Hey guys n gals,

As a newbie, how much should one look at spending on a full set of gear to start off with? Is it best to go into a shop and just grab second hand gear to learn on?I'm in Newy, weigh about 72kg with mainly a sailing background. Any recommendations of different products or where to get gear would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Hi Drew, and Welcome to Kiting,
To answer your questions:

1)For your First Kit - Go 2nd hand, you will probably crash your kite a fair bit when learning

2a) Probably pick up a good 2008 kite for $800 -
2b) New 2009 Kites $1800-$2200
2c) Second Hand 2009 Kite $1300

3) Board from $350 - $1000

4) Best 1st Kite size for your size would be a 10m. - For a wind range about 18knots- 30knots

5)Board approx 134cm Twin tip

6) Kite Styles (Use Search function to check the benefits of each style, as a lot has been written before)
a)Foil

b) Leading Edge Inflatable
i) C Kite
ii) Bow Kite
iii) SLE (Supported Leading Edge Inflatable)
iv) Hybrid
v) Delta Kite

I hope this helps

Thanks a lot kyteryder, certainly give's me a starting point. Can't wait to get on the water, even if it is winter

Cheers

I would agree with kiteryder- def go 2nd hand at first as you WILL crash a lot at first. Most of the 08 gear's pretty good from teh main manufacturers.


You need a 4line kite- 5lines are a handful to relauch when ou don't really know what you're doing- The 08 deltas from f-one (bandit) are great, good quality, great relauch, a 10M would be the size to go. DO NOT GO WITH A FOIL or TWIN SKIN- pain in the ass really!

Board-wise something wide-ish that you;re not gonna too bothered scatching!

Be safe! Good luck

Hi Drewm

Alot of great advise so far, but as a school and located on the East coast I would probably have a few different recommendations.

Size, bigger around 11-13 is easier to learn with (less flying required for power). Ultimately when you are experienced a 10mtr in 18-30 is great, but most beginners don't get out in over 22 to start with unless they have had heaps of lessons or are under instruction. Most hit the water in 12-18 in which case a 10 is pretty hard work unless you get it just right. (our school has seen this alot, the temptation of a small kite is sometimes due to safety but this is false as there is very little power difference in the window in 20knots between a 10 and a 13 it is still enough to pull you off your feet).

I am 72kg and can ride a 14mtr up to 25knots (especially the new 08/09 kites). I usually ride a 10mtr but i go out in over 18 like the guys said.

The second hand debate. Do you want to have your kite break down just when you are getting it? This is the question to ask when considering new or secondhand. Most people will crash the kite lots, but remember most second hand gear has already been there and done just that so it is more likely to break in your learning phase. Your new kite has warranty and has not had a full season of learning on it (crashing lots). Plus the kiteshop you get it from will probably lend you a demo one if yours does need repairing under warranty (which is rare).

Last years model kite brand new is probably the cheapest most reliable options.

As for brands, the big names really are better. They have much better safety, relaunch, reliability and particularly warranty backing.

If you want to go second hand on the board this is a good cost option, but don't get anything older than 07 as the technology has changed heaps. Size again 137 is a good size for your weight in the wind range we mentioned 12 - 18. This is a good wind range to learn in at least for the first 6-10hrs cause nothing happens too fast in lighter wind.

Have Fun, any questions, give us a call.

hey, if you r in newcastle u probably should go have a talk to andrew reagan at board crazy. he is based in belmont and is really good to talk to about everything envolving kiteboarding. heres their website for more info and contacts
boardcrazy.com.au/

KSA: Great advice on kite and board sizes..

Drewm: If you haven't already; go get some lessons. Apart from the safety factors, they will really help and speed up the learning phase.

Ive seen complete 2008 packages (kite, board, harness, bar and lines) for under the $1800 mark, from the site sponsors aswell.

For cheap gear- Naish's having a special at the moment i think- buy a kite get a board for fre...not bad if you like naish kites...

Will head into board crazy when i get the time. thanks everyone for the advice i really really really appreciate it. Makes everything so much easier

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kloph said...




You need a 4line kite- 5lines are a handful to relauch when ou don't really know what you're doing-

WTF??? Where did you get this from?? The 5th line has nothing to do with relaunch. You might be mistaking a "C" kite from an SLE as "C" kites can be more difficult to launch and often have 5th lines, but many hybrids have 5th lines for canopy support and are eaiser to relaunch than many 4 line kites. 5th lines are safer on landing and quick release too.

The number of lines has no correlation to relaunch ability, it is the shape of the kite.

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KSA said...

Hi Drewm


The second hand debate. Do you want to have your kite break down just when you are getting it? This is the question to ask when considering new or secondhand. Most people will crash the kite lots, but remember most second hand gear has already been there and done just that so it is more likely to break in your learning phase. Your new kite has warranty and has not had a full season of learning on it (crashing lots). Plus the kiteshop you get it from will probably lend you a demo one if yours does need repairing under warranty (which is rare).

i started on second-hand kites and have now had 4 second-hand kites all bought in very good condition, last years models, for about a third of new price. if you're a sailor you'll know what to look for in terms of wear. people sell kites for all sorts of reasons, not just cos they've been trashed already. plenty of superb used kites out there, just research the models in the reviews section for performance and durability issues and check them thoroughly (including pumping up firmly while you check the seams etc) and you'll save a bundle.