There are two main kinds of kiteboarding kites - foil kites and leading edge inflatable (LEI) kites. The LEI kites are, of course, inflatable which gives them a rigid structure and also keeps them afloat. LEI kites are much easier to re-launch on the water as well. For these reasons, LEI kites are typically used for kiteboarding on the water.
Foil kites are more similar to a paraglider parachute that have individual cells that the wind fills up and creates the wind structure and lift. They also have openings (Sometimes covered by Mesh) in strategic places which creates positive pressure, lift, and also keeps the kite very structured. Foil kites such as Ozone Kites are smaller and lighter than LEI kites which allows the rider to use a smaller foil kite than LEI kite. Ozone Foil kites are typically used for land and snow based kiteboarding activities like landkiting and snowkiting. Lately, we use Closed Cell foil kites on the water snow and land, allowing for 1 kite to be used in every condition.
At PBKiteboarding, we can help search from our kite selection to ensure we only offer the best possible products to our customers. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us and we’d be glad to assist you.
