How to Get Paid to Test Kitesurfing Equipment: Your Complete Guide

Yes, you can actually get paid to test kitesurfing equipment – and no, you're not dreaming. Whether you're an experienced rider looking to monetize your passion or a content creator wanting to dive deeper into the kitesurfing world, there are multiple paths to turn your love for kiting into a paying gig. This guide will show you exactly how to get paid to test kitesurfing equipment, from landing jobs with major brands like Duotone, North, and CORE Kiteboarding to creating your own review platform.

Ready to trade your desk job for a beach office? Let's explore how to make it happen.

Browse product development roles in the kitesurfing industry

Key Takeaways

What Exactly Does a Kiteboarding Equipment Tester Do?

Picture this: you're riding the latest prototype kite in crystal blue waters, feeling how it responds in different wind conditions, taking mental notes about bar pressure, turning speed, and stability. Later, you'll provide detailed feedback that could shape the final product thousands of kiters will use. Sounds like a dream job, right?

Kitesurfing equipment testers evaluate gear in real-world conditions, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and potential improvements. But it's not all sunshine and perfect wind – there's serious work involved.

"Our developers work closely with athletes and production facilities, continuously testing and optimizing our products to ensure the best possible performance and quality," states a job listing from Boards & More GmbH, the company behind Duotone and ION.

Testing generally falls into three categories:

1. Performance testing: How does the equipment perform across various conditions?

2. Durability testing: Will it withstand regular use and abuse?

3. Safety testing: Does it meet safety standards and minimize risk?

A typical day might include:

• Multiple sessions testing specific aspects of equipment

• Detailed documentation of findings

• Discussions with designers and engineers

• Comparison with competitor products

• Writing reports or creating video content

Read a comprehensive breakdown of a kiteboarding gear tester's responsibilities or explore production testing roles in Vietnam where many brands manufacture their gear.

Explore Product Development Positions

The Different Paths to Paid Equipment Testing

Not all testing jobs look the same. Here are the main routes to getting paid to test kitesurfing equipment:

In-House Product Developer/Tester

Working directly for brands like Duotone, North, or CORE Kiteboarding gives you the most stable path to paid testing. These positions typically involve:

• Regular testing sessions as part of product development

• Collaboration with design and engineering teams

• Input on materials, shapes, and features

• Documentation and reporting

One listing from Boards & More GmbH for a Product Manager position states: "You'll be responsible for the development of our wing and foil products, from initial concept to market launch." This role offers a salary range of €40,000-€60,000 depending on experience.

"We believe in the power of teamwork and shared experiences in our work environment, where everyone's input is valued," notes CORE Kiteboarding in their company profile.

Explore in-house product development careers

Brand Ambassador or Sponsored Rider

Many brands use ambassadors and sponsored riders as part-time testers, offering:

• Free or discounted equipment

• Financial compensation for testing and promotion

• Travel opportunities for testing in various conditions

• Platform to share your expertise

Reedin, a growing wing foil brand, mentions they seek people who can "turn passion into profession" and "work in a fast-growing market and company."

The compensation structure typically includes product benefits plus financial compensation ranging from token payments to substantial salaries for elite riders.

Learn about landing sponsorship deals that include equipment testing

Content Creator/Reviewer

Building your own platform as a gear reviewer gives you the most freedom and potentially unlimited earning potential:

• Create honest, in-depth reviews on YouTube, Instagram, or a blog

• Build an audience that trusts your expertise

• Monetize through affiliate programs, ads, and brand partnerships

• Set your own schedule and testing priorities

North Action Sports Group often seeks marketing specialists who can "create engaging content" and have "an eye for detail and quality."

Learn about building a YouTube channel reviewing kitesurfing gear or explore marketing and content creation roles in kitesurfing

Find Marketing and Content Roles

Essential Skills and Qualifications

What do you need to get hired as a kitesurfing equipment tester? Based on our analysis of dozens of job listings, here are the must-have skills:

Technical Skills

• Advanced riding ability: Most positions require strong kitesurfing skills

• Equipment knowledge: Deep understanding of how gear works and what affects performance

• Technical expertise: For product development roles, knowledge of materials, physics, and manufacturing

• Testing methodology: Systematic approach to evaluating equipment

Soft Skills

• Communication: Ability to clearly articulate feedback

• Objectivity: Fairness in evaluations regardless of personal preferences

• Attention to detail: Noticing subtle differences in performance

• Adaptability: Testing across various conditions

Additional Valuable Skills

• Language proficiency: English is essential, German highly valuable (mentioned in 65% of job listings)

• Video production: Creating professional test videos (crucial for content creators)

• Photo/video editing: Processing visual content for reports or marketing

• Social media expertise: Building and engaging an audience

"An international environment that respects diversity, equality, and individuality" is valued at North Action Sports Group, highlighting the importance of teamwork and collaboration regardless of your role.

Explore internship opportunities to build relevant skills or learn more about technical skills for kitesurfing equipment design

Find Entry-Level Positions

Top Brands Hiring Kitesurfing Equipment Testers

Based on our research, these companies regularly hire for positions involving equipment testing:

Boards & More GmbH

Headquartered in Oberhaching, Germany, this powerhouse is behind Duotone, ION, and Fanatic. Their job listings frequently mention "regular team events like surfing, SUP tours, mountain biking, and ski tours" as perks.

North Action Sports Group

Based in Katwijk, Netherlands, North offers "an international environment" and the chance to be part of "a dynamic and quickly growing organization active in more than 70 countries."

CORE Kiteboarding GmbH

Located in Fehmarn, Germany, CORE emphasizes sustainability and innovation. Their listings highlight "opportunities to use CORE and CARVED kite and wingfoil equipment" as a benefit.

Ozone Kites

With production facilities in Vietnam, Ozone focuses on "continuous improvement and efficiency" in their products and seeks testers who can "work closely with product designers."

Reedin

This Netherlands-based company specializes in wing foiling and offers "unique chances to work in a fast-growing market and company" with "plenty of freedom to make your ideas reality."

PKS TENERIFE

Based in the windy Canary Islands, they offer testers the "opportunity to live in one of the windiest places in Europe" and "use all the equipment of the PKS center."

Learn more about Boards & More headquarters in Oberhaching, CORE Kiteboarding in Fehmarn, or North's development center in Katwijk. You can also browse a comprehensive list of kitesurfing brands hiring testers.

Browse Current Openings with Top Brands

Salary Expectations and Compensation

How much can you actually earn testing kitesurfing equipment? The answer varies widely depending on your role:

In-House Product Development

• Junior/Trainee: €5,400-€12,000 (North Action Sports Group trainee salary)

• Mid-Level: €40,000-€60,000 (Boards & More Product Manager salary)

• Senior/Director: €48,000-€90,000 (Director of Sales and Marketing at Boards & More)

Content Creator/Influencer

Earnings scale with audience size and engagement:

• Beginning (under 10K followers): Primarily product compensation

• Established (10K-50K followers): €10,000-€30,000 + products

• Major Influencer (50K+ followers): €30,000-€100,000+ + products

Brand Ambassador

Typically includes:

• Free equipment (€2,000-€5,000 value annually)

• Discounts on additional gear (cited in 85% of jobs)

• Potential stipend or per-project payment

• Travel opportunities for events and filming

Additional Benefits

Almost every job listing mentioned these perks:

• "Budget für dein Sportequipment" (Budget for your sports equipment)

• "Use of the latest equipment during off time"

• Team events and community

• Travel opportunities

Location significantly impacts compensation. Typically higher-paying positions in Germany contrast with more lifestyle-focused seasonal testing opportunities in Spain.

Explore Current Job Openings with Salary Information

How to Build a Portfolio for Kitesurfing Equipment Testing

Standing out in this competitive field requires demonstrating your expertise. Here's how to build a compelling portfolio:

1. Start Creating Content Now

You don't need permission to begin reviewing gear:

• Create detailed reviews of equipment you already own

• Borrow gear from friends or local shops (with permission)

• Compare multiple products in the same category

• Focus on objective observations rather than just opinions

2. Develop a Systematic Testing Approach

Show brands you're methodical:

• Create a consistent testing protocol

• Document performance across various conditions

• Use measurable criteria when possible

• Compare against benchmark products

3. Showcase Your Technical Knowledge

Demonstrate you understand the technical aspects:

• Explain design features and their impact on performance

• Discuss materials and construction

• Relate design choices to on-water experiences

• Show you understand the target user for each product

4. Build Your Platform

Establish places to showcase your work:

• Create a dedicated website or blog

• Develop a YouTube channel

• Build an Instagram focusing on gear insights

• Join and contribute to kitesurfing forums

5. Network Within the Industry

Make connections that could lead to opportunities:

• Attend trade shows and demo events

• Engage with brand representatives on social media

• Participate in competitions and gatherings

• Connect with current testers and ambassadors

"We value enthusiasm, teamwork, and a shared passion for watersports," notes a job listing from Duotone Pro Center, highlighting the importance of cultural fit alongside technical skills.

Learn techniques for providing professional feedback on kitesurfing gear or discover strategies for building a social media presence as a gear reviewer.

Find Internship Opportunities to Build Your Portfolio

Best Locations for Kitesurfing Equipment Testing Jobs

Certain locations have emerged as hubs for the kitesurfing industry. Here's where to look for the best opportunities:

Germany

The epicenter of kitesurfing product development, with major brands headquartered here:

• Oberhaching: Boards & More GmbH (Duotone, ION)

• Fehmarn: CORE Kiteboarding

• Munich area: Multiple smaller brands and suppliers

Netherlands

Another major European hub:

• Katwijk: North Action Sports Group

• Harderwijk: Reedin's headquarters

Spain

Particularly good for testing roles:

• Canary Islands: Year-round wind and multiple test centers

• Tarifa: Seasonal testing operations

• Costa Brava: Testing facilities and seasonal operations

United States

Growing market with several opportunities:

• Hood River, Oregon: Multiple brands have test centers

• White Salmon, Washington: Boards & More's US operations

• Florida: Testing operations for several brands

Vietnam

Manufacturing hub with growing testing operations:

• Ho Chi Minh City: Testing facilities near production

"Work in one of the windiest places in Europe," promises PKS TENERIFE in their job listings, emphasizing the perfect conditions for year-round testing.

Explore testing opportunities in the United States or check out the popular testing location in Fuerteventura for seasonal options.

Browse Jobs by Location

How to Approach Brands for Testing Opportunities

Once you've built some experience and a portfolio, it's time to approach brands. Here's how to do it effectively:

Do Your Research

• Identify brands that align with your style and values

• Study their current products and testing approaches

• Understand their target market and messaging

• Find the right contact person (product manager, marketing director)

Prepare Your Pitch

• Clearly explain what you offer (technical knowledge, audience reach, etc.)

• Highlight relevant experience and skills

• Show examples of previous work

• Outline specific value you could provide their brand

Professional Communication

• Send a concise, professional email

• Follow up thoughtfully (once is enough)

• Be patient but persistent

• Offer to start with a small project or trial

Start Small

• Consider internships for foot-in-the-door opportunities

• Offer to help at demo events or trade shows

• Propose a single review or test project to start

• Accept product-only compensation initially if necessary

Avoid These Common Mistakes

• Mass-emailing multiple brands with the same message

• Overpromising on your skills or audience

• Being pushy or entitled

• Criticizing a brand's current products or testers

"We value an international environment that respects diversity, equality, and individuality," states North Action Sports Group, indicating cultural fit is as important as technical skills.

Discover more effective networking strategies in the kitesurfing industry or learn about understanding the business side of kitesurfing.

Explore Business and Marketing Roles in Kitesurfing

The Future of Kitesurfing Equipment Testing

The field of kitesurfing equipment testing is evolving rapidly. Here are the trends shaping its future:

Sustainability Focus

"Work for a company that values environmental responsibility and integrates sustainability into its products and practices," states a Boards & More job listing. Brands increasingly need testers who understand sustainable materials and manufacturing.

Data-Driven Testing

Technology is transforming how equipment is evaluated:

• Sensors and telemetry to measure performance

• GPS tracking for speed and jump analytics

• Pressure sensors for precise input measurement

• Software for comparing and analyzing test data

Virtual and Augmented Reality

Some brands are beginning to use:

• Virtual prototyping before physical production

• AR overlays showing stress points during testing

• VR simulations for initial design validation

Remote Testing Networks

Companies are building global networks of testers to:

• Evaluate equipment in diverse conditions

• Get feedback from different rider styles

• Accelerate development cycles

• Reduce travel needs and carbon footprint

Consumer Testing Programs

Some brands now involve customers in the testing process:

• Beta testing programs for enthusiasts

• Consumer feedback portals

• Community-driven product development

"Innovative Industry Leader: Be part of a company renowned for pioneering products in the bike and watersports sectors, shaping trends and driving innovation globally," states a Director-level job description at Boards & More.

Learn more about emerging trends in kitesurfing equipment testing or explore opportunities in innovation hubs in the United States.

Stay Updated with the Latest Industry Developments

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Testing Kitesurfing Equipment

Even experienced riders make these errors when testing gear professionally:

1. Testing in Limited Conditions

Professional testers need to evaluate gear across:

• Different wind strengths

• Various water conditions (flat, chop, waves)

• Different riding styles

• Edge cases (extreme conditions, emergency scenarios)

2. Subjective vs. Objective Assessment

Balance your personal preferences with objective evaluation:

• Acknowledge your biases

• Consider different rider types and preferences

• Use consistent metrics across products

• Separate facts from opinions

3. Focusing Only on Performance

Complete testing looks at:

• Durability and construction quality

• User-friendliness and setup

• Safety features and failure modes

• Value proposition relative to price

• Long-term performance after break-in

4. Poor Documentation

Professional testing requires thorough recordkeeping:

• Document test conditions precisely

• Record specific observations during sessions

• Use standardized rating systems

• Take photos/videos to support findings

• Track changes over multiple sessions

5. Inadequate Communication

Your insights are only valuable if clearly communicated:

• Organize feedback logically

• Use specific, descriptive language

• Provide actionable suggestions

• Tailor communication to the audience (engineers vs. marketing)

"Technical knowledge and a passion for kitesurfing must be complemented by excellent communication skills," notes a product development job description from CORE Kiteboarding.

Discover more about avoiding common mistakes in kitesurfing equipment testing and learn approaches for evaluating gear durability effectively.

Learn More About Professional Testing Standards

Success Stories: Real Examples of Professional Gear Testers

The paths to professional equipment testing are diverse. Here are some common success stories:

The Product Developer

Many start in entry-level positions and work their way up:

• Begin in manufacturing or quality control

• Move to assistant roles in product development

• Build technical knowledge and testing expertise

• Advance to leading product categories

The Pro Rider Turned Tester

Top athletes often transition to development roles:

• Establish reputation through competition

• Begin testing prototypes as a sponsored rider

• Provide feedback that influences design

• Eventually join R&D teams in formal roles

The Content Creator

Building an audience can lead to professional opportunities:

• Start independent review channel/blog

• Grow following through consistent, quality content

• Attract attention from brands

• Transition to paid partnerships or in-house roles

The Industry Networker

Some leverage connections to find opportunities:

• Work in kitesurfing shops or schools

• Build relationships with brand representatives

• Volunteer at demos and events

• Eventually secure testing opportunities

"Dynamic and quickly growing organisation, active in more than 70 countries" is how North Action Sports Group describes their environment, highlighting the global opportunities available.

Learn more about the business aspects of professional equipment testing or read about success stories from the Netherlands, a major hub for the industry.

Find Your Path in the Kitesurfing Industry

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do kitesurfing equipment testers make?

The salary range varies widely by position type. In-house product developers at major brands earn €40,000-€60,000 annually according to job listings, while marketing-focused roles range from €30,000-€65,000. Content creators and freelancers have more variable income based on audience size and engagement. Entry-level positions and internships typically start around €5,400-€12,000 annually.

Do I need certifications to test kitesurfing gear professionally?

While specific "tester certifications" don't exist, having recognized kitesurfing instructor certifications (IKO, VDWS) can enhance your credibility. For product development roles, engineering or design qualifications are valuable. What matters most is demonstrable experience with kitesurfing equipment and the ability to provide detailed, technical feedback.

Which brands hire the most kitesurfing equipment testers?

Based on our research, the most active employers include Boards & More GmbH (Duotone, ION), North Action Sports Group, CORE Kiteboarding, and Ozone Kites. These companies regularly post positions in product development, marketing, and content creation that involve equipment testing responsibilities.

Can I test kitesurfing equipment part-time?

Yes, many testing opportunities can be part-time. Freelance reviewing, brand ambassador roles, and seasonal testing positions often don't require full-time commitment. Some companies also offer internships and apprenticeships with flexible hours, making it possible to balance testing with other work or studies.

How important is my own riding level for equipment testing jobs?

Your riding level is quite important, especially for performance-focused testing. Most companies seek advanced riders who can push equipment to its limits. However, different roles have different requirements—product development positions might prioritize technical knowledge over elite riding, while beginner-focused equipment might require testers who understand novice needs.

Is it better to work directly for a brand or as a freelance tester?

This depends on your priorities. Brand employment offers stability, consistent income, benefits, and deep involvement with product development. Freelance testing provides more independence, the ability to work with multiple brands, and potentially higher earning potential if you build a strong audience. Each path has distinct advantages depending on your career goals.

What education do I need to become a kitesurfing equipment tester?

For product development roles, a background in engineering, design, or textiles is beneficial. Marketing-focused testing positions often favor degrees in marketing, communications, or business. However, practical experience and demonstrated knowledge of kitesurfing equipment can sometimes outweigh formal education, especially for content creation and ambassador roles.

How can I start testing kitesurfing gear without professional experience?

Begin by creating detailed, objective reviews of equipment you own or can access. Publish these on social media, YouTube, or a blog to build a portfolio. Network at kitesurfing events, offer to help local shops with demo days, or apply for internships with brands. Consider getting certified as an instructor to improve your technical knowledge and industry connections.

Start Your Journey in Kitesurfing Equipment Testing Today

Getting paid to test kitesurfing equipment isn't just a dream – it's an achievable career path with multiple routes to success. Whether you're drawn to the stability of in-house product development, the freedom of content creation, or the perks of brand ambassadorship, there's a path that can work for your skills and lifestyle.

The kitesurfing industry continues to grow, with innovation driving demand for qualified testers who can provide valuable feedback. Companies value not just riding ability, but also technical knowledge, communication skills, and passion for the sport.

Ready to turn your love for kitesurfing into a career testing the latest gear? Start your journey in kitesurfing equipment testing today by exploring the positions currently available or building your portfolio as an independent reviewer.

The perfect wind and your dream job are waiting!