Kite advice for Canadian kiter in Perth

This is my first post, so I'm hoping I don't violate too many forum conventions.

I'm going to be studying abroad at UWA from March-July of 2012, arriving 2 months beforehand to travel and kite. I'm currently deciding whether I should buy a kite to bring with me, or buy one once I'm there. Currently, I share my family's/sisters kites, so I can't bring one that I currently use.

I've kited about 15-20 times, and so far I can: ride upwind with respectable efficiency, do carving transition turns, backloop both ways, and am just starting to learn bigger powered jumps. I'm 20 yrs old, weigh ~160lbs, 6', and own a 135cm f-one board (will likely be bringing it with me)

I would like to buy a kite that I can take out on good-wind days. I'm not too concerned about getting my session in on low-wind, or lit days. What kind of winds should I expect in the time I'm there?

So, could you recommend a kite size that would suit my riding needs?

Also, where are some popular places to kite that are accessible from the UWA vicinity?

Thanks! Hope to see some of you out on the water when I get down there.

Shoot me a PM as you get closer to the date. There are a few of us around. Where are you from? Bring as many kites/boards as you have if you can. Ship them ahead of time if baggage is an issue.

I am new to the forum here too. Also a Canadian kiter headed to Perth! We will have to meet up and hit the water!
I will be going down for 3 months and I was thinking Dec-Feb. Wondering if that would be the best 3 month spread... earlier? later?
I plan to buy a van so I will be mobile. Wanting to check out all these glorious spot I am reading about online(and hopefully more amazing ones I am not!)
I am riding an 8m and 10m Ocean Rodeo Razors(Hybrid C). I am about 78kg and I take the 8m out pretty comfortably in 30-35kn winds(cold Canadian winds mind you). I plan on buying a quiver of new kites before coming down. Is the 8m-10m a good option, or maybe a 7m-9m? I like riding powered up... but if we are talking consistent 40kn days... then I may go a little smaller.
I looked through the Buy and Sell and could not find too many surfboards under $500. Is that common price? I wanted to try and save on shipping by buying a board down there, but most boards are much cheaper up here. What would be the best company to ship with ApatheticEnd?
Will be looking for kiters to ride and road trip with. I have been riding for 3 years. Over 200 days on the water. Ride mostly bump and jump around Vancouver Island, with some trips to the coast that have me craving more waves.
I have done a lot of searching online, but I always find the advice of locals to be the most helpful.
Looking forward to riding again in your amazing country!

God I miss Victoria! Not the cold ass water mind you. 9 degrees, screw that.

I have camped all over Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and never had a fine, complaint or argument from any local. I know how to keep clean and keep a low profile... It's those dirty yanks you are mistaking me for.
I don't know much about these spots, other than what I have read online and heard from friends.
Yeah I know how to kite, but I am going into virgin territory here. I don't want to be THAT GUY. I don't want to pull a Faux Pas. I don't want you all to tell me your secret spots. I don't want to snake your wave.
I am looking for some gear and weather advice before I head down. Also some advice from locals so I don't cause trouble like it seems others have. I am getting a van so I can go to those deserted spots. I don't like sailing crowded spots and I don't want to be stepping on the heels of locals.
Any advice before heading down would be greatly appreciated(especially regarding my first post questions!)

BTW Dusta I am not of the french variety so you can worry not!

ApatheticEnd I am in Victoria and loving it! But that 9 degree water gets even colder in the winter...Exactly why I am heading down south!

What he said +1

Why are french cannuks such peanuts? Also FYI tourists.. Perth has a very high number of great white sharks. Do some research if you don't believe me. So enjoy body dragging and always remember that you won't really know what's happening until you see the fin or your leg is floating and your unable to board recover.

But saying this we welcome you to the west coast. Au revoir!

Sounds like the guy is a born natural:

"I've kited about 15-20 times, and so far I can: ride upwind with respectable efficiency, do carving transition turns, backloop both ways, and am just starting to learn bigger powered jumps"

I'd be stoked if i was going that well after 15-20 sessions and it's not even his kite.

If you dont want to ride lit dont come to WA in summer.

At your weight a 9m kite would be sweet. Dont know what the prices are like in Canada? but if your only going to save a couple hundred $$$ i'd wait until i got here. Have a look at the conditions and buy local.