I'm really keen to get into the sport but am on a low budget and I was just wondering how much it would cost to get the full kit, kite,board, harness etc.? Not after the latest and greatest just equipment that will be safe for a beginner. Any recommendations would be much appreciated also

Hi Jadl

this is probably the most FAQ from newbies. You can search this forum section to find countless threads with the same questions and answers

Long story short, most people, myself included, would recommend you focus your time, money and efforts on Lessons first. During your lessons you will get a chance to figure out if this is the right sport for you and if you're ready to dedicate more time, more effort and more money in getting some equipment and practicing on your own.

During lessons you will also get a chance to get some good advice on equipment directly from your instructor. There are plenty of good deals to be had on second hand equipment, however, you should really avoid buying used gear without expert advice and inspection.

good luck

Christian

full setup on the cheap, probably $1000 for everything

I got a 2013 9m and 12m with board, bar and lines for $950. pretty happy with condition of all of it. That was my main focus making sure it wasn't all overused.

The board has a bit much rocker for my level, so just bought a lw/ more forgiving board but will keep other to progress too as is a good board. May also look to get bigger kite as at 95kg im finding almost need 18plus knots to get going. bigger and flatter volume board may make diff so will assess that first.

expect I will replace lines before heading out in the ocean, mainly just because 3-5 years I think is Time!

Got to add though I find the second hand kite market very confusing. looking at 75 pages of unsold kites wondering whether people buy new kites with the idea that resale values will recoup minimal loss's.
I can understand reasonable resale on boards but kites like a set of sails stretch, deform and weaken in cloth and stitching. I cant see how it could be right to expect near 50% back on 3rd season and above kites and lines. I wouldn't get that much back on most 3 year old cars.
Do people really get over 1000 dollars for 2014-2013 kites (is Alan Jones buying them) Some I see at that without lines.

Sure when I/if I buy a new kite I would want good return but I cant see it happening if I look at amount of unsold kites in ant genre?

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Richoa said..
Got to add though I find the second hand kite market very confusing. looking at 75 pages of unsold kites wondering whether people buy new kites with the idea that resale values will recoup minimal loss's.
I can understand reasonable resale on boards but kites like a set of sails stretch, deform and weaken in cloth and stitching. I cant see how it could be right to expect near 50% back on 3rd season and above kites and lines. I wouldn't get that much back on most 3 year old cars.
Do people really get over 1000 dollars for 2014-2013 kites (is Alan Jones buying them) Some I see at that without lines.

Sure when I/if I buy a new kite I would want good return but I cant see it happening if I look at amount of unsold kites in ant genre?

no, no they dont

Jadl, I second the lessons first advice. I rushed in just to get a discount on my lessons and am regretting it. Got a board, kite and bar for $500 but instructor had to call the lesson off early because the safety on the bar wasn't up to scratch. Also the canopy is flogged. Get advice before buying second hand if you can. Not sure how you do that though if you don't have mates in the sport. Shops doubt want to know you if you don't have three grand to spend.

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CapnNemo said..
Jadl, I second the lessons first advice. I rushed in just to get a discount on my lessons and am regretting it. Got a board, kite and bar for $500 but instructor had to call the lesson off early because the safety on the bar wasn't up to scratch. Also the canopy is flogged. Get advice before buying second hand if you can. Not sure how you do that though if you don't have mates in the sport. Shops doubt want to know you if you don't have three grand to spend.

A very good example, thanks for sharing! I had plenty of students in the exact same situation, kites that were unsafe, unusable....just a waste of money really!

Some used kites have very little use - near new condition, flown less than 30 hrs.

You would not expect less than half price for a 3 year old car with 10,000 km ?

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Swavek said..
Some used kites have very little use - near new condition, flown less than 30 hrs.

You would not expect less than half price for a 3 year old car with 10,000 km ?

seems no one uses their kites then.

but pretty much the point you leave the drive way a lot of money is gone but your right to a degree based on a set speedo its 10000km.


But a kite taken out 3 times could of gone thru hell of a time or 30 hrs could equal 15 sessions at 30 plus knots

Posted before but I'll flog a video I made again...


The prices of used kites seem to generally be reasonable, as long as the seller can justify the level and your inspection concludes its accurate then its all good. Probably the reason for so many unsold kites is because they are not in a rush to sell at a lower price, and people often have a bunch of different types of kites they are acquiring or parting with at any one time. This is how they are also different from cars- you don't have 6 cars in your garage that you only drive once a week or less (though someone from WA is probably gonna say 'NSW speak for yourself I use my 10m twice a day everyday' )