What is a Kite Landboard?

Kitelandboards are mountainboards that powerkiters have made use of to move about. To look at they're just like large skateboards with longer decks and trucks to give stability complete with larger wheels to allow you to use them on rougher terrain.

Using the kite for traction, a kitelandboard can be manoeuvred around open space simulating snow boarding without the snow or surfing without the water. With rider skill they are capable of achieving speeds of over 40mph and achieve all manners of tricking and manoeuvring.

How does a Kite Landboard Work ?

As you resist against the pull of the kite - the power is transmitted to the wheels of your board. By manoeuvring the kite and board it will enable you to pick up speed, stop, perform tricks and with practice get airs even in low winds. Because the kite provides so much lift it will actually help you balance on the board and allow a skilled pilot to easily achieve big airs if you're that way inclined. Once rolling you can quickly pick up speed. Once you've learnt where to position the kite in the sky and how to balance on the board, you’re away and can travel in any direction, even upwind.

I am a beginner to Kite Landboarding - which is best for me?

We are all different sizes, heavier or stronger pilots may require a heavier, stronger and more stable board.

Lighter weight pilots often require boards that are easy to manoeuvre do tricks or even get air.

Consider yourself - Weight and Height

If you are not comfortable on the board it spoils your fun and capability. Steering and suspension set ups often have some form of modification or adjustment available for control, comfort or enhancement.

What kite can I learn to Kite Landboard with?

Be warned, power kites can be dangerous! However emergency procedures and control devices can kill a kite’s power instantly.

Be aware that different kites of equal size can handle and lift very differently. It is far easier to learn with a smoother, predictable, steadier flying kite than a high performance kite.

Remember that some days the equipment you own just will not be suitable, the wind may be too strong to fly safely - any kite flown in too stronger wind can be dangerous. Some days the wind will be frustratingly light to achieve what you have set out to do. Limits either way may also be determined by pilot skill level.

For people looking to get involved in kite landboarding, consider a 4-line kite between 3 - 4m in size that can be used in a majority of wind conditions.

4-Line Handles or 4-Line Control Bar?

Four Line handles are safe, precise and easy to use and give you the maximum manoeuvrability over your kite. Four line handles allow you to slow the kite down, stop it in mid-air, reverse the kite, park it on the ground and if it crashes on it's nose - reverse launch the kite back into the air. This makes them ideal for landboarding, buggying, snowkiting or flying recreationally.

Four line control bars usually have built-in safety systems enabling you to launch and land your kite on your own. The power of the kite is distributed across both arms for easier flying but at the same time, less control is available due to their overall setup.

Which Kite Landboards can I do speeds runs with?

The longer the board usually the more stable it is.

This helps tall people balance easier and allows the rider to reach higher speeds giving increased confidence and a smoother ride.

Which Kite Landboards can I do freestyle with?

The shorter boards are usually more responsive and require quicker input from the rider.

The advantage is they are lighter in weight and therefore more capable of being used for tricks and airs.

They are often not ideal for simple high speed runs but unbeatable for manoeuvrability.

Which Kite Landboard can I do freestyle and speedruns with?

Favoured by most, intermediate length kitelandboards allow confident higher speeds with lightness to allow tricks, airs and manoeuvrability.

Why are different sized wheels available?

The larger the wheel and tyre diameter - the less the initial rolling resistance will be. This may become important if the terrain is soft, rough or uneven.

Rolling resistance becomes less of a problem at speed however, greater speed usually is easier with larger diameter wheels.

The normal 200mm diameter tyre is ideal for most terrain.

Can my Kitelandboard be used for Mountainboarding?

Some Kitelandboards are kite specific and have a heel-side bias that is of benefit to kiters but not to downhillers.

There is nothing to stop you grabbing your current symmetrical mountainboard and using your kite to power you down the hill or even up it! Both types of boards work best with a kite on smooth level ground.

Do I need a Harness?

A harness is used to take the strain off your arms, allow you to fly in stronger winds and reduce overall fatigue. A harness is not essential when you first start out.

Harnesses can be used for either 4-line handles or control bar. Depowerable kites require a harness to function correctly.

Simply find a harness that is comfortable for you - personal preference is the key.

Seat harnesses fit around the legs and lower back giving you lots of support and hip protection. These harnesses stop any chance of the harness riding up your body when the kite is overhead.

Waist harnesses fit around the lower back and abdomen giving you freedom of movement for technical manoeuvres.

Progression Kite Landboarding Beginner is primarily aimed at people with some existing kite flying experience, whether that’s as a kitesurfer, power kiter or existing novice kite landboarder. We aim to give you all the background on the sport, safety, locations and conditions before getting up and riding on the board and slowing down and stopping. Then we’ll refine your stance, building your confidence so you can stay upwind consistently. Then its on to sliding, riding toeside and your first turns, before working on carving turns. Finally we take you through every aspect of jumping – from the absolute basics, small jumps, improved technique for those hugh boasting jumps, then a few grabs and finally aerial transitions.