Kitesurfing vs wakeboarding – what are the differences? An alternative to kitesurfing that has many similar elements is wakeboarding. The main difference is the power source. In kitesurfing, it is the wind that gives power to the kite, while in wakeboarding it is a cable or a motorboat. Another and probably the key difference is the conditions we need to practice both disciplines. In order for the kite to go up and then be able to pull us across the water, we need at least 12 knots. And this is a big advantage of wakeboarding – we don’t need any wind to practice it, so it’s a great alternative for windless days and an opportunity to spend time actively and try new tricks, which should be easier to do later on kitesurfing.