Testimonials from our actual customers? You bet!
Surf on over to Yelp and read all about us.

Equipment

Boat:

KiteTheBay's support boat is a 21-foot Yamaha jet boat named Windseeker. Used for both lessons and tours, there is room for up to 4 passengers and gear.

Unlike a jet-ski, the Windseeker can comfortably accommodate groups of people to locations ideal for learning and riding. It also provides a stable and spacious cabin area and a kitesurfing launching pad.

The KitePole

Our 21-foot Yamaha jet boat has a feature that is unique to kitesurfing/kiteboarding schools in the Greater San Francisco area. The Windseeker is equipped with a KitePole that teaches you board stance. Hooking-in to the KitePole creates the "lifting" feeling for the rider without having to steer it. This allows the rider to focus on acquiring proper body and board positioning. Once the feeling of board control is achieved, you are now prepared to take on the steering responsibilities of kite-flying.

By learning the board skills early on, your progression will happen faster. And yes... the KitePole will allow you get comfortable in both the regular and goofy stances.

Kites:

KiteTheBay's unique lesson program requires specific equipment that makes launching from a boat possible. Cabrinha is KiteTheBay's kite of choice.

Cabrinha's IDS system is a re-assuring way to instantly depower the kite. Re-launching a Cabrinha kite is easy and straightforward. They also have a nice, medium bar pressure that facilitates good kite awareness.

Boards:

The Prodigy has a shape that allows for early planing yet has enough rocker and tapered ends to give positive control. The 45cm fins help give traction early on before the rider has positioned the heel edge effectively. Size wise, the 145cm Prodigy is usually the go-to board. However, in more powered conditions, the 135cm Prodigy works nicely. Smaller and lighter riders will be comfortable with the 135cm since it will sit a bit lower in the water and provide the rider with more overall control.

Wetsuits:

Probably the most important factor in making your water experience a positive one is the wetsuit. Warmth and mobility are key. The NPX Assassin suit is 5mm thick in the chest panel and 3mm in the arms and legs. Its wind resistant material makes it a sick suit for kiting anywhere in the San Francisco Bay Area. Because wind in the bay can be chilly, KiteTheBay also has warm-up coats to wear during the time out of the water. Think of it as a buffer against windchill that insulates you like a wetsuit but fits likes a trench coat. This comes in handy after the lesson while on the way back to the marina.

Harnesses:

Both waist and seat harnesses are available during the lesson. Differences between the two are found in the way they position the rider both when body-dragging and riding. In general, waist harnesses allow for greater range of rider movement while seat harnesses are favored for their ability to stay positioned comfortably at belt-level.

Hats & Coats:

Need that special gift for the KTB'er in your life? We have the answer: KTB sportswear! Need details about the fabric or construction? Telephone or write us via our CONTACT form with your questions or for pricing information.