I'm based in Melbourne also and from memory its normally around 20 knots maybe between 15-25 knots once the sea breeze kicks in, in winter it's less predictable and kind of all over the place. As for kite size I'm around 80ish kgs and 180 or something cm's tall and I've got a 10m (can get out in 14-30 knots), so maybe a 9m would be better for you to learn on - You can always get a second smaller kite later.

Can't argue with kiwi burger there!

Good choice in kite schools, they are good guys there and very helpful.

I'm heavier than you at 90kgs and I have a 8m, 11m and a 14m so the long and the short of it is listen to the guys at PKB about kites and gear and if the bug bites you (and it probably will) be prepared to part with some hard earned because living in Melbourne means a bit if unpredictability until summer comes and you'll want (need) a few kites down the track to keep you in the water.

Be warmed here and now, this bloody sport is really addictive!!!

10 or 12 meter during summer. In the winter I use my 14 meter a lot. My next kite during winters is a 7 meter.cheers

gday pKtito

regardless of what the most consistent wind is here in melbourne …. if our a beginner, you won't be going out in much more then 15-20 knots.

as for size, you will figure out what is best for you after a few lessons.
your instructor will teach you how to make your kite less / more powerful from line set-up.
buy something second hand. just like your first car, your probably going to thrash it a bit.
Make sure you buy a common kite. That way if you want something bigger or smaller, you can easily get the same kite in a different size.
It's always best to build a quiver of the same kite. That way you will become familiar with the kite personality.
BEST TS
NAISH RIDE
CABRINHA SWITCHBLADE or CROSSBOW
NORTH REBEL
all very nice kite to learn on. Everybody has their preferences and brand favouritism. Make your own mind up.
Most shops will let you demo and are really helpful.

im 115kg.
my quiver is 9m - 12m - 15m as for boards……
twin tips are best to learn on.
bigger the board the easier it is to get up and go.
i suggest anything from 138-141.
some may disagree as your not that big, but a few centimetres here and there will help a heap when starting out.bigger boards plain easier and have more area touching water so float better.
again, try buy second hand, you will save a few bucks and upgrade once your ready.
( ok… maybe I'm trying to sell you my 141 naish board. GOOD BOARD & CHEAP $250 !! wink wink ****** )

i learnt on a c-kite….. big mistake…… but i learnt the hard way.
its been 18 months since i started, and I'm finally upgrading my gear.

remember, your gear is an investment.
Get the right gear, and you should be able to go from sand dwelling beginner to Intermediate with the same gear.dont do what i did, and buy the first cheap thing you can find.
dont buy from interstate unless its a store, as you can't get your money back.
( my gf bought interstate, and kite LE exploded on maiden flight….. but theres nothing you can do)

hope that helped a bit