What’s The Difference Between Freestyle vs Freeride Kitesurfing?

Are you considering getting into kitesurfing? Or are you a beginner just trying to decide what kind of kitesurfing is right for you? In this article, we’re going to break down the differences between freestyle and freeride kitesurfing so that you can make an informed decision.

Both kitesurfing styles have unique benefits and drawbacks, so it’s essential to understand what each one entails before making a decision. So, let’s get started!

What is Freestyle Kitesurfing?

Freestyle kitesurfing is a technical and dynamic riding style that emphasizes creative expression and tricks. The rider uses the kite to generate power and pop off the water to perform rotations, flips, and other grabs.

While freestyle kitesurfing can be performed in waves and flat water, it is most commonly associated with park riding, where riders show off their skills in a controlled environment. Freestyle kitesurfing requires a high level of comfort with the kite and an understanding of how to use it to generate power. 

It is also essential to have firm board control and good edging abilities. The best freestyle kitesurfers can push what is possible on a kiteboard, innovating new tricks and reinventing old ones. If you’re looking for an adrenaline-filled riding style that is all about self-expression, try freestyle kitesurfing.

Read Also: Can you kitesurf on a lake?

What Equipment Is Required for Freestyle?

It is essential to have the proper equipment to ride the waves and enjoy the whole experience of freestyle kitesurfing. Here is the vital equipment needed.

Freestyle Kite:  Freestyle kites typically have a “C-Shape” profile and squared-off wingtips. This makes the kite extremely fast and difficult to control, perfect for details freestyle, unhooked tricks, and kite loops. Freestyle kites also have great pop and slack; this lets the rider execute acrobatics without putting too much force on the bar.

Freestyle Kite Board: A freestyle kiteboard is shorter and broader than a typical kitesurfing board. The freestyle kiteboard often has a deeper rocker and is a little more comprehensive (side profile of the board). The additional width offers a more secure landing surface, while the deeper rocker helps to soften the blow of particularly forceful landings.

Bindings: Bindings are not required for freestyle kitesurfing but can provide extra support and stability when performing landing tricks.

Wakestyle Handlepass Leash:  A wakestyle handle pass leash is a must-have for any freestyle kitesurfer. This type of leash attaches to your binding and goes around your waist, so it won’t get in the way when you’re performing tricks.

Freestyle Kitesurfing Lines: Freestyle kitesurfing lines are shorter than traditional kitesurfing lines, which gives you more control over the kite.

What is Freeride Kitesurfing?

Freeride kitesurfing is a more relaxed and laid-back riding style. It emphasizes carving turns and enjoying the ride rather than performing tricks. Freeride kiteboarding is the dry version of Freeride kitesurfing, Freeride kitesurfers often ride in waves, but the style can also be performed in flat water.

While freeride kitesurfing doesn’t require the same level of technical ability as freestyle like in unhooked freestyle, it is still essential to have a good understanding of how to use the kite. Freeride kitesurfers need to be able to generate power and keep the kite stable to ride smoothly.

One of the best things about this kitesurfing style is its versatility. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced kitesurfer, you’ll be able to find plenty of challenges and excitement in freeride kitesurfing.

If you’re looking for a riding style that is all about enjoying the moment and taking in the scenery, then freeride kitesurfing is the style for you.

What Equipment Is Required for Freeride?

Here are a few pieces of equipment you will need to enjoy freeride kitesurfing.

Freeride Kite: Freeride kites frequently offer strong depower, wide wind ranges, outstanding stability, and simple setups. In this category, the most popular kites have what is known as a “delta form.” These kites have a flat profile and resemble a “D” from the front. Additionally, delta shape kites have excellent upwind performance, which is essential for freeride kitesurfers

because we frequently drift downwind when jumping.

Freeride boards: A “twin tip” is the most common shape for a freeride board. These symmetrical twin tip kiteboards may be readily ridden in both directions and have a similar form. A dedicated freeride twin tip board will have flexible tips for a smooth ride, a fast, flat profile for easy planning, and good all-around performance in different kiteboarding styles.

Harness: There are many types of harnesses on the market, but most freeriders prefer a “waist” style harness. This harness wraps around your waist and connects to your kitesurfing bar. The benefit of a waist harness is that it is very comfortable and provides a more direct connection to the kite.

Footstraps or Bindings: Footstraps or bindings secure your feet to the board and are essential to any freeride setup.

Kitesurfing Lines: Kitesurfing lines are typically made from Dyneema or Spectra, solid and durable materials. The length of the lines will vary depending on the size of the kite, but most freeride kites come with lines between 20 and 25 meters in length.

Read Also: Can You Learn Kitesurfing On Your Own?

Freestyle vs Freeride Kitesurfing – The Core Difference

Both freestyle and freeride kitesurfing has their unique riding styles, equipment, and challenges. Here is a quick overview of the main differences between these two styles:

• The main difference between freestyle and freeride kitesurfing is the focus of each style. Freestyle kitesurfing is all about performing tricks and showing off your technical skills. On the other hand, Freeride kitesurfing is more focused on enjoying the ride and carving turns.

• Freestyle kites usually have a shorter wingspan than freeride kites, giving them a tighter turning radius and more maneuverable. Freeride kites have a longer wingspan, giving them more stability, and are better suited for riding in waves. The freestyle kite, duotone, is the most user-friendly kite that is perfect for freestyle hooked freeride.

• Most freeride boards have straps that can be altered to fit the rider’s foot size. While the freestyle boards are typically ridden with boots rather than straps to guarantee the board doesn’t come off the feet while performing high-speed feats.

• Freestyle kitesurfing often takes place in open, flat water conditions. Freeride kitesurfing can take place in both flat water and waves.

• Freestyle kitesurfing requires more upper body strength and coordination, while freeride kitesurfing relies more on timing and body position. As a result, each style appeals to a different group of people.

• Freestyle kitesurfers tend to be more aggressive and competitive, while freeride kitesurfers are usually more relaxed and laid-back.

What Are The Different Styles of Kitesurfing?

Kitesurfing is a sport that is constantly evolving, and new riding styles are always emerging. While freestyle and freeride kitesurfing are the two most popular styles, several other styles are worth mentioning, including:

Wave riding: Wave riding is very similar to surfing, except you are using a kite to generate the power needed to catch waves. Wave riding can be done in small and big waves; you can check wave view details. It is a great way to get an adrenaline rush on the water; however, a freeride foil wave is an ideal compliment to the Freeride, amplifying and reflecting the foil’s comfortable, user-friendly nature in the foil wave entry.

Course racing:  Course racing is a competitive kitesurfing discipline in which riders race around a pre-determined course. This kitesurfing style is often compared to Formula 1 racing, as it requires a great deal of strategy and skill.

Downwinders: A downwinder is a kitesurfing trip that takes place downwind of your starting point. Downwinders can be done in flat water and waves, and is a great way to explore new areas.

Kite looping: Kite looping is a move that involves flipping the kite upside down and then re-launching it. Kite looping is a very advanced move that takes a lot of practice to master.

Kite Cross: Kite Cross is a competitive kitesurfing discipline in which four riders race around a track simultaneously. Kite Cross races are often compared to motocross, as they are fast-paced and require a great deal of skill.

Hydrofoiling: Hydrofoiling is a relatively new kitesurfing discipline in which riders use unique boards with hydrofoils. Hydrofoiling allows riders to “fly” above the water, and it is a very exhilarating experience.

Big Air: Big air is a kitesurfing move involving riding up high into the air and performing a trick. Big air tricks can be very dangerous, so they should only be attempted by experienced riders.

Speed: Speed is a kitesurfing move involving riding fast and performing a jump. Speed is a great way to get an adrenaline rush, but it can also be very dangerous.

Conclusion

Regarding Freestyle vs. Freeride Kitesurfing, the choice of style comes down to personal preference. Some people enjoy the challenge of learning new tricks, while others prefer the serenity of gliding across the water. Whichever style you choose, kitesurfing is sure to provide an exhilarating experience.

Kitesurfing appeals to all types of water enthusiasts, whether searching for a high-octane adventure or a relaxed approach to enjoying the ocean. So why do you still wait? Get outside right now and learn to kitesurf!