VIC
40 posts
Hi all. This is my first post.
I came to Melbourne 3 weeks ago and yesterday I made a BIG decision ... I decided to sell all windsurfing gear what I have in my country (Czech Republic) & take all money and buy kitesurf here, in Melbourne (for practical reasons). It seems that this community is very good and this website is just awesome ...
I would like to ask you:
I always used to buy used gear for windsurfing before because we have quite bad conditions (only few days/year on the water ...) in CZ. So I have several questions and if you give me some feedback, it would be great.
I am 95kg, 195 cm, Melbourne (St.Kilda).
- what kind of kite I will need? (hybrid, C, ... ?)
- is that OK to buy used gear, some 2 years old stuff for example?
- is some school needed (I know Kite Republic @ St.Kilda > any references?)
-
Friend of mine just bought new gear from Kite Republic school for $2500 with 5hours of school included. He told me he can teach some basics me later on ... is that possible? Problem is that I love windsurf and don`t know if kite satisfy me, so I don`t want to spend too much on new gear and also my expenses are so huge at the moment. It possible to buy some good stuff for $1500?
Thank you for any comments and wish you many BIG days.
Viktor
VIC
760 posts
Hi Viktor and congratulations on giving up the pole. ;)
First off you need lessons. There's no point buying equipment until you've had at least 2-3 lessons and your up and riding. Once your up and riding your instructor can recommend some equipment that their school may have new or second hand to suit your budget. Buying equipment before your a safe and basically compentent kiter is only going to result in risks and danger to both you and people around you and damaged expensive equipment.
There are quite a few schools teaching out of St Kilda and i've had many people say great things about Kite Republic - i had lessons with them a few years ago. I also have a mate who is an instructor and teaches privately - he also distributes a few brands of kites so is happy to do package deals based on your budget. Send me a message if you'd like more details.
Judging by your weight, i'd start off with a 12/13m bow/hybrid kite and a ~138cm board. This will do you fine for your first season until you may wish to upgrade or add a second kite or board to your setup. Yes $1500 is enough to get started, but if you can extend the budget up to $2000 then you'll get much better equipment.
Last years ('09) kites are available second hand in good condition for ~$1000, a new board will cost between $700-1000 (second hand $400-700) and a new harness will be ~$180-250.
VIC
46 posts
Hi Koma,
I am more or less in the same boat, but I am brand new to the type of water sport. I have had my 5 lessons and bought my own gear. I definitely need more lessons, but at $80 a shot it would become quie expensive, would you mind sending me your mate's contact details so I can ask him about some private lessons?
Thanks :)
