OUR MISSION
We’re here to provide our clients with the very best watersports products in the industry with crazy, over-the-top service no matter what it takes. That’s why we exist. Period.
Our story
It really all started by accident way back in 2005 during the emergence of the various extreme watersports. Since there were no local dealers in the area to satisfy this craze, we started our own one-man, open-air shop to serve the local clientele. Since these humble beginnings, to now being the largest extreme watersports dealer in the SE US, we’ve never forgotten our core purpose… unsurpassed customer service.
Our team’s 70+ years’ of watersports experience is ready to help provide you with all your watersports needs. Whether you’re brand new to the industry or a seasoned veteran, we’ll do whatever we can to help you get out on the water. Give us a call or stop on by one of our retail locations… we’re always excited to talk shop (water shop that is).
Blog posts
Why You Need a Kiteboarding Bag
Whether you’re heading to your local beach or catching a flight to a kite destination halfway around the world, one piece of gear stands out as absolutely essential: a kiteboarding bag. A kiteboarding bag does much more than hold your equipment. It protects your investment, keeps your gear organized, and makes travel significantly easier. Without the right bag, even a simple session can turn into loose kites, tangled lines, and boards sliding around in your car or getting damaged during transport. Protection Against Damage Kiteboarding gear is built to perform on the water, not to be tossed unprotected into a trunk or checked through an airport. Boards, kites, bars, and fins are constantly exposed to bumps, salt, sand, and pressure during transport. A dedicated kiteboarding bag adds padding, structure, and abrasion resistance, helping protect your gear from everyday wear and from harder impacts during travel. A great example is the Mystic Saga Golfbag Boardbag (2025). This premium boardbag is designed for riders who travel with multiple boards or take longer trips. Its golf-style shape offers extra internal space and padding, making it ideal for protecting boards from sharp fins and rough handling during flights or long road trips. Better Organization for Gear Load-Outs A kiteboarding session involves more than just a kite and a board. Most riders travel with: Multiple kite sizes Control bars and lines Harnesses and pumps Wetsuits or impact vests Leashes, tools, and accessories A quality kiteboarding bag keeps everything organized and easy to access, so you are not digging through loose gear at the beach or forgetting critical items at home. The Core Kite Gearbag is a perfect example of a bag built with organization in mind. It is designed to carry kites, bars, lines, harnesses, and accessories together in one durable bag. This makes it especially useful for riders who want an all-in-one solution for road trips or airline travel. Travel Ease and Convenience Kiteboarding gear can be heavy and awkward to move, especially when traveling. The right bag makes transport far more manageable by adding features that reduce strain and simplify movement. Many high-quality kiteboarding bags include: Wheels for easy rolling through airports or parking lots Multiple carry handles for balanced lifting Compression straps to reduce bulk Backpack or shoulder straps for hands-free carrying For riders who prioritize convenience for local sessions and quick beach trips, the Ride Engine Forecast Kite Bag stands out. This compact, rider-friendly bag is built using Ride Engine’s RE-Gen materials and features backpack straps and compression straps, making it easy to carry without unnecessary bulk. Protection From Elements and Moisture Kiteboarding bags are also designed to protect gear from the elements. Durable, weather-resistant materials help shield equipment from sand, salt spray, and moisture during transport. Good bags allow damp gear to be packed temporarily without trapping moisture against sensitive materials. This helps prevent corrosion, mildew, and unnecessary wear, keeping your equipment in better condition between sessions. Choosing the Right Kiteboarding Bag The best kiteboarding bag depends on how and where you ride. When choosing a bag, consider: SizeMake sure the bag fits your board length and the amount of gear you typically carry. Some riders prefer compact bags for local use, while others need space for multiple boards and travel setups. Protection LevelLook for padding, reinforced panels, and durable materials that protect against impact and abrasion. Transport FeaturesWheels, straps, and handle placement matter, especially if you travel frequently or carry heavier loads. Explore all of our Kiteboarding Bags and Gear Bags here. Top Kiteboarding Bag Picks at Jupiter Watersports Here are three excellent kiteboarding bags available at Jupiter Watersports, each suited to a different riding and travel style: Mystic Saga Golfbag Boardbag (2025) A premium travel boardbag designed for riders who need space for multiple boards or longer trips. Its golf-style design offers added padding, internal volume, and strong protection for airline and road travel. Core Kite Gearbag A high-capacity gear bag ideal for transporting kites, bars, lines, harnesses, and accessories together. Perfect for riders who want a single, durable bag for full kite setups. Ride Engine Forecast Kite Bag A compact and versatile kite bag built for local sessions and quick trips. Featuring RE-Gen materials, backpack straps, and compression straps, it is lightweight, practical, and easy to carry. Final Thoughts A kiteboarding bag is one of those pieces of gear you may not fully appreciate until you own one. Once you do, it becomes essential. The right bag protects your equipment, keeps your setup organized, and makes getting to and from the water far easier. Whether you ride locally or travel often, investing in a quality kiteboarding bag helps ensure every session starts smoothly. Your gear deserves the same attention as your board and kite, and the right bag brings it all together.
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Kitesurfing vs Kiteboarding: What’s the Difference?
If you are new to wind-powered watersports, you will often hear the terms kitesurfing and kiteboarding used interchangeably. While many people group them together, experienced riders know there is a meaningful distinction, especially when it comes to the board being used and the style of riding. At Jupiter Watersports, we differentiate these two disciplines clearly. While both use the same kite systems, bars, lines, and harnesses, the board choice defines the discipline. Below, we break down the real difference between kiteboarding and kitesurfing so you understand what each one is, how they ride differently, and which style may be right for you. The Short Answer Kiteboarding typically refers to riding a twin-tip board, whileKitesurfing refers to riding a directional surf-style board. The kite itself is the same. The riding experience is not. What Is Kiteboarding? Kiteboarding is most commonly associated with twin-tip boards. These boards are symmetrical, meaning they can be ridden in either direction without turning the board around. Twin tips are always ridden with bindings or foot straps, which keep the board attached to the rider’s feet. This setup is ideal for: Big air jumps Freestyle tricks Riding flat water Riding both directions without switching stance Because of the bindings and symmetrical shape, kiteboarding allows riders to load up power, edge hard, and boost vertically. This is the style most people think of when they see high jumps and tricks in kite videos. What Is Kitesurfing? Kitesurfing, as we define it at Jupiter Watersports, refers to riding a directional surf-style board with a kite. These boards look very similar to traditional surfboards: One pointed nose Fins on the tail Designed to ride in one direction Unlike twin tips, kitesurf boards are not typically ridden with bindings. Most riders use wax or a textured deck pad for traction. Some riders add foot straps, especially for jumping or aggressive riding, but many prefer a strapless setup. Kitesurfing is primarily about: Riding waves Surf-style carving Down-the-line riding A more fluid, surf-inspired feel Same Kite, Different Boards One important thing to clarify is that kiteboarding and kitesurfing use the same kites. The difference is not the kite itself, but how the rider interacts with the water through the board. Both disciplines use: Inflatable leading-edge kites The same control bars and lines Harnesses and safety systems What changes is how the board behaves under your feet. Riding Feel: Twin Tip vs Directional Board Kiteboarding (Twin Tip Feel) Locked-in feel due to bindings Strong edge control Easy riding in both directions Ideal for jumps and tricks Kitesurfing (Directional Feel) Surf-style carving More freedom of movement Requires footwork and board control Excels in waves and swell Neither is better. They are simply different experiences. Which One Should You Choose? Choose kiteboarding if you want: Big air and freestyle riding A forgiving, symmetrical board Strong edging and jumping performance A setup that feels secure and predictable Choose kitesurfing if you want: Wave riding and carving A surf-style experience Strapless or minimal-strap riding A more fluid, surf-inspired feel Many experienced riders do both, switching boards depending on conditions. What About Kite Foiling? There is also a third discipline that continues to grow in popularity: kite foiling. Kite foiling uses a small directional board with a hydrofoil mounted underneath. This allows the rider to lift above the water and ride efficiently in lighter wind. Kite foiling has even been featured in the Olympics, highlighting how fast and technical the discipline has become. While kite foiling is different from both kiteboarding and kitesurfing, it still uses the same core kite systems. Final Thoughts While kitesurfing and kiteboarding share the same roots and equipment, the board defines the discipline. At Jupiter Watersports, we make that distinction clear: Kiteboarding is twin tip riding with bindings Kitesurfing is directional board riding inspired by surfing Understanding the difference helps you choose the right board, ride the right conditions, and progress faster in the style that fits you best. If you have questions about boards, setups, or which discipline makes sense for your riding goals, the team at Jupiter Watersports is always happy to help.
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The Core Foil Components Explained
If you are new to foiling, the gear can look overwhelming at first. Masts, fuselages, front wings, rear wings, and complete kits all get mentioned interchangeably, which often leads to confusion. The reality is simple. Every hydrofoil, regardless of discipline, is built from the same core components. Understanding how each part works will help you choose the right setup and progress faster on the water. In this guide, we break down the core foil components, explain what each one does, and show why many riders choose complete hydrofoil kits instead of mixing parts individually. What Makes Up a Hydrofoil System? A hydrofoil system is designed to lift the board above the water, reducing drag and creating a smooth, efficient ride. While brands may vary in design and materials, the structure remains consistent across wing foiling, kite foiling, and other foil disciplines. Every hydrofoil system is made up of four primary components: Foil mast Foil fuselage Front wing Rear wing (also called a stabilizer) Each part plays a specific role in stability, lift, speed, and control. Foil Mast The hydrofoil mast connects the board to the foil assembly below the water. It determines how high you ride above the surface and plays a major role in stability. Shorter masts are often preferred by beginners because they feel more forgiving and make it easier to recover from mistakes. Longer masts offer better performance in chop and swell, but they require more balance and control. Key things the mast affects: Ride height above the water Stability and control Ability to handle rough conditions Foil Fuselage The foil fuselage is the horizontal piece that connects the front wing and the rear wing. It acts as the backbone of the foil system and strongly influences how the foil feels while riding. Longer fuselages provide more stability and smoother control, making them ideal for learning. Shorter fuselages create a more responsive and maneuverable ride, which advanced riders often prefer. The fuselage directly impacts: Turning radius Pitch stability Overall balance of the foil Front Wing The front wing is the main source of lift. Its size, shape, and surface area determine how easily the foil rises out of the water and how it performs once flying. Larger front wings generate lift at lower speeds, making them perfect for beginners and lighter wind conditions. Smaller front wings are faster and more agile, but they require better technique and higher speeds. Front wing choice affects: Lift and takeoff speed Glide and efficiency Speed and maneuverability Rear Wing (Stabilizer) The rear wing, often called the stabilizer, balances the front wing and keeps the foil stable. While smaller than the front wing, it plays a critical role in how controlled and predictable the foil feels. A larger stabilizer adds stability and smoothness, which is helpful for learning. Smaller stabilizers allow for tighter turns and a more playful ride, but they demand precise control. The rear wing influences: Pitch control Stability at speed Overall riding feel Why Foil Components Are Often Sold as Kits For many riders, especially those getting started, choosing individual foil components can lead to compatibility issues or poorly matched setups. This is why complete hydrofoil kits are so popular. Hydrofoil kits include all the core foil components that are designed to work together. This removes the guesswork and ensures proper balance, performance, and safety. Benefits of choosing a complete kit include: Guaranteed compatibility between parts Proper balance for learning and progression Better overall value compared to buying parts separately You can explore properly matched setups in our Hydrofoil Kits collection. Choosing the Right Foil Setup for Your Riding Style While all hydrofoils share the same core components, the ideal setup depends on how and where you ride. Wing foilers often prioritize lift and stability for lighter wind conditions. Kite foilers may prefer faster, more compact setups that respond quickly. Starting with a balanced foil kit allows you to learn efficiently. As your skills improve, you can fine-tune individual components to match your riding style and conditions. Final Thoughts Understanding the core foil components helps you make smarter gear decisions and progress faster on the water. While each part has a specific role, the way they work together matters most. That is why many riders choose complete hydrofoil kits when building their first setup. If you have questions about foil components or need help selecting the right kit, the team at Jupiter Watersports is always happy to guide you toward the best option for your goals and riding conditions.
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