes to Duotone ones - thanks - Giovanni

[@kajtki1]

Thanks, super helpful! Where would you place sigma shaped kites on that scale?

[@ryul91]

Thanks for the video! How is the ozone reo classified?

[@arieljunco1182]

Hola , soy un futuro pricipiante , me compre en el año 2018 un kite Takoon 0km sin uso de 12m , y me dijeron que es un hibrido . Todavia no se nadar , no tome clases de kite , todavia estoy mirando videos , mi pregunta es la siguiente , elegi el kite correcto para empezar ? ahora ya lo tengo , pero sino es el correcto , con que tendo que tener cuidado cuando lo use? gracias y por favor traduzcan sus videos al español hablado.

[@un10njack]

Hi I really enjoy your tutorial and I find them very useful I want to ask which kite is better like one quiver kite between evo and the bandit ( or other ) thank you very much 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🔥🔥🔥

[@bennyshaviv9269]

phenomenal vid. thank you !!

[@PiotrMys]

Excellent video.

[@hestiedevilliers6263]

Hi, I'm a beginner kitesurfer. And I was thinking of getting myself a kite. Would a airrush work for a beginner?

[@robinsonguedes89]

what's the best kind of kite for long downwinds?

[@yuckiteyucatankite7439]

Excellent video!

[@karimrako]

Thanks Man for the nice info

[@M9Diry]

I think it’s rather confusing they call C shaped kites vs Flat kite. They all look somewhat C shaped. The so called flat one is actually more like C to me as it’s curved all the way to the tip whereas the so called C shaped one has flatter tips. Thanks for the explanation though, I know you didn’t make up the terms !

[@xpaolomari]

Add a video on how to choose the kiteboard pls. Tnks