Hi,
I haven't kitesurfed before but would like to get into the surf, and riding waves once I've aquired a few of the skills.
Does anyone have some tips on choosing the right kite for waveriding?
I'm thinking of buying a kite now that I can learn on and then transition into waveriding on. Is this ok? Anything to look out for in a kite? (ie. ability to depower kites etc.).
Any kites you can recommend and size? (Am looking to buy second hand).
I'd likely kite on the Goldie. in 12knots plus and I'm about 70kg.

Any advice much appreciated ....thanks

Welcome to seabreeze!

Waves are fun - and they don't have to be grinding reef break where you're in fear of your life to have fun. There are plenty of fun "skate park" spots where you can charge up and down walls having a wicked time.

I'd suggest that you could probably use any kite and have awesome fun, it's only once you've got your skills are right up there and you're pushing boundaries are you going to start questioning your kite selection. I ride waves with all-rounder kites, and still manage to come back to the beach with a big grin!

Sorry, not a specific answer .. hopefully some other guys will chip in with brand/size advice .. check these handy How to Surf articles as well...

www.seabreeze.com.au/Articles/Kitesurfing/Summary.aspx

I'm 70kg and live in Brissy and use a 12m kite. A 12m kite usually will get you going from 12 - 25knots. You could go for a smaller kite, but seeing as it rarely gets above 25knots in SEQ i think the 12m would be most suitable. If you really want a wave riding kite get something that will turn quick and is easy to relaunch.

Hi LB,

Look at the Eclipse Nano, for wave riding, very grunty and fast turner so will get you going farely quickly. They have just released the 2009 so you should get 2008 farely reasonably.

I have the 9m and 12m but could be looking at selling the 12m, still deciding as I have not tried the 2009 yet. My 12m is a demo with some screen printing issues but still very clean, some worn scuff pads on the tips but just superficial. If I sell it, it will go for $700 but with no bar, I maybe consider selling the bar depending on the replacement cost.

Otherwise I think the REV as I think it is the best all rounder out there but come in funny sizes - 11m/13m rather than 12m. Tried the 11m in around 12knots but battled a bit at 88-90kg.

Cheers
Rich

Hi lb,

What Laurie says isn't too far from the truth. Any kite will get you started when you are learning to ride waves ...... However, a kite that is better suited to wave riding will of course make it easier to acheive the style you are looking for.

Ironically, elite wave riding requires a kite with almost the same characteristics as a basic learners kite.

The kite should be super stable, it should be well balanced so as not to pitch forward when lines go slack, it should also not stall when stationary deep in the wind window after a fast pivotal turn, it should depower at least 90%, should turn quick and be nimble so you can throw it around fast. It should also be able to be relaunched very easily and quickly.

Low aspect ratio kites (school kites) tend to tick most of the boxes in the above characteristics, however they usually are detuned so as not to turn to quick. Some are also built overly heavy in an attempt to create durability.

Some manufacturers now make specific wave riding kites which do all of the above and also turn VERY FAST! The Ozone Light II is very nice for wave riding and works well as a school kite too. The New Eclipse Kima Wave is a nice wave specific kite. The Airush DNA is not too bad also but tends to be a bit less nimble due to it's heavy construction.

A specific wave kite will allow you to make mistakes and will be able to correct them before you end up in trouble, so they are more forgiving and allow you to concentrate on being more critical on the board in relation to your position on the wave without having to focus on the kite so much.

We have demo kites available for people wanting to try wave specific kites.

I hope this helps.

Good winds,

Thanks those who posted for your advice. It's given me some more ideas on what to look for. Give me a buzz on 0439 136 372 if you reckon you have something suitable you wanna sell. lb.