Flysurfer STOKE4 Kite

The STOKE is a three-strut tube kite for freeride and waves, rated by Flysurfer from beginner to intermediate. Light bar pressure, crisp response, quick relaunch — a kite you learn on and then keep.

The leading edge is tapered: thicker at the front, thinner towards the end. That improves aerodynamics and responsiveness, while Dacron reinforcement holds the shape. The canopy is D2 sail cloth, which is where the crisp, connected bar feel comes from.

The bridle is a balanced four-point system running on Ronstan pulleys. The layout and the angle-of-attack adjustment drive everything at once: stability, turning, drift and relaunch. Drift is the one that decides wave riding — the kite has to follow you down the line instead of pulling you off it.

Tuning the steering. The back lines have a second attachment point. Move them and the steering becomes more direct and heavier; move them back and the kite returns to its playful, light character. The adjustment does not affect stall behaviour, so drift stays intact.

The Free Flow system uses a main valve with a bayonet adapter and a push-push pin, with the struts connected by hoses and clamps. You inflate and deflate the whole kite through one valve, and the valve itself can be replaced with a tool rather than binned along with the bladder.

Who it is not for. If the goal is height records, Flysurfer send you straight to the ERA: the STOKE is playful and wave-oriented, the ERA is built for big air. For schools and first steps the brand makes the INDIE.

Picking a size. Eight sizes from 4m to 12m. Aspect ratio rises gently from 3.7 on the 4 to 4.55 on the 12. Weights run 1.62 kg to 3.38 kg. Lines are 20-23 m on the small sizes and 23 m from the 8 up. FUSION bar: 47 cm on the 4 and 5, 52 cm from the 6.

In Mui Ne the STOKE is one of the most versatile choices going: a light morning and a powered-up afternoon are covered by one or two sizes. Tell us your weight and level and we will narrow it down. Official Flysurfer dealer, worldwide shipping.