Ozone Element Kiteboard

If you are asking which board to buy as your first kiteboard, Ozone designed the Element to be the answer. It is aimed at riders taking their first steps in the sport and pushing through the early stages of riding independently, and every design choice targets the usual frustrations of learning.

Getting upwind. A moderate-to-low rocker line gets the board planing early and makes it track upwind easily. In practice that means less walking back up the beach and more time riding.

Comfort. The core is a medium-soft A-grade Paulownia wood that absorbs chop and vibration, keeping the ride stable and saving your knees on long sessions. A double concave bottom adds stability and grip when the water gets messy. The tip shape and outline have been refined to cut down the spray that hits your face — a small thing until you have spent an hour squinting through it while trying to watch your kite.

The lay-up is biaxial and UD fibreglass over the Paulownia core with bio-based epoxy (35% plant-derived) and a flexible polymer resin rail that resists impacts and wear. The inserts are 316 stainless steel in high-strength polymer blocks. You get Ozone's multi-density shock-absorbing footpads, a textured grab handle and injection-moulded glass-filled nylon fins in two sizes: 45mm for maximum edge grip, a smaller option for a looser feel. Single- or double-adjustment Ultralon straps are optional.

Who it is not for. Ozone pitches the Element at beginners and early intermediates. Once you are boosting hard and riding powered in strong wind, a stiffer, more responsive board such as the Code V5 or Torque V4 will give you more pop and control.

Next steps. The Element is meant to grow with you — from first water starts to linking turns, transitions and first jumps. Pick the size by your weight and local wind; message us and we will help, just as we do for students at our school in Mui Ne.