Safety - I did what Puetz did - and it does put a dampner on (helmet, impact vest sunnies, and a lot of the basics & what if's)- I insisted on swimming competency and some squad training - + what they pick-up at nippers (Surf Life Saving - kids program) is invaluable.

Unless they have long arms, anything which helps their reach is important.
I found (still do) that having enough bar movement is critical.
Small(er) harness hook, shortened chicken loop, and when it is not too gusty trimming to get the best range.
I went with below the bar depower - but the trade off is it is harder to use compared too a toggle above the bar - but in learning mode they are not using it independently till they are confident on the board.
The seat harness I picked up is not ideal (an opportunistic buy but not really comfortable) but a good one will also extend their reach.

The 6m we started with has a couple of pulleys each side and a moderately complex bridle (SLE) - a few beginners later it is out of balance and although the kite looks good - it has lost its handling. The moral especially on a small kite - choose one with a simple bridal setup - so it relies on the kite design more than the bridal to fly through its stated wind range. - An Ozone is next on my list.

And on the fun / keep the interest up side, 1 of my kids who kites really well now (leaves me in 4 dead), kite tows the other each on their own board.
Cheers
AP

Have a Look at the New Cab 2.5m Relaunch. It's infallible.
Worth a try.

We are getting her the switchblade.
Although it is one year older, it is new.
Plus the bar setup is, IMO, better suited to her shorter arm reach, and gives me more options to adjust the amount of through so she can depower and still reach the bar.

leave your gear at home!!!put all the time into the kids (sometimes) and the reward will come when they are out there with you, a situation similar to yours i see with our local group, dads out for 2/3 hours then comes in and spends 30 min with the kids. i dont kite but have supported my 13 yo son over several years from buggy to boarding in his sport, a time may come when the situation is reversed and i'm pressured to give it a go..

Slashrockson said...

As a matter of interest, whats a good age to get them into it? Got a 9 & 12yo I think they are old enough but having trouble getting them interested. I think too much time waiting for dad to come in when younger might have been the problem, now they don't want to come to the beach if I mention kiting cause its boring!!! Appreciate ideas from other dads.