Learning to kitesurf – how to find the right equipment

Manuel Vogel

 · 27.08.2026

Learning to kitesurf – how to find the right equipmentPhoto: KT Foiling
Wingfoiling is easy and intuitive – provided you’ve got the right kit. We’ll tell you here which board, wing and foil are best for getting started.

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The wing consists of just one part; the only mistake you can make when setting it up is to pump in too much or too little pressure. Otherwise, the rule is: no lines, no harness, no trimming, no tuning. And because handling the wing is just as easy and intuitive as setting it up, it’s hardly surprising that wingsurfing has taken off so much. The equipment for wingsurfing essentially consists of the wing, board and foil. The links below provide all the basic information on each of these areas, so you can avoid making any major mistakes when buying your kit.


Wings – that’s what matters

The key factors when choosing the right wing are, above all, the correct size and a suitable handling system. Which size you should choose depends primarily on your body weight and the wind conditions at your home spot. You can find out everything you need to know HERE.

surf/2023-wing-air-dd-action3-at-2x_1d0a7606e4e5f1a2d37ea5120fd175b7Photo: KT Foiling

Boards – what you should look out for

surf/img-0555_1e339b0bb9c883733e1317746ac335dePhoto: Marius Gugg

When it comes to boards, there are also a few things you should bear in mind before buying. The right size depends primarily on your body weight and whether you have any previous experience of other water sports such as SUP, windsurfing or kitesurfing. You’ll also need to decide whether to go for an inflatable board or a hardboard. You can find all the information and tips you need on choosing the right board HERE.


The right foil for learning to wingsurf

surf/img-0609_64b2e5f7eebb1376ff6495e09d525802Photo: Marius Gugg

Choosing the right foil is the final piece of the jigsaw for getting off to a good start with wingsurfing. Here, too, it’s important to choose a foil size that suits your body weight and your personal skill level. You can read everything you need to know about this HERE.


The best tips for learning to wingsurf

You can also find additional equipment tips and tutorials on wingsurfing on our YouTube channel. Here is a selection of useful videos to get you started.

Boards, wings, foils – all the basics and tips on choosing your kit

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​Learning to kitesurf in light winds – launching, basic steering, preparatory exercises, turning and paddling on a SUP

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Lifting off & pumping with the foil

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The turning point in wing foiling

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The best tips for jibing

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Manuel Vogel

Manuel Vogel

Editor surf

Manuel Vogel, born in 1981, lives in Kiel and learned to windsurf at the age of six at his father's surf school. In 1997, he completed his training as a windsurfing instructor and worked for over 15 years as a windsurfing instructor in various centers, at Kiel University sports and in the coaching team of the “Young Guns” freestyle camps. He has been part of the surf test team since 2003. After completing his teaching degree in 2013, he followed his heart and started as editor of surf magazine for the test and riding technique sections. Since 2021, he has also been active in wingfoiling - mainly at his home spots on the Baltic Sea or in the waves of Denmark.

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