What is the difference between kiteboarding and wingfoiling?
Both sports are really fun individual wind sports. Kiteboarding (aka kitesurfing) uses a large kite flown by the rider using a control bar with long lines. The kite works as a dynamic sail that can generate enormous power. Power can be created by actively flying the kite above and in front of you. In kiteboarding you can ride on water, snow or land. You start kiteboarding riding kiteboards similar to a wakeboard. On the water you can also ride surfboards or hydrofoils. On snow you can kite using skis or snowboards. On land you can kite using skateboards or mountain boards. Kiteboarding is the most diverse wind sport because you can use them with many types of boards, various types of conditions and the same kites can work on snow, water or land. Wingfoiling (or winging) is a foil sport that uses a hydrofoil in the water under the board with an inflatable hand wing that generates speed like a sail. The forward speed from the hand wing generates speed which creates lift on the foil. Then the board lifts off the water from the force of the foil pushing upward. Wingfoiling is a smooth sport that feels like surfing a longboard or snowboarding in deep snow. Kiteboarding offers amazing jumps while wingfoiling is more focused on flow riding.
Do I need lessons for kiteboarding?
Yes. Kiteboarding can be a dangerous sport and is safer when learned from a licensed instructor. Most of our students complete about 9 hours of instruction over the course of 3 lessons. We recommend that every student take at least 1x 3 hour shallow water kiteboarding lesson before attempting to use the gear on their own.
Do I need lessons for wingfoiling?
No, but you will learn faster. Wingfoiling is less dangerous than kiteboarding but lessons help students learn faster and prevents damage to gear. Learning to ride a foil is the most challenging but rewarding part of wingfoiling. In our lessons we isolate learning to ride a foil into a lesson that uses a jet ski to pull our students up onto foil in a controlled manner. Most students take 2 or 3 lessons to learn the basics of wingfoiling.
What is easier to learn? Kiteboarding or wingfoiling?
Kiteboarding is more intimidating to learn because of the tremendous power that a kite can generate. It feels almost like a motor sport. The power of the kites is part of the dynamic nature of the sport and is what lures many people to the it. The massive power allows riders to jump if you want to, ride a surfboard or cruise on a foil. Wingfoiling is a difficult sport to learn compared to kiteboarding. This is because riding a foil is harder than riding boards on the surface of the water. The wing is safer and more intuitive to use compared to a kite.
Can I rent kiteboarding gear after my lesson?
No, you cannot rent kiteboard gear here or really anywhere. After lessons you will need to buy equipment to continue learning. We do offer ride along lessons where an instructor rides with you on school equipment and can give riding tips.
Can I rent wingfoiling gear after my lesson?
Yes. You can rent all the wingfoil gear with or without lessons.
Do I need lessons for paddleboarding?
No, but lessons will help you be safer and more comfortable on the water. Many people are comfortable with paddleboarding right away. The sport is super rewarding and fun. Be ready to fall in the water though.
How do I book a lesson?
You can book lessons online using our website or you can call in. Please note lessons require a $75 deposit to hold a lesson date and space.
FAQ sales/shop questions:
Is your website safe to use?
Yes. The Kite Paddle Surf Online Store uses industry-standard encryption to protect the confidentiality of the information you submit when placing an order. Please check our Privacy Policy for more information. Your privacy is very important to us. Your personally identifiable information, including your credit card information, is encrypted for maximum security. Kite Paddle Surf assures you that it has implemented the requisite physical, electronic and managerial processes to prevent unauthorized access to its customer accounts and to maintain data security. We do not share your information with anyone.
What is your price matching policy?
We will try to match any price. While we cannot match every price you find online, we will always do our best to get you the best deal we can. Please send us an email at shop@kitepaddlesurf.com with the details of the other offer, and we will see what we can do.
What if I buy an item and then it goes on sale?
KPS offers a one-time price adjustment if an item is marked down within ten days of the purchase. To get a price adjustment on your purchase, you must call 360-775-2741, or email us at shop@kitepaddlesurf.com. Include your order number in your email message. We will refund you the difference in a KPS Gift Card.
What is the KPS return/refund policy?
You have 30 days to return any unused gear purchased for a refund, store credit, or exchange. Go to Returns and Exchange Info for more information. The gear must be returned in new condition. Wetsuits must be properly folded when returned so they can be sold as new. If the product is not received in new condition the refund, exchange or credit value may be lowered. We can help create a shipping label if you prefer (value is deducted from the refund). We can email you an invoice for the return label using our shipping services. The return label is then emailed to you.
Kite Paddle Surf Warehouse
804 Marine Drive STE C
Bellingham, WA US 98225.
I ordered something and discovered it is not what I want or is the wrong size. How do I exchange my gear?
You can exchange new gear within 30 days. You will need to pay for return shipping to exchange the gear. Wetsuits must be properly folded when exchanged so they can be sold as new. We can help create a shipping label if you prefer (value is deducted from the refund). The return label is then emailed to you
What do I do if my package/gear is damaged in shipment?
Shipping damage must be reported within 4 days of delivery. We recommend inspecting gear as soon as it arrives. Please take photos of damage to the gear, shipping label and packaging. You will need to keep the packaging because it will need to be inspected. Contact us at shop@kitepaddlesurf.com or 360-775-2741 and we will assist you.
I have a product I believe to be defective. How do I proceed with a warranty claim?
A warranty claim is initiated by emailing us at shop@kitepaddlesurf.com pics of the gear, description of the problem, a pic of serial number if possible, how and when the problem occurred. Please include the order number if possible. We can provide the invoice from the purchase for the claim. We can then help file the warranty claim with the manufacturer. You are responsible for shipping charges for returned product.