Hey guys

Need some advice for purchasing my first kite/s. I am not too worried about the brand for the moment. My question is - weighing 52kg - should I purchase one kite or two? And which sizes?

My instructor recommended a 6m and 9m quiver, or just an 8m if I want one. Budget isn't really an issue at the moment, however, I'm unsure what sort of winds the sizes would be suited to for a person my size, and whether I should even be thinking about going out in high winds with a 6m at the moment.

I will be kiting in and around Perth and Lancelin

Cheers.

Hi, 6 and 9 will be good for you at your weight and being a newbie. Though on the really windy days the 6 will too big. At 80k I have a 6,8,10 which works really well. Once you get confident in a year or so you'll probably be looking for a smaller kite as well. There's always good deals on last seasons kites so maybe budget for a rework of your kites in a year or so once you know better how you are going, how much your are kiting etc.

Have fun!

Lofty I really do not know why you would make such a comment to a new kiter looking for help and advice.

Dave Whettingsteel said..
Lofty I really do not know why you would make such a comment to a new kiter looking for help and advice.

I think I would have better chances at the lotto, than someone here taking me seriously.

My suggestion is to look out for comments from an experienced kiter that is you weight - anyone substantially heavier than you is speculating, even if mening well, there is a chance you will be not quite happy with the recommendation.

In general I would go with a kite that is good for your weight for winds of 18-20 knots first (someone with similar weight should tell you what is such size). Keep in mind that same size kite of different brands can have different power - so possibly get advice on both, size and specific kite model.

Learning at stronger than 20 knot winds sucks - you will be punished for small mistakes, can easily damage you gear, will be loosing a lot of ground during short attempts to get going - i.e. you will be mostly walking on the beach upwind with your board and kite ( which is not fun when he wind is strong). You might be put off or quit too easy if you choose to learn during strong winds.

I am 100 kg, 185 tall - obviously lack credentials to advise you (let people know how tall you are as well when asking for gear recommendations)

Also, Lancelin has stronger than Perth winds - you need to chose where you will be learning if you want to buy only one kite to start with.

hope this helps a little.

I once found this table - it has qualifications, 'moderately powered riding, modern bow type kite' but according to this table 7m or 8m might fit the bill.

snalberski said..
At my local there is a girl your weight who is an experienced rider who seems to use an 8m as her main kite. I have an 8m which I bought to replace a 7 m kite. Although a different brand/model the 8m flies much nicer.... The 7m was way to nervous. I love the 8m and although I'm a lot heavier than you I would guess a 8m kite as your main would be a good choice for WA. Be aware that as a kite size increases it flies slower and conversly as it gets smaller it flies faster. Of course different kites of the same size will vary in flight characteristics but as a general rule smaller will equal more twitchy. A kite that is too twitchy/nervous could make your early learning period more difficult.

Thanks guys, much appreciated.

I ended up getting a 2014 7m North Dice - Swavek I will definitely take your advice to avoid strong winds.

Also for anyone of similar weight who may be reading, I was told by Toddy at AKS that a 5m would probably suit me well in strong winds.

snalberski - out of curiosity, which brands are these kites?