One of the first questions everyone wants to know about kitesurfing, whether they are ready to start learning or just bumped into us on a beach, is “HOW EXPENSIVE IS KITESURFING?”. Usually, people refer to the price of the kite itself, but there are many other “hidden” expenses. I’ve been kitesurfing since 2003, so, let me share my view on the financial side of kitesurfing as an enthusiast and as a business owner.
There are five main groups of expenses in kitesurfing if you want the full picture:
- The price of kitesurfing equipment, gear, and gadgets – $1,000 – $6,000
- The expense of kitesurfing Lessons with professional instructors – $200 – $800
- Equipment rentals cost – $10 – $150 per day per item
- Charges for repairs and replacement of your damaged and lost equipment – ongoing $$
- Expenses for travel to kitesurfing destinations – $0 – $10,000 per trip/per month?
And which one is the most expensive over a period of, say, ten years, do you think? Let’s have a look!
1. The Price of Kitesurfing Equipment, Gear, and Gadgets
What is the difference between the three you may ask? Let me explain.
1.a. The Cost of Kitesurfing Equipment
Kitesurfing equipment – is the kite, control bar, kite lines, harness, spreader bar, board with foot-straps and fins – the stuff that you really need and simply can’t kitesurf without. This group is usually seen as a “one-time purchase” in the beginning, but is it really? We will revisit this question in section 4. Let’s look at the new equipment here. Having these prices you can estimate how much the used one can cost depending on its “mileage”. HERE is a full-blown article about prices on kitesurfing equipment.
Price of the kite
First is the kite. This is the most expensive piece of equipment. Prices vary depending on the type of the kite, brand name of the maker, size of the kite, edition, year, recalls, popularity, reviews, God’s will, and may vary from $1,000 to almost $3,000 per kite. The most unexpected fact about kitesurfing kites is that you may and most likely will end up having more than one kite in your quiver. Different wind conditions call for different kite sizes. More on kite sizes HERE.
Control bar
For the same reasons price of control bars fluctuates between $300 to $600. For the record, control bars are usually NOT interchangeable between different brands. Often times not even between different models of the same brand, and sometimes not even between different years (editions) of the same model of the same brand. Marketing strategy, I guess. Also, I want you to know that control bar can be sold altogether with the kite, so, double-check to make sure you do not buy two bars.
$300 … $600
Kite lines
Next are kite-lines, those that run from you to the kite. These are usually included with a control bar, and oftentimes with the kite also. Kite-lines do vary in length and you would need to have all four (or five) of the same length. The price depends on the length (duh) and maximum load. The range is from $100 to $400 per set. And please go for pre-stretched and trimmed lines because you cannot tie knots on them. Please remember this tip and always keep your lines knot-free, as knots will cut the line when you loaded it up.
$100 … $400
Kitesurfing harness
There are FOUR types of harnesses on the market today and this is why prices vary from $80 to $300. HERE is additional info on prices for harnesses for you, have a look. You should know that your harness should be comfortable and snug. It should not ride up on your torso and should not restrict your range of motion. More info on this HERE. Oh, and get the one that comes with a knife! Kitesurfing harnesses must be equipped with the following item.
Spreader bar
Honestly, the spreader bar comes with the harness more often than not. Yet there are times when you have to buy it separately and the price varies from $20 up to $200, depending on the brand, materials used, size (length rather), types of kite attachment (hook, ring, fireball, etc.), fastening system on the ends (single or double loops, plastic or bare metal, release system, etc.), padding.
$20 … $200
Kitesurfing board
Board is the second most expensive piece of equipment. Depending on the brand, model, year, and size price may fluctuate from under $300 to almost $1,000. And I am not talking about some fancy foil boards for advanced riders. I am talking just twin-tip kitesurfing boards here. Price mainly depends on the material used to make the core of the board and, as always, brand and size. More information on how to select a kitesurfing board is HERE. Boards are sold ready to ride most of the time, but sometimes you have to purchase the following two components separately.
Foot straps for kitesurfing board
Yes, foot straps could be sold separately. Ideally, they should come from the same manufacturer as the board for easy fitment, but if you are handy and have some tools in your garage then you may try to mix manufacturers. As you may guess, just like shoes and flip-flops kitesurfing foot-straps come in different sizes. This could be another reason for you to buy them separately to assure that they fit you perfectly. Also, the adjustments and fastening system do vary greatly, so, go with the ones that you like the most. Price may vary from $50 to over $200 for a pair. HERE is more info on FOOT STRAPS
$50 … $200
Fins for kitesurfing board.
Fins are sold individually, in pairs, or in sets. Sets could be generic or designed specifically for a certain board. When buying a generic type of fins make sure that the fitment system and distance between the screws do match with the ones on your board. Prices start at $8.00 per fin and can go up to $100 per set. Oh, and get them with the screws, because threads will likely be different. And pick the screws that match the cutouts in your board, whether they are flat, oval, truss, or countersunk. Yes, there are options!
$8.00 … $25.00
1.b. The Cost of Kitesurfing Gear
Now let’s look at your gear. Helmet, gloves, wetsuit, drysuit, booties, sunglasses, thermal hats, synthetic underwear, all fit in this category. The list could get really long, this is why I will focus on the most expensive items here.
Wetsuits for kitesurfers
The first point I want to make is the fact that wetsuits for kitesurfing are different from other watersports. Chest and back are made of rubber-ish materials to make sure that water rolls off the surface. This minimizes the wind-chill effect as we spent lots of time out of the water exposed to the wind. Kitesurfing wetsuit prices start at about $130 and can go way over $500. Usually, you can get a decent wetsuit for about $200 – $400. The price depends on the brand, type of neoprene used, the thickness of it, type of seams used for stitching, internal thermal layer, and additional features, like a key pocket, no-zipper entry, aquaflush, glideskin nick, non-slip cuffs, knee pads, and others.
$130 …$500
Drysuits for kitesurfers
Drysuits are next level in the game of staying warm for kitesurfers. These are more expensive. The starting point is around $600 and can easily go over $1,000. Drysuits definitely make your riding sessions longer, hands down. If wetsuits are virtually indestructible, the lifespan of a drysuit is much, much shorter. In other words, drysuit is a delicate luxury item. This is why we see only a few of them among kitesurfers.
$600 … $1,000
Kitesurfing shoes – booties
We stole these from surfers, to be honest. And this is the number one accessory we recommend to buy and to own. Booties will protect your feet from cuts and scratches all year round. They also will keep your feet warm in the cold season. Booties usually go for $30 to a bit over $100 a pair. Piece of advice – do not go cheap buying booties. You should be able to feel your board and have a nice grip. And go the best fit possible, buying online may not be the best option, gotta try them on.
Gloves
There are two types of kitesurfers out there – the ones that hate gloves and the ones that love them and wear them all year round (different types for different seasons of course). Gloves are there to keep your hands warm (obvious reason) and to protect the skin of your palms from cuts and scratches. They also provide additional grip strength. Not a big expense – $15 to $60.
$15 … $60
Helmets for water-sports
A very much recommended accessory, especially for beginners. It’s not required and there is no police to check you, yet lots of people opt to wear them. Prices vary from $40 to $200. Many kitesurfing schools include helmets in the rental package and when you take a class for liability reasons. There is no special rating or requirements on helmets for kitesurfing, so, any watersport helmet should be good. Check if they have your size available.
All else
The list of useful accessories for kitesurfers is endless. Sunglasses, rash guards, hats, quick-dry underwear, sunscreen (and if you are not convinced you need one, watch THIS video), bags… you name it! Let’s add some $200 to the list for all else.
1.c. The Cost of Kitesurfing Gadgets
Next group – gadgets.
Air pump – $100
Kite repair kit – $20 to $80
Anchors for self-launching your kite – from $30 to $100.
Float for your board — $80.
Emergency knife for your kite-lines – $20.
GPS tracking device for you and for your board to measure your speed, the height of your jumps, and to locate your lost board if need be. The price tag starts at around $150 and goes to $600.
A wind speed meter will cost you from $40 to $150.
And in case you are going to ride in colder climates, you will likely use thermoses for those hot beverages to keep you warm — $30.
Extra layers of neoprene garments to shelter you from the wind – $100 to $200.
Dry pack for your cell phone – $40+.
Should we include that GoPro? Yes! Okay – $400.
First aid kit with some peroxide and bandaid, just in case – $30.
A little tool kit with a screwdriver and some pliers will come in handy more often than you can imagine. These ones better be made of stainless steel or they will rust very quickly otherwise. And stainless steel tools are ten times more expensive than regular steel – $100.
2. The Expense of Kitesurfing Lessons With Professional Instructors
Often times this part is being overlooked. Many new kitesurfers do not even consider hiring an instructor. And yes, there are few riders out there who never took a class on kitesurfing. But is this the best way to go? No. Instructors will save you time. You will be safer than on your own. With a kitesurfing school you will have access to a variety of different gear, which is very useful while you develop your own sense of preference of equipment before buying your own. And you learn much faster and will begin to enjoy kitesurfing sooner.
Kitesurfing is a very complex and powerful sport, and even if you watched those training videos many times, chances are that you may have missed a thing or two. Some details may not have registered and your instructor will be able to prevent you from making some mistakes. HERE is a deeper discussion on whether or not one should take kitesurfing lessons with an instructor.
Prices on kitesurfing lessons vary depending on the location and the duration of the training. The number of classes that individual take depends a great deal on personal abilities to learn anew and on previous experiences with other sports or athletic activities. On average, new kitesurfers spend from $200 to $800 in trainers in the first year before they can start riding. So, add this amount to your budget.
3. Equipment Rentals Cost
You may find yourself in a situation where you do not want or even cannot bring your equipment with you to your kitesurfing destination. Especially when you travel to some remote locations. You may end up bringing some parts of your quiver and count on renting the rest from the local kite shop. Or maybe the weather forecast did not materialize and you need a kite of the size other than you brought. And another board may be needed to go with it as well. If this is a scenario then you should also include equipment rentals into the budget for your new hobby.
How expensive is it to rent kitesurfing equipment? Here are some prices per day:
Harness – $20 to $30
Board – $35 to $80
Kite – $100 to $180
Weekly rental of a package – $350
There is another option that many kitesurfing shops offer – it’s private storage of your gear. A week of this service may cost you about $50. This option may add some convenience to your trip and travel arrangements.
4. Repairs and Replacement of Your Damaged and Lost Equipment.
This is by far the least pleasant topic and the most unpredictable expense. The reality is – kitesurfing equipment breaks, especially kites. And kites are the most expensive, as you know by now. A number of things may go wrong and they do every now and then. Kite lines snap, Canopies rip, bladders leak, valves detach, control bars snap, boards crack, fins break, foot-straps rip, harnesses fall apart… And your job will be to keep it all together. HERE is a nice video on kite repairs:
There are three options to go about ANY damage:
1. Fix it on the spot and keep riding
2. Have it repaired at home or professionally
3. Replace the part with a new one
And this is why every seasoned kiteboarder always has a kite repair kit on the beach. You can purchase an entire kit – quick and easy, or you can put one together by yourself to your liking based on your preference and experience. One way or another, this is one additional expense you’ll be facing. For about $40 to $80 you can get a starter kite repair kit.
When your equipment is damaged to the point that you cannot continue your session it’s time for a professional repair. And I have to tell you, these repairs are not cheap, yet they are usually done with very high quality of craftsmanship. Often time you can’t even see the repairs.
Just to give you an example, I have to replace an entire panel between two struts on my 14m kite. They matched the color perfectly and the price was $160. New 25m kite-lines are about $100. And please be realistic, the more you ride – the more damages will appear.
Here are some interesting numbers for the record. According to BusinessWire, the kitesurfing equipment market is a bit over $2 Billion dollars a year. There are almost 2 Million kitesurfers worldwide. This means that each kitesurfer spends about $1,000 per year on the gear and equipment. So, be prepared! I know I wasn’t…
5. Expenses of Traveling to Kitesurfing Destinations
How will you get to the kitesurfing spot? Are you the lucky one living on a beach? And if not, then it will cost you something to travel to the kitesurfing location. How will you get there? Subway? Uber? Will you drive there? Will you have to fly? Sometimes there are multiple legs in your trip and this may cost you a pretty penny. And where will you stay? This is an extra $$.
Next question: how often will you travel for kitesurfing? Or put differently, how many kitesurfing sessions are you planning to have per year? And how many of those sessions will be local and how many will be on another side of the globe? These are not only financial questions but also time-related.
The Verdict – How Expensive is Kitesurfing as a Hobby
So, how expensive kitesurfing as a hobby will be for you? You see, it’s all in your hands, my friend, and it really depends on your vision, your budget, and the level of your obsession with this beautiful sport of kitesurfing/kiteboarding. You can own one used kite, one board, and one harness for under $1,000 and ride in your backyard virtually free of ongoing expenses, or you can spend thousands and thousands of dollars in the beginning and then every year you ride. It’s totally up to you! The sky is the limit! So, get out there, have fun, and be safe!
Related Question: Why is Kitesurfing so Expensive? HERE is the answer.
