Short answer: your weight picks the length. North publishes a rider-weight range for every twintip size it builds, and for the Atmos family that is 136cm for 121–176 lb, 138cm for 143–198 lb, 141cm for 165–220 lb and 144cm for 187–265 lb. Where two sizes overlap, go longer if you are still learning or ride light wind, shorter if you are experienced or ride overpowered.
The chart: North's rider weight per board length
These are North's own numbers from the Atmos, Atmos Pro and Atmos Ultra 2026 spec tables — all three share the same size ladder. The pound column is the kilogram column converted, rounded:
| Length | Width | Rider weight (kg) | Rider weight (lb) | Fins |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 136cm | 40cm | 55–80 | 121–176 | 40mm |
| 138cm | 41cm | 65–90 | 143–198 | 40mm |
| 141cm | 42cm | 75–100 | 165–220 | 40mm |
| 144cm | 43cm | 85–120 | 187–265 | 40mm |
Two things fall out of that table. Every size overlaps its neighbours by about 15 kg, so most riders legitimately fit two lengths. And width tracks length — North adds a centimetre of width per size, which is where much of the extra early planing actually comes from.
Lighter and heavier riders get their own ladder
If you are outside the Atmos band, North builds for it. The Astra 2026 is the light-rider board: 127cm under 110 lb, 132cm for 88–132 lb, 135cm for 110–154 lb, 139cm for 132–198 lb. At the other end, the light-wind Trace 2025 comes in 145cm for riders under 176 lb and 155cm for 176–265 lb — a deliberately oversized board whose job is to get you planing in wind that would not move a 138.
The Focus Hybrid 2025 runs its own freestyle-leaning ladder: 133cm under 154 lb, 136cm for 121–176 lb, 139cm for 143–198 lb, 142cm for 165–243 lb.
How to pick when two sizes fit
- Still learning to ride upwind: take the longer one. More length and width means earlier planing, more upwind grip and a softer landing on every failed transition.
- Mostly light wind: longer, or go straight to the Trace. Board area buys you knots.
- Mostly overpowered, or you boost: shorter. A smaller board is easier to control at speed and takes less of a beating on landings.
- One board, mixed conditions: the size where your weight sits in the middle of the band, not at an edge.
Board size and kite size also trade against each other: a longer board pulls your practical low end down a knot or two, which is worth knowing before you buy a bigger kite. The kite side of that decision is in our kite sizing page, which carries every North wind-range table.
Honest limit: weight is the number North publishes, but it is not the only one that matters. Foot size pushes tall riders toward wider boards regardless of weight. Choppy water rewards a bit more length; flat water forgives less of it. And a rider's style — a smooth, early-planing style versus a hard-charging one — moves the answer a full size in either direction. The chart narrows you to two lengths honestly; it cannot pick the one that suits how you ride. Tell the gear advisor your weight, your spot and whether you are still learning, and it will commit to one.
What these cost, and what is in the box
As of this post: Atmos 2026 about $712, Atmos Pro 2026 about $1,012, Astra 2026 about $674, Focus Hybrid 2025 about $584, Trace 2025 about $597. The Prime 2026 — the entry freeride board, and the only North twintip that goes to 148cm and 152cm — runs about $619–$699. The full set is in twintip boards.
Every North twintip ships with the TT Accessory Kit and 40mm fins (the 148cm and larger Prime sizes get 50mm). Bindings and boots are always sold separately — the Flex TT Bindings are about $169 and the Flex Pro about $289. Every North twintip from 2023 on uses the FlipTech mounting system with centreline inserts and standard SS316 M6x16mm hardware, so pads move between boards without a hardware hunt.
FAQ
What size kiteboard for a beginner?
The longer of the two sizes your weight fits. A 165 lb rider fits both the 138cm (143–198 lb) and the 141cm (165–220 lb); learning, take the 141. Early planing and upwind grip are worth more in your first season than anything a shorter board gives you.
Does height matter, or just weight?
North publishes weight, not height, and weight is the number to size on. Height only enters through foot size — a tall rider with size 13 feet is better off on a wider board even if their weight says otherwise.
Do North twintips come with bindings?
No. Every North twintip includes the board, the TT Accessory Kit and 40mm fins. Bindings or boots are a separate purchase, and North recommends the Flex or Flex Pro bindings; the Focus is also boot-compatible.