The three boards at a glance
| Twin tip | Directional | Kite foil | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feel | sporty, direct, playful | surfing, carving, riding waves | silent gliding above the water |
| Direction | both ways | forwards only, turn with a jibe | forwards only, turn with a jibe |
| Wind | medium to strong | medium to strong | from light wind |
| Water | flat water, chop | waves, chop | almost anywhere with enough depth |
| For | beginners and all levels | advanced riders | advanced riders |
You can learn all three boards at our kite school. We always start where you are right now.
Twin tip: the board to learn on
A twin tip is symmetrical with a tip at both ends. You ride in both directions without moving your feet, standing in straps or bindings. That is why you learn kitesurfing fastest on a twin tip.
- For beginners: a slightly larger board planes earlier and rides more calmly.
- For freeride, freestyle and big air: jumps, tricks and riding upwind are easiest on a twin tip.
- In Tarifa: works in almost all conditions, from steady Poniente to strong Levante.
Directional: surfing with a kite
A directional, also called a surfboard or wave board, only rides in one direction. To change direction you jibe and switch your feet. You ride with straps or strapless and feel the board like when surfing.
- When to switch? Once you ride a twin tip confidently (VDWS level 4–5): you ride upwind, control your speed and get back safely.
- Where it shines: in waves and chop. The board cuts smoothly through the water and carves into turns.
- Good to know: directionals need a little more wind to get planing than a large twin tip, and more feel for the water start.
Kite foil: flying in light wind
A kite foil has a mast and an underwater wing under the board. Above a certain speed the board lifts off and glides silently above the water. With almost no drag, you get going in light wind and with small kites.
- When to start? Once you ride a directional confidently, jibes included, and can steer your kite without looking.
- The learning curve: first you practise balance and controlled lift-off. With coaching this goes much faster.
- Safety: wear a helmet and impact vest, keep your distance from others and make sure the water is deep enough.
What do I start with?
Always a twin tip. That is where you learn kite control, the water start, riding upwind and the safety systems: everything you need later on a directional or foil.
- Twin tip: beginner lessons until you ride independently and upwind.
- Directional: the next step once you ride a twin tip confidently (VDWS level 4–5).
- Kite foil: once you ride a directional confidently, jibes included.
Which board when?
- Light wind (around 8–14 knots): kite foil. You ride while others wait on the beach.
- Medium wind, flat or choppy water: twin tip for cruising, jumping and tricks.
- Waves: directional for riding and carving.
- Strong Levante: a small twin tip or a directional with a small kite. In gusty, strong wind the twin tip remains the safe choice.
We tell you every morning which spot suits your board that day. More about the winds under wind & spots.
Learn it all with us
With us you can learn all three: starting on a twin tip, moving to a directional and kite foiling. You learn directional and foil with us in semi-private lessons for two or in private lessons.
- Lessons: semi-private and private, all year round, in English, German and Spanish. All prices under lessons.
- Gear: twin tips, directionals and foil sets in our rental, with Test & Buy before you buy.
- Advice: our kite gear guide explains which board suits you, and your instructor on the beach.
