When we are taught to kiteboard we begin on short lines; usually 5m to 10m long. As we progress; we move into 20m to 25m lines. Why is it that we don't continue to 50m - 70m line lengths?

The main reason we don’t use 70m lines is because of the friction from the wind on the lines. The friction from the wind on 70 m lines is so great that the distance to pull on the line that can affect the kite is bigger than the bar travel range. When piloting, the rider acts only on the line and not anymore on the kite, because it only compensates the line drag that curves them.

With lines this long, going upwind becomes arduous since the total line drag added to the kite force results like an apparent wind that does not permit riding up-wind. Additionally the longer the lines are, the more tangential speed the kite will have. This can deform the canopy shape for going over the limited speed of the canopy design, making the kite unstable.

As for now we'll all be sticking with lines 20m to 25m. Unless it is super strong winds many riders are beginning to prefer 15m to 20m lines. The advantage with shorter lines is that you can manage more power when exerting pressure on the board. Piloting becomes more sensitive and taking off during jumps is faster. This is great for aggressive wake-style moves and faster turning in waves.

Now the question is what will the future look like for kiting? How will kites change, what about line length and boards; will it always stay the same?

Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.