Inflatable Kites
Inflatable Kites and the Evolution of Kiteboarding
Modern kites have come a long way since the "Wipika" kite of the late 90s. This simple preformed kite with inflatable tubes and a basic bridle system was a precursor to today's safe, reliable, and high-performance kites. Kite design went from 2-line kites to 4-line and even 5-line systems, modern designs incorporate light, stiff materials and optimized aerodynamics for improved performance and safety. Kite shapes have evolved from C-shapes to bow and delta shapes, further enhancing their capabilities.
Wide Range of Kite Options
At Green Hat, we offer a wide range of kite brands, including Cabrinha, Core, Duotone, Eleveight, Flysurfer, F-One, HQ, North, Slingshot, and Ozone. Our selection caters to various skill levels and riding styles, from beginner-friendly kites to advanced freeride, surf/wave, freestyle, and light wind kites. We also carry foil kites and big air kites for those seeking high-performance in very specific disciplines. If you have never flown a kite, or want your kids to get into kite flying, we have trainer kites too!
Kiteboarding has evolved into a mainstream water sport with a significant global following. The sport has experienced rapid growth, with numerous international competitions and events showcasing various disciplines like freestyle, wave riding, and racing. Kiteboarding made its Olympic debut at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, specifically under the Formula Kite class, marking a monumental milestone for the sport.
Improved equipment and safety features have made kiteboarding more accessible to beginners, with kiteboarding schools and clinics available worldwide. Ongoing advancements in kite design, board construction, and safety systems continue to enhance the sport's performance and safety for all.