Power kites are usually measured in terms of their flat surface area.  Hence a "3m kite" usually refers to a kite that has a flat surface area of three square meters (one side).  Beware of any sellers that quote 3m as a wingspan or total surface area, as these will be smaller than a true 3m (area) kite.

There are no definitive right or wrong answers as to the right size of Powerkite to choose, as it depends on many interrelated factors.   While is difficult to generalise all the following are important:

• Flyer experience – Perhaps the most important factor.  Experience really counts when holding down lots of power.
• Type of activity – As soon as you start moving on wheels you need more pull.  Boarders use kites up to three times the size of static fliers, with buggiers somewhere in-between.
• Type of kite – Depower kites have a much larger wind range than fixed bridle allowing you to fly a kite up to twice the size.
• Flyer weight – a 100kg flyer might be able to hold on to a kite half as big again as a 50kg static flyer.

Lastly, and not least, there is the wind strength to consider.  There is not a kite produced yet that can fly from 2mph to 50mph winds, hence most flyers end up with a range of kite sizes to suit the conditions.  Typically:

• A fixed bridle Quiver (as opposed to depower) might be 2m, 3m, 5m and 8m
• A Depower Quiver might be 6m and 10m

Hence looking at all these factors is not unusual to find on the same beach:

• A beginner totally overpowered on a 2m Kite, and packing up to go home ...
• A experienced boarder wishing he had a bigger kite than his 12m Depower ...

Bearing this in mind well try to recommend what wind range each size of FIXED bridle kite is suitable for.  Add 1.5 to 2 times to the sizes below for Depower Kite sizes

Up to 2.5m

Great fun kites, stress free.

• 2m is an ideal first kite for a lighter static flyer in average winds
• A great high wind buggy engine for those ballistic days
• Ideal to lend or give to friends and family to give them a taste of power kiting

3.0m to 4.5m

This is the size of kite you will probably use most often.

• A 3m kite is the ideal first kite of an average person for most winds.  If you’re at the heavier end of the scale consider 4m
• It is a great size of kite for buggying in most wind conditions.
• Makes a good boarding kite for the highest if winds

5.0m to 6.0m

Ideal second kite size for summer winds.

• Can be flown static in the light winds, some kites can fly in no wind.  If the kite has lift it will give good jumps to more experienced flyers
• Great buggy engine for average to lighter wind days
• An average size for a board used in most wind conditions

6.5m to 8.0m

The kite is slowing down, and needs lighter winds

• Can only be flown static in the lightest winds
• Good size for a buggy in mid to light winds
• Boarders love the float this kite gives on average to light winds

 8.5m to 10m

Getting a bit for static now, can only be flown in the lightest of lightest winds.

• Needs some skill in a buggy, and no gusts, on a light wind day.
• A light wind float monster for boarder.

10m plus

This kite is huge, one gust and there is no stopping it.  Take real care!

• Needs experiences and consistent very light winds to keep this airborne in a buggy
• Boarders might be found jumping under one of these on light wind days

Choose wisely and fly safe!
 

Please see our other guides for the next flying steps.

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