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Kites

Your kite is your engine.  Research kite characteristics that will suit your style of riding and skill level and make your selection carefully.  Don't buy a second hand kite that you know little or nothing about then attempt to use it.  Some stores will push particular kite brands so it is worth shopping around to seek different opinion and kite options.

Boards

Kitesurfing first started using directional boards. Later, bi-directional twin tip boards were developed and became the predominant board type.  The good news is, you can have one or more of each.  Both have their advantages in different conditions.
 
Board types:
 
* Twin-tip: the most common board. Used for free-ride, wake-style, cruising.