Kitesurf Equipment

Kitesurfing is an exciting water sport that combines elements from windsurfing, wakeboarding, and paragliding. The rider stands on a small board and uses the power of the wind through a large, steerable kite to glide across the water and perform jumps. Greece is considered one of the top destinations worldwide for kitesurfing due to its consistent meltemi winds. Some of the most famous spots are:
Paros: Pounta is globally renowned.
Naxos: Mikri Vigla offers excellent conditions.
Rhodes: Prasonisi (in the southern part) and Kremasti.
Lefkada: Agios Ioannis (Mylou) is the ultimate spot in the Ionian Sea.
Attica: Loutsa (Artemida) and Schinias for those staying near the capital.
Achaea: Drepano (near Patras), one of the most consistent spots in mainland Greece.

Yes, on decathlon.com.gr you will find an excellent variety of kitesurfing equipment, which includes technical kites, Twin-Tip boards, lightweight carbon models, specialized travel bags with wheels, double-action pumps, as well as all the necessary neoprene apparel (wetsuits) and safety accessories.

To hit the water safely, a complete equipment setup consists of:
The Kite: For beginners, Bow or Delta type kites are preferred because they relaunch easily from the water.
The Control Bar (Bar & Lines): The steering system along with the lines (ropes) and safety systems.
The Board (Twin-Tip): A board that glides in both directions, equipped with bindings (pads/straps) and fins.
The Harness: The belt worn by the rider that hooks onto the kite, so that the pull is exerted on the torso rather than the arms.
Safety Equipment: Helmet, buoyancy aid/protection vest (impact vest), and a safety hook knife for the lines.
Pump: For inflating the bladders of the kite.

During lessons, equipment that is forgiving of mistakes and emphasizes safety is used:
Large Twin-Tip Boards: A wide and long board (e.g., 145-150 cm) offers greater stability, helps the beginner stand up easily (water start), and ride upwind.
Low/Medium aspect ratio Freeride Kites: Kites that have steady, progressive power, do not react erratically to abrupt movements, and feature excellent depower capabilities (immediate reduction of power as soon as you release the bar).
Seat Harness: Unlike a waist harness, a seat harness has leg straps, preventing the harness from riding up to the chest, which is highly convenient for students who spend a lot of time with the kite overhead.

Yes, it differs significantly, as they serve entirely different riding styles. For freestyle (jumps and technical tricks), C-Kites or Open-C type kites are used, which offer explosive "pop" and slack in the lines while in the air to easily perform handle passes behind the back. The boards are stiff Twin-Tips with deep channels on the bottom and are often combined with fixed boots instead of simple straps.
For wave riding, specialized kites with excellent drift are used—meaning the ability of the kite to "fly" and follow the rider as they ride down the wave without losing air pressure. The boards are Directional (like small surfboards), have a specific orientation (nose and tail), and are usually ridden without straps (strapless).

Salt, sand, and sun are the biggest enemies of your equipment. Remember not to leave your kite inflated in the sun and on the sand when you are not riding. UV radiation destroys the spinnaker canopy material, and sand rubbing against it creates micro-holes. Also, never pack up or store your kite wet or damp in its bag; mold will develop and the internal valves will peel off. If it gets packed wet, spread it out to dry in the shade as soon as possible. Regularly rinse your bar, lines, harness, and board with fresh water. Particular attention is needed for the safety system (quick release) on the bar so that it does not get jammed by salt or sand. Before deflating the kite, wipe away the sand around the valves to prevent it from entering the inside of the air chambers (bladders), as it can cause punctures under pressure.