Equipment
Flysurfer Kites – Why We've Been an Exclusive Partner Since 2009
By Lukáš Vogeltanz · teaches at Kitepower El Gouna 5 min read
Since 2009 we've ridden Flysurfer almost exclusively. 250+ kites in our fleet, German quality, and the full model range. Here's why we chose Flysurfer.
When you run a kite school since 2004, you go through a lot of brands. For the first five years, we tested various manufacturers — some kites lasted a season, others barely a month. Some flew beautifully but relaunched poorly. Others were indestructible but students struggled with them.
In 2009, we switched to Flysurfer as our official distributor and test point in El Gouna. And since then, we haven’t had a reason to change.
This isn’t a promotional article. It’s an explanation of why we made the decision we did — and what it means for you.
Why Flysurfer
German Engineering That Delivers
Flysurfer is a German company. That alone doesn’t mean much — but in practice, it means an emphasis on material quality, precision manufacturing, and thorough testing. When we receive a new model, we know what to expect. Specifications match reality. A kite rated for a wind range of 12–25 knots actually handles that range.
This matters more than you might think. A school needs inspected equipment and a range that can be matched to different riders and measured conditions. No kite or fleet makes every wind suitable, so the team still checks the gear and decides whether the session is safe. If you’re still learning the lingo, our kite gear glossary breaks down kite types, sizes and wind ranges.
One of the Few Brands with a Complete Range
Most kite manufacturers specialise. Some make great tube kites, others great foil kites. Flysurfer is one of the very few that makes tube, foil, and hybrid kites — and ranks among the world’s best in all categories.
For us, that means we have broad options to recommend a suitable available kite for a student’s or rider’s weight, level and measured conditions. We do not have to push one model simply because the quiver is tiny, but individual equipment and sessions still depend on availability and safe rideability.
Innovation, Not Marketing
Flysurfer doesn’t slap a new colour on last year’s model and call it a “revolution.” When a new model comes out, it’s because it brings a real improvement. The Hybrid kite — a kite that inflates itself using the wind and needs no pump — isn’t a marketing gimmick. It’s an engineering achievement.
Our Fleet
We currently run over 250 kites and 60+ boards. Here’s an overview of the models we use and what they’re for:
Flysurfer Indie (7–17 m²) – The Teaching King
The Indie is a tube kite designed specifically for kite schools. It’s stable, forgiving of mistakes, and relaunches easily from the water. It has a huge size range — from 7 m² for strong wind or light students up to 17 m² for lighter wind or heavier riders.
During courses, the Indie is our primary tool. It’s the kite you learn to steer on, body-drag, water start, and ride. It forgives mistakes but responds correctly — so you develop the right habits from the start.
Flysurfer Stoke (4–12 m²) – Freeride and Waves
The Stoke is a versatile tube kite for advanced riders. Great for freeride, waves, and everyday riding. Fast, direct, and fun. Sizes from 4 m² for serious wind to 12 m² for lighter days.
In our rental centre, the Stoke is the most popular kite among advanced riders who simply want to get out and have fun.
Flysurfer ERA (5–12 m²) – Big Air
The ERA is for those who want height. It’s a tube kite optimised for jumps and big air. Massive hangtime, stability in the air, and precise control. If you want to fly, the ERA is your kite.
Flysurfer Soul (up to 21 m²) – Foil Specialist
The Soul is a foil kite (ram-air) designed for foiling and light wind. Extremely light, packs into a small bag, and generates pull even in minimal wind. Sizes up to 21 m² mean you can ride even when everyone else has packed up long ago.
For hydrofoil riders — whether kite foil or wing foil — the Soul is an ideal choice. Smooth, constant pull without jerks.
Flysurfer Sonic – Racing Foil Kite
The Sonic is the racing version of the foil kite. Maximum performance, minimum weight. For riders who put speed and efficiency first.
Flysurfer Hybrid (2.5–12 m²) – No Pump Needed
The Hybrid is a unique concept — a kite that inflates using the wind alone. No pump needed. Unroll on the beach, connect the lines, and launch. It combines properties of both foil and tube kites. Compact for travel, easy to set up.
Sizes from just 2.5 m² (for extreme wind or light riders) up to 12 m² give enormous flexibility.
How We Keep the Fleet Fresh
250+ kites doesn’t mean 250 old kites. We track flight hours on every kite in our fleet. We have a precise overview of how many hours each kite has flown, and we regularly retire and replace kites that have reached their limit.
That’s why our rental centre tracks flight hours, inspects equipment and retires kites at their service limit. Specific models and sizes remain subject to availability.
What This Means for You
During the Course
When you arrive for a course, the team selects inspected equipment from the current fleet for your level and the measured conditions. A particular Indie size or model remains subject to availability, and the session runs only when conditions are safe and rideable. Two-way BB Talkin Bluetooth helmet coaching then keeps feedback live on the water.
At the Rental
If you already ride independently and want to try something new, our rental centre can recommend a suitable available setup after checking your skills, the measured conditions and the local rules. Ask whether a Soul, ERA, Hybrid or another model is appropriate and available for your session.
Rental — not a Kitepass — provides access to suitable available equipment and already includes beach access and facilities. A Kitepass is instead for independent riders using their own gear. See the rental page for current options and rates.
When Buying Your Own Equipment
Looking to buy your own gear? Our shop carries the full Flysurfer range, and because you’ll have ridden the models yourself — on the water, with our instructors — you know exactly what you’re buying. Talk to us about pricing and the right setup for your weight and the wind you ride.
Since 2009, No Reason to Change
Since 2009, we’ve logged thousands of hours on Flysurfer kites and taught hundreds of students on them across a wide range of safe, rideable conditions.
Over that time, we haven’t had a single reason to look for another manufacturer. The kites work, they last, and they do exactly what they’re supposed to. For a kite school that’s been operating since 2004, that’s the most important quality of all.
If you have questions about equipment, get in touch. We’re happy to advise — and if you’re in El Gouna, ask which suitable test or rental equipment is available for the conditions and your level.
IKO Head Instructor & co-owner of Kitepower El Gouna — school history since 2004, current northern base since 2016.
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