How are kites categorized?
Kites take two basic forms, foils and inflatables. Foil kites look like parachutes and are mostly used on land for training, but may also be used on the water. Inflatables are the large arc shaped kites generally used in kiteboarding. They work much better in the water as the inflatable structure allows for flotation and relaunching. Kites are also classified by line configuration, 2-line or 4-line. Kites with 4-lines have the ability to depower, while 2-line kites do not. 4-line kites are most commonly used for todays kiteboarding as they offer a greater range of power. 2-line kites are often used in the instructional phases of kiteboarding due to their simplicity.
