HOW TO: KITESURF IN 10 KNOTS… WITHOUT A FOIL?

Kitesurfing in very light conditions without adding a foil into the mix is far from being out of reach with the right equipment!

Let’s start with the kite. In light wind conditions you definitely need to have the best ratio between power and stability in the air. It’s not all about oversizing your kite. It sure helps but with size comes weight and in the end you lose in efficiency over a smaller kite. So you need something big, but ultra-light and stable, with a good flight window to be the lightwind master

The Strutless model is a magic kite in this regard! Its unique concept allows you to go for big sizes, you can go for a 13m², a 15m² or a 19m² without any stress.

Kitesurfer: Mathieu, GONG team rider, with the Strutless and Catch FSP 2X.

When sailing a big size, you should adapt your bar. Our 69 cm bar allows you to gain liveliness despite having a large kite above your heads. The larger lever arm increases the tension in the back lines. For the same given angle on the bar, the final difference in tension between the back lines is radically different. Your big 15m² kite will feel as 9m² reacting to your steering. The longer lines (27m instead of 22) allow you to enlarge your wind window and therefore your power zone. By making your kite move in this enlarged window, it will generate more wind speed and power than if you were sailing with 22m lines.

Now let’s talk about the board as even the best kite won’t save the day on its own! To make the most of the flight and upwind capabilities of your kite, you will need a suitable board with a glide that will help to make the best of this speed wind.

For this you will need a board with a relaxed rocker (rather flat hull) to gain speed, glide and therefore fast planing! The Matata, for example, is the perfect board for this, especially with its large concave at the tail which carries you very easily.

Kitesurfer: Béryl, GONG team rider, in Matata FSP 2X and Strutless.

Another gem of a board in the lighter conditions, the Pie. It goes fast, it’s super comfortable and its fish tail with quad fin set-up like the Matata allows solid acceleration without this feeling of pushing water. You’re flying over the spot. It is very playful in the tiny waves and above all very accessible whatever your level.

Kitesurfer: Hina, GONG team rider, in Freewave kite and Kiteboard Pie FSP 2X.

The Catch allows strong acceleration, especially in the 5’4 version with its 26L. Its concave from the nose to the center also makes it very easy to edge. Even in super light conditions, you can have go for jumps or work on your maneuvers thanks to its rectangular shape which greatly forgives approximate foot placements. It is also a very interesting shape for its versatility, because like the first two, its range of use is very wide, you can take it out in the light wind but also in stormy conditions. And in addition to being the queen of freestyle, it is also an excellent surfer!

Kitesurfer: Mathieu, GONG team rider, with the Catch FSP 2X.

To sum things up, the key to score around 10 knots is a perfect power / weight / glide balance! A light kite for stability, longer lines for more power and a board with the best possible glide will make sure you can enjoy the slightest puff of air 😉