Photo above: A person controlling a small, two-line kite, commonly referred to as a "pilot kite" or trainer foil.
The 2-Line "Pilot" Kite (Foil Trainer)
In 90% of cases, in the general community, when we speak of a "trainer kite" (or "Pilotazhka" in some regions), we are referring to a 2-line kite with no inflatable parts. Technically, this is a parafamil foil kite (or simply a foil), usually very small in size—ranging from 1 to 3 m².
Because this type of kite has only two lines, all the pulling power (traction) is transferred directly to your hands as you hold the control bar. In other words, the kite pulls you by your arms. This is the key difference from a standard 4-line kitesurfing kite. A 4-line kite pulls you not by your hands, but by the harness (a belt worn around your waist or hips). The two power lines are connected to the harness, while your hands only use the bar to steer the kite via the two steering lines.
The main advantage of small foil kites is their size. Being small, they do not generate excessive power. Once launched, you can learn basic steering, fly the kite left and right, perform "figure 8s," do small kiteloops, or simply have fun enjoying the flight dynamics. However, it is crucial that someone explains the correct technique to you beforehand.
The main disadvantage is the inability to manage power efficiently. If you try to ride a board on water or a mountainboard on land, all the kite's power will go through your arms, making it exhausting. Once you pick up speed, you won't have the ability to quickly "depower" (kill the traction) to slow down or stop. Historically, when kites were first invented, they were indeed 2-line designs, but the sport has evolved significantly since then.
How to Control a Trainer Kite
Remember: when controlling the kite, your arms must always be relaxed, elbows pointing down, and the bar held parallel to the ground. Your body should always face the kite, no matter where it flies in the wind window. If the kite moves left, turn your body left; if it moves right, turn right. The Kite — The Bar — Your Chest should always form a straight line. This can be tricky to grasp initially, so it is best to have someone demonstrate it. Usually, 10 minutes of practice is enough to get the hang of it.
Safety Measures
It is vital to choose an open space free of obstacles and bystanders to avoid damaging your kite when it crashes (and it will crash, as mistakes are a normal part of learning). Also, ensure there are no obstacles blocking the wind, which would create turbulence and prevent the kite from flying properly. Ensure no people are standing in the flight zone. You might accidentally steer the kite sharply into the ground and hit someone, which can be dangerous and painful.
The golden rule of safety for anyone flying a 2-line foil is simple: if something goes wrong, if you feel the kite pulling too hard, or if you are afraid of falling—let go of the bar completely. Just release it from your hands and let the kite fly away.
Trainer kites are sold both with and without safety leashes. A leash is a cord connecting your wrist to one of the kite lines. If you let go of the bar, the kite won't fly away; it will lose power and fall to the ground while remaining attached to your wrist. If you don't use a leash, the wind will blow the kite away until it crashes (hopefully not into trees or buildings).
Video: Launching and Piloting a Trainer Kite
This video is available on our YouTube channel.
Do We Use Small Foils in Our Training?
We try to avoid using this type of kite during our regular courses. The reason is that students practicing on a 2-line foil get used to the sensation of the pull coming entirely through their arms. When they transition to a real 4-line kitesurfing kite, they instinctively pull the control bar excessively towards themselves, choking the kite, generating too much power, and making numerous mistakes.
We only give a pilot kite to students in two specific scenarios. First, if we see a student struggling to understand the wind window or steering logic; in this case, 15 minutes on the beach with a small foil is safer and more effective before entering the water. Second, if there is very little wind. Foil kites are light and fly in lighter breezes than inflatable kites, allowing students to practice basic steering instead of just sitting on the beach waiting for wind. However, these exercises must be kept short—this is important!
Once you have learned to kitesurf, feel free to buy a small foil to play with, or to let friends and family try it. By then, you will know how to fly a real kite, so playing with a "pilot kite" won't ruin your muscle memory.
In the world's largest kiteboarding organization, IKO, these terms have a slightly different meaning. They can be the same thing, but often they are not.
The "Training Kite" According to IKO Standards
As a Trainer for the international kiteboarding organization IKO, I conduct courses not only for beginners but also instructor level courses worldwide. In IKO terminology, there is a specific definition for a "Trainer Kite" (or School Kite).
A Training Kite (or School Kite) is any kite used for teaching kitesurfing that DOES NOT generate enough power to cause the student to lose balance, fall, or sustain even minor injuries. This is a core concept we teach future instructors. According to the international definition, ANY kite you fly that cannot unbalance you or drag you (on land or water) is considered a training kite.
It does not matter how many lines it has (2, 4, or 5), how long the lines are (5 or 30 meters), or what size it is (3 or 21 m²). The only thing that matters is that in the given wind conditions, it does not pull too hard and maintains the student's equilibrium.
What is the practical difference between a training kite and a standard kite? Simple. Let's say the wind is blowing at 6 meters per second (approx. 12 knots). You have a student weighing 95 kg. To teach them, you choose a 9 m² kite equipped with short lines (e.g., 5 meters). With this equipment setup, wind, and body weight, the kite will not drag the student or pull them into the water. However, it allows them to perform all necessary drills: piloting, self-rescue procedures, body dragging, etc. In this specific situation, we call this kite a Training Kite.
But if the wind picks up to 12 meters per second (approx. 24 knots), that same 9 m² kite can generate massive power and jerk the student violently. Now, we can no longer call it a "training kite," and we must return to the beach to change equipment.
Small pilot kites (foil kites up to 3m²) typically do not pull hard and, in 95% of cases, won't make a student lose balance. BUT! There remains that 5% chance. If the wind is very strong (15 m/s or 30+ knots), even a small pilot kite is no longer safe and cannot be considered a "training kite." Safety comes first!
Should You Buy a "Pilot" Trainer Kite?
This is a frequent question. A high-quality trainer kite from a reputable brand (like Core) costs around 100-170 Euros (and will last much longer than no-name brands). If you are considering buying one to help you learn kitesurfing on your own—then no, this purchase will not significantly help your progression.
However, if you view it as entertainment—a way to stand in an open field with a steady breeze, enjoy flying, feel a bit of power, spin the kite, and let kids or friends try it—then yes, it is a fun and worthwhile toy.
I hope this clearly explains what we mean by pilot, school, or training kites. Feel free to write, call, or visit us on our Kite Safaris and at our Kite School in Egypt. I will be happy to answer all your questions.
