Aile(Kite)
The inflatable traction wing that generates power. It's the main piece of equipment.
Kitesurfing Glossary
Learn kitesurfing vocabulary with our comprehensive glossary. From A for Aile to W for Wind window, all terms explained.
A
B
Barre(Bar)
The control bar connected to the kite by the lines. Used to steer the kite and adjust power.
Bladder
Air chamber inside the leading edge and struts of the kite. Keeps the structure inflated.
Border
Sailing close-hauled, the closest angle to the wind you can hold.
C
Chicken loop
Loop at the center of the bar that connects to the harness. Transfers power to the body.
D
Depower
System to reduce kite power by adjusting the angle of attack.
Downwind
Direction with the wind. Sailing downwind means going in the wind direction.
E
Edge
Tilting the board on its side to create resistance and go upwind.
F
Freeride
Versatile riding style for pleasure, without performance constraints.
Freestyle
Riding style focused on tricks and technical jumps.
H
Harnais(Harness)
Equipment worn around the waist or chest that supports the kite's pull.
K
Kiteloop
Trick where the kite performs a full 360° rotation in the sky.
L
Largue(Beam reach)
Course perpendicular to the wind, usually the fastest and most comfortable.
Leading edge
Inflatable edge at the front of the kite.
Leash
Safety strap connecting the rider to the kite to prevent losing it.
N
Nœuds(Knots)
Unit of wind speed measurement. 1 knot = 1.852 km/h.
O
One foot
Trick performed with only one foot in the board straps.
P
Planing
Moment when the board starts gliding on the water instead of sinking.
Power zone
Area of the sky where the kite develops maximum power (bottom of the wind window).
Q
Quiver
Set of kites of different sizes to cover all wind conditions.
R
Rider
Kitesurfing practitioner.
S
Safety
Quick release system to disconnect the kite in an emergency.
Strapless
Riding without footstraps, often with a surfboard.
T
Twin-tip
Bidirectional symmetrical board, the most common in kitesurfing.
U
Upwind
Direction against the wind. Going upwind is essential to return to your starting point.
W
Waterstart
Technique to start from the water using the kite's pull.
Wind window
Area in the sky where the kite can fly, bounded by wind direction.
Why learn kite vocabulary?
Mastering kitesurfing vocabulary is essential for communicating with instructors, understanding weather conditions and progressing quickly. Whether you're a beginner or experienced rider, this glossary will help you speak the same language as the kite community.