Hi guys, I'm planning on getting some kitesurfing lessons and gear sometime soon, so have been looking around.
One of my friends went to WA Surf and enjoyed it, they have a deal whereby you pay for your lessons, and whatever you pay you get back on gear.
However, looking around, I was very impressed by the focus on safety by AKS, probably one of the most important aspects of picking up a sport like this, they have a full lesson outline on their website (www.kiteboardingschool.com.au/index.php/Lessons/), it sounds very thorough and posts on this forum also seem to recommend them.
However, they're also a fair bit more expensive, having to spend $3,300-3,500 for lessons plus gear. In comparison WA Surf would probably cost me around $2,500. I'm mainly worried about spending that much on gear starting out. I don't really want to risk destroying $3,500 worth of gear, and I figure I should buy pricier gear after I get some experience and work out what I'm comfortable with.
So... any thoughts?
Firstly you generally pay for what you get.
Secondly I think you'll find there's not much difference between the spend amounts required by each retailer to gain free lessons.
Thirdly you can greatly enhance what you get from your first lesson or two by getting hold of a trainer kite and the progression beginner DVD before lessons.
Thanks, I'm already planning on trying out a training kite, will look into the DVD. From what I can tell there's a difference of $500-$1000 between the two schools for equipment/lessons.
I can't find on WA Surf website what the dollar spend requirement is. All it says is that you must buy a complete kit at retail price. The question would be whether this includes superseded and ex-demo stock or whether you must pay full price for 2011/12 gear which will start at $3,000 anyway. AKS requires a spend of 2.5k to get 2.5hrs free lessons and 3k for 5 hours of free lessons. I can't see much difference.
Regardless of the above, why not think about where you will be kiting and which retailer will likely be your local shop. It works best if you can build a relationship with a local retailer. Chances are you'll be popping in there a number of times over the season for advice or assistance with equipment etc.
haha I live in the hills so doesn't really matter, it's a fair drive anywhere. What I'm thinking is I could probably do with a wetsuit and other random equipment so might add that to the spend to hit the mark.
I learnt with AKS on their gear which was the latest and suited to my situation.
I particularly liked the helmet radios they used.
Over the few years I've know him, I can say that Darren Marshall is a consistently good guy! If I were you, I'd have a chat to him about what you want / need.
NB: I've had little to do with WA Surf so please don't take this as a comparison - they may be as good or better!!
Welcome to the sport anyway and PM me if you would like any other help / details.
Also consider the spot you will have your lessons at. WA Surf and West Oz kiteboarding in Rockingham has great spots for learning (safe and small chop). As far as I remember they both do the "rider pack" (6 hrs of lessons) which is a must in my opinion. However AKS probably sell the best gear and gives the best honest advise.. 
I've only tried 2 mobs for lessons. Another one first and then AKS. the difference in professionalism and ability to teach was amazing. That doesn't mean that none of the others are any good, and I have no doubt that some of them are, but I can strongly recommend AKS.
Dazza
I think its like 400 bucks for a beginners course over in lancelin. After that you are going to have to do it yourself anyway. Just make sure the wind is onshore and you will be fine.
I learn with AKS and thought they were excellent. Since I have bought kites/ equipment from their shop in Scarborough and have always found that the advice is good on selecting appropriate equipment - they are not after a quick sale!
Darren Marshall (owner) is good guy also
