1) Purchasing a special KiteSurf board Now several manufacturers offer special kitesurf boards, in France, Netherlands & the USA. Just ask your local retailer. Year 2000 boards are out now ! 2) Using a surfboard or small sailboard with footstraps The main difference with sailboards is strap position. They should be at least 30cm in front of normal sailboard strap position. Upwind ability will not be optimal but it works. 3) Making your own board. Length generally between 200 and 250cm accordingly to your weight and wind speed. Width : 40 to 55cm 2 or 3 fins at 30cm from the tail. The back footstrap is slightly in front of the fin. The rails need to be thin to allow good upwind ability. 4) Using wakeboards or waterskis This works too (we even sailed with 40cm length "shoes")! But be very cautious: plan how you will get back to the beach in a case of damage or lack of wind! Furthermore, wakeboards and waterskis are designed for flat water (and motor boat waves), not for surfing. Two or three footstraps ? Actually most boards have 3 straps but the best kitesurfers can sail front side and back side. This allows them to make radical gybes during slalom races or while surf-riding.