Kite foiling is a unique and innovative form of kitesurfing where you use a hydrofoil attached to the bottom of a special kite foil board. This hydrofoil, often simply called a “foil,” consists of a mast, a front wing, and a stabiliser at the back. As you gain speed, the wing lifts the board out of the water, letting you “fly” above the surface with minimal resistance.

Kitesurfing wasn’t the first sport to use hydrofoils. For years, people have experimented with foil wings to reduce water resistance. In the early 1900s, the first experiments were done with boats that could hover above the water. Hydrofoils are also used in waterskiing with the Skyski. Naturally, kiteboarders followed suit. Want to ride in flat water at winds as low as 5 knots? Kite foiling might be perfect for you.

One of the biggest advantages of kite foiling is the ability to ride in very light wind conditions, often between 5 and 8 knots. This makes it a popular choice for kitesurfers who want to get out on the water even when the wind is light. Because the hydrofoil lifts the board out of the water, you can glide very smoothly without being affected by chop or waves. This gives a unique and almost weightless sensation while riding. The foil reduces drag and increases efficiency, which means you can cover longer distances with minimal effort. This makes kite foiling a great way to explore new spots and enjoy long rides.

Almost all major kite brands now have a wide range of kite foils. On this page we explain everything you need to know about different kite foils.

To start kite foiling you need a hydrofoil and a foil board. The hydrofoil includes a front wing, rear wing/stabiliser, mast, and a fuselage that connects the wings. It’s also recommended to wear a helmet, neoprene boots, and an impact vest during your first attempts so you don’t injure yourself on the foil if you fall. Try to use the right kite too. It’s wise to choose a kite that flies stably in light wind. Many manufacturers offer special light‑wind kites that are particularly suitable for kite foiling.

Kite Foil Wings
Just like with kites, you have foil wings with high or lower aspect ratios (AR). A higher AR wing usually rides faster. A low AR wing lifts easier out of the water. For smoother, easy riding choose a low aspect ratio wing. If you want higher speed and stability at fast pace, choose a high AR foil wing. Wing size also greatly influences foil behaviour. Larger front wings provide more lift, more stability, and require less kite power. Smaller front wings demand more kite power, but feel more playful and offer higher top speed. Smaller wings make carving and turning easier. Kite foils are generally made of aluminium or carbon, depending on price and performance. Carbon is lighter and faster but may be less durable than aluminium. An example is the North Sonar S01 Stabilizer.

Kite Foil Masts
A foil mast is the part that connects the foil to your board. Mast length mainly affects ride behaviour. Standard mast sizes range between 75 cm and 90 cm. For beginners, a shorter mast of around 60 cm is easier to ride because it’s more stable. Be careful that it doesn’t accidentally lift out of the water. Material choice also affects ride feel: most masts are aluminium, while high‑performance carbon masts are lighter and more direct. An example is the North Sonar AK Kite Mast.

Kite Foil Boards
There is now a large range of kite foil boards available. The main difference is in volume and length. A large high‑volume board is easier for beginners, but feels slower for more advanced riders. Smaller low‑volume boards feel more playful and direct. Foilboards like the Appletree Mini Foil Kite Full Carbon Foilboard and the Appletree Mini Foil Kite Full Carbon Foilboard are loved by many foilers. For more info explore Kite Foil – Board.

Hydrofoil Protection
The hydrofoil itself can be sharp. Wings have sharp tips and the metal mast can cause serious injury. Also, foiling often means higher speeds than normal riding. Be aware of the risks and wear a helmet, full wetsuit and impact vest while kite foiling. For our protection range see this page.

As a newbie to kite foiling you should consider your weight, skills, and honestly, your budget. To start kite foiling, choose a larger front wing and a shorter mast to make your first rides easier. It’s also crucial that you can swap mast lengths. You want the wing to be replaceable too so you don’t need a whole new kite foil as you progress. Thankfully, most modern brands use interchangeable masts, fuselages and wings making upgrades easy.

Wing size is important: a larger front wing gives more lift at lower speeds and more stability. Also watch the aspect ratio (AR), which is the ratio between wingspan and chord depth. A low AR wing has a wider, deeper profile and suits beginners better. A narrow, elongated wing has a high AR and is less beginner‑friendly. A shorter mast keeps you closer to the water, which can feel more secure at first and means softer touchdowns. Mast lengths around 30–60 cm are ideal for beginners. Many foils let you swap to longer masts as your confidence grows.

In principle the type of mast attachment determines if a foilboard and foil mast are compatible. There’s a mounting plate, the base plate with four screws, or a Tuttle box that connects the mast directly to the board. With a Tuttle box you cannot shift the mast position under the board. If you choose a brand that makes both kite foils and foilboards, you can usually expect perfect fit. Be aware there are brands that only build foils or only foilboards. These brands often give recommendations on which foils suit their boards best. Not sure? Just ask! You can always message us via WhatsApp, email, or visit our kiteshop in Noordwijk.

At Kitemana we offer an extensive selection of complete foil sets. Foilboards, masts, wings, fuselages and all necessary fixing hardware, our complete sets include everything you need to get started right away! Whether you’re after a foil setup for cruising flat water or for learning new tricks, we have something for everyone. Not sure which set suits you best? Feel free to contact our customer service team. We’re always ready to help you choose the right foil set that fits your skills, needs, and budget. For extra info on buying a kite foil set, check this page.

In the Kitemana online shop you’ll find kiteboard gear from the following brands:

Airush: BY INNOVATORS FOR INNOVATORS
Appletree: LIGHTEST, STRONGEST AND BEST‑PERFORMING KITEBOARD BOARDS
Cabrinha: LIVE FREE. RIDE FREE.
Core Kiteboarding: PREMIUM KITES & BOARDS FROM FEHMARN, GERMANY.
Duotone Kiteboarding: TRUE KITEBOARDING.
F-One: ENJOY ALL CONDITIONS, TRY OUT NEW THINGS, OPEN UP YOUR PLAYGROUND
Levitaz Hydrofoils: HYDROFOILS FOR ALL DISCIPLINES
Naish: POWERED BY NATURE.
North: FOR THE SEEKERS.
Reedin Kiteboarding: IMAGINE KITEBOARDING #BEYOND
Slingshot: THE ART OF POWER