Hi all,

Just getting into kitesurfing and looking around at some used gear to abuse while I'm learning. I've been told more than once to stay away from C kites, which seem to be the majority of cheap used kites, so doing that.

Here's what I'm looking at so far:

2004 Airush Switch 142


12m Peter Lynn Venom 2
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Dakine Pyro harness


I can get these relatively cheap and in good condition, just after some opinions on the setup for a beginner.

Only other question I had (be gentle, I'm learning) is that the board has the footpads toed in and close where I've noticed other boards generally toe out and wider. What's the reason for this or can they adjust.

Appreciate your help, thanks.

+1 for Jimbo's comments,
also I'm not 100% on what a 'c kite' is but the one in the picture has no bridle so it looks a lot like a c kite to me,
as Jimbo said you want a LEI and you probably want a hybrid (most kites)
142 is a big board but you've given no indication of you're weight so it's all relative, I weigh 80kg and ride a 132. In the picture it looks like both boards toe out, those old airush pads were just strange looking things, a wider stance can feel more stable but it's bad for your knees. Although, as a learner I would buy whichever board you get for under $100 coz chances are you'll lose your first board (I did)
Dakine is a known brand, but harness fitting is very personal and it's important to try a harness on and hang from a hook before you buy it because a lot of them will hurt your ribs once you hit the beach.

I think it's fair to say you need a lot of help, most of the help you'll get on this forum will be worthless because we don't know where you intend to kite in which conditions and how much you weigh.
You're local kiteshop will dispense advice freely, even if you don't buy through them all kiteshop guys are cool, so definitely take your questions in before you buy anything.
Good luck and welcome to kiting

Throw in your height, weight, local beach and local average wind speed and you will get some better advice.
The kite in your picture has holes in the LE (leading edge) which air is rammed into during flight to inflate. As has been said, you want to buy a LEI (leading edge inflatable) for your first kite.
Hit your local kite shop or head down to a beach where u see people kiting and ask some questions.

Unhook3d said..
Throw in your height, weight, local beach and local average wind speed and you will get some better advice.
The kite in your picture has holes in the LE (leading edge) which air is rammed into during flight to inflate. As has been said, you want to buy a LEI (leading edge inflatable) for your first kite.
Hit your local kite shop or head down to a beach where u see people kiting and ask some questions.

Thanks for your replies. I'm in Kadina on the northern part of Yorke Peninsula, SA. I weigh closer to 90kg so was thinking the 142 might be closer to the mark for starters, but yeah **** looks like clay at this stage. I think there's a shop over at West Beach so might head there to check out some gear and get more advice. I know everyones going to have their personal preferences but what specific board and kites would you recommend for a beginner? What's a realistic (wife friendly) budget to get me started?

Not sure on avg wind speed but here's the forecast of my main local beach

bill0ddi3 said..

high as a kite said..
Geez they take me back.
I had both of those boards and still have a venom i use on my buggy.

The 142 is a good learners board but you will grow out of it pretty quick.
The 159 has too much rocker and way to big.

i've tought a few guys on the venom, but dont get it wet.

How much are they.

There are better options out there.

Wants $180 for the 142 and $150 for the venom

Tell 'em they're dreaming!

Beware all those wanting to get into the sport, a lot of adverts on ebay and Gumtree do not list the year of the gear being sold just the condition. You may end up buying a well preserved kite with sub standard safety and no available spares.

What's a realistic (wife friendly) budget to get me started?

just say it like this
buying a coffee costs about $5
there's almost 400 days in a year
so tell her you're gonna stop buying your coffee everyday for a year
and that gives you a nice $2,000 start-up budget.

If that doesn't work
tell her that old gear lacks the current safety devices
then you can reason that you won't be such a great provider if you get an injury