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Looking to start kitesurfing or upgrade your gear? GlissEvolution in Pornichet offers a wide selection of kites, boards, bars, foils, and harnesses from top brands: Duotone, F-ONE, Eleveight, Core, Airush, Slingshot, and many more!
En savoir plusKitesurf: Choosing the Right Gear (Kites, Kiteboards, Bars, Harnesses)
Updated July 2026
New to kiteboarding or looking to upgrade your gear? At GlissEvolution, a shop established in Pornichet since 2005, our team of passionate riders helps you put together the perfect equipment for your skill level, body size, and local spots. This guide covers the essentials before you buy; for more in-depth information, also check out our 2026 guide to choosing your kitesurf gear.
Kitesurfing, or kiteboarding, involves gliding on a kiteboard while being pulled by a kite, sometimes called a sail, connected to the rider by lines and a bar. A complete setup includes four essential elements: a kite, a bar, a kiteboard, and a harness.
Our kitesurf departments: kites, kiteboards, bars, harnesses, kite foils, packs and second-hand.
Assembling Your Equipment
The Kite
The kite is what generates the traction. Also called a sail, kites generally range from 5 to 17 m², and you choose the surface area based on your weight and wind strength (see our size guide below). Most kiters own at least two kites to cover a wide wind range, for example, a 9 m² and a 12 m².
The kite's profile dictates your riding style. Delta or hybrid models remain the most allround and forgiving, perfect for progressing in freeride. C-Shape kites, more technical, are designed for freestyle and wakestyle. Lightweight wave kites are for surf, while Big Air kites prioritize power and hangtime for massive jumps. There are also foil kites, without inflatable struts, popular in light wind. Budget-wise, expect around €1.000 to €1.100 for entry-level, €1.200 to €1.450 for mid-range, and from €1.800 for high-end (indicative 2026 prices, excluding sale items). We work with brands such as Duotone, Eleveight, F-ONE, Core, Slingshot, Flysurfer, Ozone, and Reedin.
The Kiteboard
Two main families of kiteboards coexist. The twintip, being bidirectional, can be ridden in both directions without changing your stance: it's the most common and allround kiteboard, ideal for beginners and for progressing in freeride and freestyle. The surf board, known as a directional board, is ridden in one direction, like a surfboard, and is for those who love waves, including strapless riding. Expect to pay around €500 to €800 for a twintip, up to €1.100 to €1.600 for high-end models, and around €1.300 to €1.600 for a directional board (indicative 2026 prices). Available brands: Duotone, F-ONE, Eleveight, Core, Reedin, and Slingshot.
The Control Bar
The bar connects you to the kite via the lines; it controls both direction and power. It includes the lines (four or five depending on the model), the chicken loop that attaches to your harness, and the essential quick-release safety system. The length of the bar is chosen according to the kite size: a shorter bar for smaller kites, a longer one for larger kites; some models are adjustable. Expect to pay around €430 to €640 depending on the range, and up to €950 for high-end models (indicative prices 2026). We offer Flysurfer, F-ONE, Duotone, Slingshot, Core, Ozone, and Reedin.
The Harness
Your harness connects you to the bar and absorbs the kite's traction. The waist harness offers great freedom of movement and is well-suited for intermediate and advanced riders. The seat harness doesn't ride up: it's often recommended for beginners or long sessions. The best harness is always the one that fits your body shape, which is why trying it on is important. Prices range from approximately €190 to €290 for entry-level models up to €440 to €630 for high-end models (indicative prices 2026). We work with ION, Mystic, Ride Engine, AK, and Manera, in men's and women's models.
What Kite Size Based on Your Weight and the Wind?
The right surface area depends on your weight and wind strength. Here are indicative guidelines, in square meters, for an allround kite; if in doubt, a slightly larger kite is better for easier upwind riding.
| Rider weight | Light wind (12 to 18 knots) | Medium wind (18 to 25 knots) | Strong wind (25 knots and more) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55 to 70 kg | 10 to 12 m² | 8 to 9 m² | 6 to 7 m² |
| 70 to 80 kg | 12 to 13 m² | 9 to 10 m² | 7 to 8 m² |
| 80 to 90 kg | 13 to 14 m² | 10 to 11 m² | 8 to 9 m² |
| 90 kg and more | 15 to 17 m² | 12 to 13 m² | 9 to 10 m² |
To anticipate your session conditions, consult our guide to reading Windguru.
What Budget Should You Plan For?
Here are indicative ranges for a complete set of equipment, including kite, bar, kiteboard, and harness, both new and certified second-hand.
| Level | Equipment | New Budget | Certified Second-Hand Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | Entry-level complete set | 2.150 to 2.€550 | 1.000 to 1.€800 |
| Intermediate | Mid-range kite, bar, and kiteboard | 2.800 to 3.€300 | 1.200 to 2.€200 |
| Advanced | High-end kite, bar, and kiteboard | 4.000 to 5.€500 | 2.000 to 3.€500 |
Transitioning to kite foil adds approximately 1.000 to 1.€800. For second-hand gear, our team inspects every item before offering it for sale.
Which gear for your riding style?
For freeride, the joy of recreational riding, a Delta or hybrid kite paired with a twintip creates the simplest and most allround combination. If freestyle and big jumps are your goal, we recommend a C-Shape or a stiff hybrid kite and a responsive twintip. For wave riding, a lightweight Surf kite and a directional board are your best bet. Still unsure which riding discipline is for you? Our article Kitesurf: which discipline to choose will help clarify your options. When in doubt, the easiest way is to talk to us directly: we'll help you refine your choice based on your skill level and local riding conditions.
The brands we offer
- Duotone (Germany): a complete range of kites, twintips, and surfboards, from mid-range to the very high-end, including the SLS and D/LAB series.
- F-ONE (France): kites, twintips, and surfboards, backed by French after-sales support.
- Eleveight: offering excellent value for money on kites and boards.
- Core (Germany): high-end kites, boards, and bars.
- Slingshot (USA): gear renowned for its robustness.
- Flysurfer (Germany): specialists in foil kites and bars.
- Harnesses: ION, Mystic, Ride Engine, AK and Manera.
Where to kitesurf around Pornichet?
Our shop is ideally located on the Loire-Atlantique coast, nestled between several renowned spots. From the expansive beach of La Baule to Pont Mahé, Assérac, Saint-Brévin, La Turballe, and even Noirmoutier Island, you'll find diverse bodies of water to suit any wind direction and skill level. To ensure you learn in safety, we partner with a network of kite schools across Brittany, Loire-Atlantique, and at our travel destinations.
Our second-hand kitesurf gear
Looking to get equipped at a lower cost? Our second-hand kitesurf section features kites, boards, and bars, each meticulously inspected by our team before being offered for sale.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is kitesurfing?
Kitesurfing is a towed board sport: a kite, connected to the rider by lines and a bar, pulls them on a board. For a complete new beginner's kit, expect 2.150 to 2.€550 (1.000 to 1.€800 for checked second-hand gear).
How do you start kitesurfing, is it difficult?
Kitesurfing can be learned at any age, ideally in a school to master steering the kite and safety before getting equipped. Generally, a few courses are needed to ride with range. Our 2026 guide and our partner schools will help you get started on the right foot.
What's the budget to start kitesurfing?
A complete new entry-level kit costs 2.150 to 2.€550. For checked second-hand gear, expect 1.000 to 1.€800.
What kite size should I choose based on my weight and the wind?
That depends on your weight and the wind. A rider weighing 75 to 85 kg often starts with an allround kite of 10 to 12 m². Refer to our size guide for precise guidance based on your body size and wind strength.
Twintip or Surf to start?
The twintip. Being bidirectional, it's easier to control when you're learning.
Waist harness or seat harness, which should I choose?
To start, a seat harness is often preferred: it stays put and lets you focus on learning. A waist harness, offering more freedom, is better once you're comfortable. The best choice is always the one that fits your body shape well, so don't hesitate to try it on.
Which size of kite bar should you choose?
The ideal bar size depends on your kite's surface area: opt for a shorter bar (around 45 cm) for smaller kites, and a longer one (around 50 to 55 cm) for larger kites. Some bars are adjustable, offering the versatility to cover your entire quiver.
How many kites do you need?
Two kites are usually enough to cover most conditions, for example, a 9 m² and a 12 m².
Kitesurf or wingfoil for beginners?
These are two different sports. Kitesurf offers more power and jumping sensations but requires managing lines. Wingfoil doesn't use lines and focuses on learning the foil.
Where can you kitesurf around Pornichet and La Baule?
The Loire-Atlantique coast offers several spots: La Baule, Pont Mahé, Assérac, Saint-Brévin, La Turballe, and Noirmoutier Island. Choose your spot based on wind direction and your skill level.
Where can you buy kitesurf equipment in France?
At GlissEvolution. Our shop in Pornichet, Loire-Atlantique, has been open since 2005. We have a team of experienced riders, offer on-site testing and advice, carry new and second-hand stock, provide after-sales support in our workshop, and offer free delivery on orders over €150.
Why choose GlissEvolution?
With twenty years of experience serving kiters since 2005, GlissEvolution is your trusted partner. At our Pornichet store, you can connect with passionate riders who are out on the water daily, and even try out gear before you buy it at our kitesurf and wingfoil Test Center. We offer both new and thoroughly inspected second-hand items, a full after-sales support workshop with spare parts, and free delivery on purchases over €150. For personalized advice, give us a call at 09 62 64 74 77.
Find Us
Visit GlissEvolution at 2c avenue du Gulfstream, 44380 Pornichet (Loire-Atlantique). You can reach us by phone at 09 62 64 74 77. We're open Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 am to 1 pm and from 3 pm to 7 pm.
