Kite size calculator: what kite size do I need?
Enter your weight and the expected wind – the calculator suggests the right kite size and shows which two or three kites make sense as your quiver.
Kite sizes by wind
for 75 kg, Twintip
| Wind | Kite |
|---|---|
| 10 kn | – |
| 12 kn | 15 m² |
| 14 kn | 13 m² |
| 16 kn | 11 m² |
| 18 kn | 10 m² |
| 20 kn | 9 m² |
| 22 kn | 8 m² |
| 25 kn | 7 m² |
| 28 kn | 6 m² |
| 32 kn | 6 m² |
How the calculator works
The rule of thumb is: kite size ≈ factor × body weight (kg) ÷ mean wind (knots). The factor is 2.4 for a twintip, 2.2 for surfboards and about 1.4 for a hydrofoil – foilers ride much smaller kites. It uses the mean wind, not the gusts: if it is very gusty, go one size smaller. Treat the values as a starting point; kite model, skill and spot shift them by one or two square metres.
In-depth guide: what kite size do I need? · Spots with live wind on the map
Frequently asked questions
What kite size do I need at 75 kg?
On a twintip about 12–13 m² at 15 knots, 9–10 m² at 20 knots and 7 m² at 25 knots. A 12 and a 9 m² cover most days.
What kite size at 20 knots?
At 20 knots riders around 60 kg use about 7 m², around 75–80 kg about 9 m² and around 95 kg about 11 m² on a twintip.
Why is the kite smaller for foiling?
A hydrofoil lifts the board out of the water early and needs very little pull. Foilers therefore usually ride kites around 40 % smaller in the same wind and get going from 8–10 knots.
Do I use the wind or the gusts?
Use the mean wind from the forecast. If the gusts are much higher (more than 40 %), choose one size smaller – otherwise the kite becomes hard to control in the gusts.