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Considering getting into kitesurfing and not sure where to start? We’ve found the best trainer kites to master kite flying before you hit the water.
Why use a trainer kite? Trainer kites improve your kite control skills and keep you entertained on those pesky low wind days. These kites also provide your friends and family with some beachside entertainment while you kitesurf. Who knows, they might get hooked into kitesurfing themselves!
In this guide on finding the best trainer kite, we’ll break down the pros and cons of owning a trainer kite and show you our best picks.
The Best Kiteboarding Trainer Kites: Reviewed
1. Ozone Ignition
Sizes: 1.6 meters, 2 meters, 2.5 meters, 3 meters
The Ozone Ignition is another popular three-line trainer kite that is very easy to launch and fly. It comes in multiple size options–though if you’re not sure which one suits, opt for the 2 meter or 2.5 meter kite.
Kite control of the Ozone Ignition is smooth and intuitive, and the easy relaunch system makes it perfect for beginners. If you feel too much power, letting go of the bar will land the kite safely.
2. Prism Mentor 2.5
Sizes: 2.5 meters
The Prism Mentor 2.5 is a three-line foil trainer kite that is exceptionally fine-tuned when it comes to control. It is also one of the only trainer kites on the market that relaunches in water–making it a perfect fit for kitesurfers who want to master relaunching before moving onto the larger kites.
The third line and wrist strap allows the kiter to fully depower by letting go of the bar without worrying about whether the kite will take off. It also comes with a ground stake for solo kiters.
3. Slingshot B2 & B3
Sizes: 2 meters, 3 meters
The Slingshot B2 and B3 is a simple two-line trainer kite with 25-meters lines and a safety wrist leash. This kite is durable and forgiving when it comes to crashes, and is easy to relaunch.
The B3 model has slightly more power than the B2. This kite is probably one of the most popular trainer kites and is great for all types of terrain.
4. Rush Pro V
Sizes: 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, and 3.5 meters
The Rush Pro V 300 is a new 3-meter kite with a three line launch and relaunch system. The kite is easy to fly and quickly depowers once the bar is released. It also comes with a wrist leash strap for added safety.
5. Prism Tantrum 220 & 250
Sizes: 2.2 meters, 2.5 meters
The Prism Tantrum 220/250 is a powerfull two-line foil kite that is a great fit for kitesurfers who want to take their flying onto a skateboard or snowboard. The kite comes with a wrist leash and flies fast but smooth.
6. Ocean Rodeo React
Sizes: 2.5 meters
The Ocean Rodeo React is probably the kitesurfing trainer kite that most closely resembles a full-size kiteboarding kite. It comes with a trainer harness to help relive pressure on the arms.
Like a traditional kitesurfing kite, the Ocean Rodeo React has inflatable struts and must be pumped up before launching. A three-line system allows the kiter to power and depower the kite with ease. Out of all kites featured, this is the trainer kite that offers the most synchronized land-to=water transition. It is capable of being relaunched on the water.
The downside is this kite’s price. Kitesurfers on a budget may be better off purchasing a smaller, budget kite and putting the majority of their money towards a full kite system. Chances are, you will not be on the trainer kite for more than a few weeks of regular practice.
7. HQ Fluxx 2.2
Sizes: 2.2 meters
The Fluxx 2.2 is the best budget trainer kite on the market. It has a simple design with two lines and no wrist safety strap. It’s a prime option for those who have some basics of flying, and don’t need excess safety or launching features.
8. Prism Synapse 200
Sizes: 2 meters
The Prism Synapse is a popular pick among kitesurfers and comes in green, pink/blue, and red/orange. It has a simple, two-line foil design that is perfect for mastering more advanced kite techniques before taking it onto the water.
9. Sensei Crazyfly Rookie
Sizes: 2 meters, 3 meters
The Sensei Crazyfly Rookie is a simple yet durable two-line foil kite available in two sizes. It relaunches easily, a unique trait compared to other two-line foil kites.
Self cleaning vents release any pent up sand, allowing it to fly as it should. This kite is popular among skateboarders as well. Plus, these trainer kites come with a Progression series kitesurf instructional DVD that teaches kitesurfers how to launch, land, and fly.
10. Flexifoil Big Buzz
Sizes: 2 meters
The Flexifoil Big Buzz is a popular pick when it comes to power kites. This kite is durable and is steered via a two-line system with hand loops rather than a bar. It is easy to control, launch, and land.
While this kite is a top choice for those who want to master flying, the lack of a bar make it a bit different to flying a typical trainer kite with a bar.
What is a Kitesurf Trainer Kite?
A trainer kite that is a kite used to learn how to kitesurf. A trainer kite helps you learn the basics of flying a kitesurfing kite without any of the risk. Because trainer kites are small, they are relatively powerless compared to the full kitesurfing kites. You won’t have to worry about getting launched across the beach like you would if you learned on a 10-meter kite and made the wrong move. Plus, they’re really fun to fly!
This might seem very simple but in an ever-changing industry the different kites, sizes, and models are endless.
Trainer kites are way smaller than the sizes of their big brothers used to kitesurf. They range from 1.5-6 meters. They are also very easy to set up and pack away after a busy day up in the sky.
How to Choose the Right Trainer Kite For You
When it comes to the choosing the best kitesurfing trainer kite for you, there are a few things to consider.
Parts of the Kite: An Overview
A trainer kite is made up of three main components: the kite, the lines, and the bar. The kite is the stretch of fabric that will be in the air. Foil kites have vents through the fabric that inflate when the kite is launched. Inflatable kites must be inflated manually before launching, and have a rubber strut that the fabric is attached to.
The lines are the strings connecting the kite itself to the bar or handles. A bar is used to control the kite, similar to the handlebars of a bicycle. Some trainer kites come with hand loops rather than a bar–a loop of fabric that you use to steer the kite.
Location
Where would you like to use it? Are you planning on practicing the sport on land, sea, or snow? Trainer kites are somewhat the same across the different sports, so there’s no major reason to choose one over the other. A trainer kite marketed towards snow sports can be used to master flying for kitesurfing.
The only real question is whether or not you will be flying the trainer kite over water, as only a few trainer kites can relaunch once they fall in the water. If your kite cannot relaunch after it hits the water, practice solely on the beach.
Who is it for?
Depending on the size of the kite user, the size of the kite will be different. As a general rule, the smaller the user, the smaller the kite. Or, if you live in very gusty or windy conditions, aim for a smaller kite that won’t overpower you if the wind is blowing. Most trainer kites are set to work from 5 knots and up.
Number of Lines
Kites with three lines are easier to relaunch by only pulling the middle line. If you opt for two lines one, you will have to flip the trainer kite over every time it crashes. This can make the experience a bit frustrating for new users. If your aim of trying a trainer kite is to learn kiteboarding, snowboarding, or skateboarding it is best to choose a three-line trainer kite. This will teach you how to self-relaunch once learning on water, land, or snow.
Two line kites tend to be less responsive than three- or four-line kites. Four line trainer kites most closely simulate flying a full sized kite, and are often best used with a harness.
Tips for Flying a Trainer Kite
Always fly your trainer kite somewhere with wide open spaces. Avoid flying near large crowds, trees, or power lines. An empty beach with plenty of (safe) places to crash is ideal. Or, opt for park!
You don’t need to wear a harness. While there are trainer kites that come with a harness, these are typically more expensive and often not necessary for new kiters. If you become overpowered, you can let go of the bar.
Trainer kites are designed for light winds. The wind can shift any moment so would will need to keep an eye on it for safety reasons.
Kiteboarding trainer kites are simpler and easier to use than full kites, but they are not toys. Make sure all the safety precautions have been taken before flying your kite. Kids should always be accompanied by an adult.
If you are an absolute beginner, consider taking a lesson with a qualified kitesurfing instructor. This will help you master flying, gain confidence, and teach you the basics.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Trainer Kites
You might be surprised to discover that small kites are oftentimes more challenging to fly than large kites! The smaller the kite, the more responsive it will be. This means that flying a 2-meter kite will be much faster than a 10-meter kite. If you can master a move on a small, responsive trainer kite, you’ll have no problems transitioning this skill to a larger kite.
However, large kites are easier to overpower. It can be a challenge to fly a large kite in high winds.
Flying a trainer kite is fun and it will provide you with the steering and power skills needed to pursue the sport–and there are so many benefits of kitesurfing!
But maybe, once you’ve flown the trainer kite, you decide that kitesurfing isn’t the right sport for you. Maybe you don’t enjoy it or maybe you don’t get a good feeling of the wind power. That’s ok. The good news is you have saved money in the long run. Trainer kites are cheap compared to a full kitesurfing rig–and a wise investment to make before throwing down more money on a full set of kitesurfing gear.
In many occasions us, kitesurfers, go on holidays with family and friends and bring our gear with us or rent it at destination hoping for some fun in the water. It also happens often that our fellow travelers get bored at the beach and don’t know what to do with themselves. Bringing a trainer kite with you will keep them busy while practicing a new skill. Win win!
Trainer kites tend to be small (< 3 meters), and it’s not usually possible for an adult to kitesurf with a trainer kite. This is because smaller kites don’t typically have enough power to lift the kitesurfer out of the water, even with their kiteboard. Trainer kites sized 3 meters and up can however, be used for kitesurfing in the right conditions.
What questions do you have about finding the best trainer kite?
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