What Kitesurf Set Do I Need? A Complete Beginner's Guide
Big Air. Massive jumps. Pure adrenaline. Kitesurfing is one of the fastest, most exhilarating watersports out there and the Brouwersdam is one of the best places to learn. But before you invest in your first kitesurf set, there are a few things you need to know. Kite size, board size, harness: it all works together. Get it right, and you'll be riding high in no time.
In this guide we answer the most common questions beginners have when buying their first kitesurf setup.
Buy your kite starter set here
What do you need to start kitesurfing?
A complete kitesurf set consists of three main components:
- The kite: what pulls you across the water. Size and shape determine power and control.
- The bar: how you steer the kite. The bar is always included in our sets.
- The board: what you stand on. A bigger board gives more lift and stability, exactly what you need in the beginning.
- Harness: the most personal and most important piece of gear you'll buy. All the power of your kite runs through the hook and into your body. A good fit protects your back and makes everything feel easier. More on this below.
On top of that, you'll need a wetsuit and a few accessories. We'll cover all of it below.
Where are you going to kite? This determines your kite size
Before you look at gear, ask yourself one question: where are you going to ride?
Inland spots have lighter, less consistent wind. You'll need to go one size up on your kite to get enough power. Coastal spots like the Brouwersdam have stronger, more consistent side-shore wind between 17 and 24 knots. Perfect for learning fast. Know your spot first.
What kite & board size do I need as a beginner?
Kite size depends on your weight and the wind conditions at your local spot. For coastal spots like the Brouwersdam:
Riding inland? Go one size up. The lighter, less consistent wind means you need more surface area to generate enough power to get going.
A bigger board gives you more lift and makes it easier to get going. As you progress, you can step down in size for a more playful, responsive feel.
Starting point determined by your weight. As a rule of thumb:
| Your weight | Kite size | Board size |
| Under 70 kg |
9 – 10 m² |
136 – 138 cm |
| 70 – 85 kg |
11 m² |
138 – 141 cm |
| 85+ kg |
12 m² |
141 – 148 cm |
Do I need a harness for kitesurfing?
Yes and it's one of the most important pieces of gear you'll buy. All the power of your kite runs through the hook and into your body. A good fit protects your back and transfers the kite's power directly to your board. A bad fit? You'll feel it after every single session.
Never buy a harness without trying it on first. Come into our shop at the Brouwersdam and we'll make sure it fits before you buy.
How do I choose between kitesurf sets?
Once you know your sizes, ask yourself a few questions:
Where do you kite? Inland or coastal, this determines your kite size first.
What's your weight? That gives you exact sizes for kite and board.
What brand speaks to you? All the sets we carry are A-brands: Duotone, North, F-one and Slingshot. At beginner level the performance difference is small. It really comes down to feel and preference.
What's your budget? Our sets range from solid entry-level options to more premium setups all put together for the best progression per euro.
How much time do you have to practise? Riding twice a week? Invest in a slightly better setup. Starting with one session a week? A solid entry-level set is the smarter choice. And ofcourse, it depends on the conditions.
Still not sure? Come into our shop at the Brouwersdam and we'll help you find the right setup in person.
Should I book a lesson before buying a kitesurf set?
Yes: always. If you've never kitesurfed before, book a lesson first. After one or two sessions on the water you'll know exactly what setup suits you, and you'll make a much better purchasing decision.
A certified lesson isn't just the safe choice, it's the only responsible one if you've never kitesurfed before.
Beyond safety, it's also the smartest way to buy gear. After one or two lessons you'll know exactly what setup suits you, and you'll make a much better purchasing decision than guessing online.
Our instructors teach right here at the Brouwersdam. After your lesson, come into the shop and we'll help you find the perfect set based on what you just experienced on the water.
What accessories do I need to complete my kitesurf setup?
Our sets include a kite, bar and board. To complete your setup you'll also need:
- Harness: the most important accessory. Come try one on before you buy
- Kite pump: always brand-specific, make sure it matches your kite
- Helmet: essential, especially when you're learning
- Wetsuit: the Brouwersdam can be cold, even in summer
- Safety leash: already included in your starter set
- Board bag: protects your investment
- Poncho: because you will be wet
Everything available in our shop at the Brouwersdam.
Where can I buy a complete kitesurf set near the Brouwersdam?
At Natural High, right on the Brouwersdam in Ouddorp. We carry complete kitesurf sets from Duotone, North, F-one, Core and Slingshot up to 30% off. All gear can be tested at our Test Center before you buy.
Any questions? Drop them in the comments, send us a message or come find us at the Brouwersdam. We're here every day.
