This question may have come up before, I've had a quick look but could not find an answer and so I apologise if it is repeated.

I have started to get in to windsurfing but all the effort of carting all the gear (I have bought some beginner stuff e.g. plastic board, old one piece mast) is a real hassle.

I was talking to a kite surfer in Lano today and he said all I need is a surf board with foot straps on and a kite. I see kites start at about $150 second hand. I have an old surfboard that just gets used for scurfing that I have intended on putting foot straps on and was told that it is good enough.

My question is..... Is this correct.... all I need is a kite (I have a harness that came with my windsurfer) and if so, what size kite should I get. I weigh about 90kg.

Also, what type of kite should I get? I found with windsurfing, after I bought the gear (cheap) that it was fairly old technology, e.g. what is this whole 5 string etc.

Thanks in advance for any help. By the way, I am up in Lano regularly, so if anybody is able to give me any tips up there I would love to have a chat.

Andy

chuck your windsurf harness for a start . it wasn't made for the upwards pull that a kite does- unless of course you want to be a tenor for the local choir
kites- mmm bow,sle,C, hybrid or foil , good luck in your choice. just hang around and have a look, talk to the boys , someone will have second hand gear to flog you for sure

Cheers for the info, What type of harness do I need? The one I have seems to sit low and has unclippable straps that go around my legs. I assume that this is wrong then????

STOP.
Now think.
And now some more.
What type of crazy person would strap themselves into a power kite with NO idea how to fly it, how to use the safety systems, how to set it up and go into the open ocean with it. (if they get father than the being crumpled in the sand dunes.)
If kites start around 1500 new, what does a 150 second hand one suggest?Top of the range, latest model, highest safety equipment.Or. Outdated, not as safe,possibly damaged equipment.

I think windsurfing harness will be fine initially. My dad used his for 7years of kiting no worries. (recently upgraded to kite harness after my constant hasseling and LOVES it)
People die kitesurfing, two deaths i heard of lsat year alone. People get badly injured ALL the time.
Get some lessons, and your instructor will tell you EVERYTHING you need to know and more. Plenty of instructors floating around here. Get in touch with them, and get lessons.
Our sport is and has always been at risk of being banned due to danger and accidents caused by various people. Lessons will minimise accident chance.
Also, surfboard will be fine, dont worry about straps.
So to answer you question, all you need is a kite (some string helps also)

Cheers Dawn patrol. I agree, think lessons are a good idea, have just been surfing the net and learning what happens when you f#*% up.

150 bucks!

That is not a kite anyone wants to be flying, esp not a beginner.
You might get away with your skurf board, but spend some money on a kite that's no older than '06. It'll be much, much safer.

If only they were $150!