Let’s talk about my favorite and the first style I learned as a beginner: Freeriding. If you want to keep things simple, have a cruise, enjoy the pleasant splash and do some fun-filling small jumps, then freeriding is exactly what you want to learn. Of course, when it comes to freeriding, you will need gear such as a freeride kiteboard and the freeride kites. Of course, while we did a review of the freeride kiteboards, it is only apt that we do a review on the best freeride kite that you will ever need!
Why Freeride
Beginners to intermediates, freeriding is the most popular kiteboarding style known. The main reason is that it allows enjoyment while using the equipment, yet it brings about more safety than the stunt-ridden rides that most professionals will undertake. This is especially true for beginners, as they wouldn’t want to jump on choppy waters and take a big leap on their board leading to crashes. Instead, in freeriding, they learn the basics and can do minor tricks also.
To get better in any style of kiteboarding, say freeriding, first, you need to choose the right kite. Kites, being expensive, needs to be chosen carefully, which has a lot of scopes to grow within. In that way, your journey from a newbie to an expert can be covered with a single kite. Keep in mind, the freeride kite will help you to get started in the sport and learn the tricks to go to the next level. Of course, should you master the rudiments, you should always go for the more competitive kites.
Tips On How To Choose The Best Freeride Kite
When it comes to choosing a good freeride kite, there are certain items that you will need to keep a lookout for. Do note that a good freeride kite will differ from the usual kiteboarding kites as the purpose of the freeride kite is to ensure a smooth and enjoyable time on the water without negating the freedom and safety that you will need.
Features to look for while choosing a freeride kite
- Large wind range
- Good Stability
- Easy set-ups
- Easy depower and relaunch
- Moderate kite turning speed
- Decent upwind drive
- Size of the kite: depends on the wind range, weight of the rider and size of the kiteboard
With that, let us look at some of the top freeride kite that will be suitable for riders of all skill levels and ages!
Best Freeride Kite For All Skill Level And Ages
Ocean Rodeo Flite Kitesurfing Kite
A high-quality light wind kite, the Ocean Rodeo Flite Kitesurfing Kite is quite popular amongst beginners and expert riders. Though it is not specifically designed for freeride style, it can be handled by a rider who has got the lessons right. It has fast and drifty turning features and offers a good hangtime too.
This is indeed one of the lightest kites that you can find in the industry. The Flite kitesurfing kite comes in quite a huge array of sizes, hence being able to cater to multiple types of use case. Ultimately, alkl of the different sizes will allow you to ride along the waves without much problems at all.
Pros
- Light wind
- Light bar pressure
- Great upwind drive
Cons
- Fast turns feature might not be popular among freeriders
- Huge jumps might be tough for beginners and freeriders
Ocean Rodeo Prodigy Kitesurfing Kite
An all-rounder prodigy kite, this Ocean Rodeo Prodigy Kitesurfing Kite serves the needs for all levels. A kite best suited for beginners to professionals, it has excellent drift capabilities and easy set-ups. The Prodigy kite has proven to be a bingo for freeriders. The kite grows along with your accent in skillsets.
One of the lightest kiteboarding kites in the Prodigy suite, this 4th generation iternation have the high flow inflate and deflate valves. This means you get to enjoy riding much faster than your peers! With a good wind range as well as awesome flight stability, this kite offers you the best chance in getting the best outcome when it comes to freeriding along the waves.
When it comes to tossing and turning, the entire process is so smooth that you will hardly feel any effect that the water will have on the kiteboard itself. Now, it is finally possible for anyone to have massive hangtime and drifting!
Pros
- Massive wind range and great stability
- Easy re-launching and de-powering
- Short length bridles make landings manageable
Cons
- Not compatible for older IDS bars
Conclusion
Wow! while my research was on, thoughts of my first freerides crossed my mind. They are amazing, you can take that from me. I started off with my Prodigy kite and eventually learned my jumps and tricks as well. Having covered quite a few styles, freeride is the most pleasant style you can begin with. It fits in perfectly with any vacation or just a day-out. Get your checklist ready and set out to pick yours freeride kite. Fall in love with it each time you sail and fly!
Let this video inspire you to greater heights!
