Would anybody be able to help me out with getting into kiteboarding and on the water.I am looking to be all set kitesurfing for under a grand, so would any body have any really cheap gear or even free (but I doubt that).Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Ps.Am 15 yrs old and weigh bout 50kg

Cheers guys

To get out on the water you will need lessons. Set about 300-400 aside for that. They ARE a MUST, end of story.
Now for under a grand, you could get a reasonable second hand kite for 600-700, I'd go no earlier than 06. You will also need a board, could probably get a suitable one for 200 if you look around for a while. Then a harness, around 150.
Don't bother buying gear until after your lessons.

Dont teach yourself. Dont let a mate teach you. Get proper lessons. Look at all the threads on kite bans. I wouldnt be surprised if a good percent of the problems are from learners teaching themselces.
IF you want to teach youself, do it in the middel of the desert. Where you will not injure anyone else.
Sure some people dont go with lessons, but as firiejason said, he was lucky not to hurt someone. You dont want to be the person to actually hurt someone and initiate a ban.
Lessons will get you up and running quicker, and you won't trash the gear you spent all your cash on.

Since its getting to the end of the season I would suggest you hold off until Spring, or even your summer holidays. In this extra time you can save more cash for the sport. Then get your lessons, get the gear really quickly and devote some solid time to it (hence waiting for summer hols). You will also find the 07 gear becoming affordable.

I have found the best improvements I made were when I had solid lengths of time to devote to kitesurfing, with good conditions to boot.

Money is important to get the lessons and right equipment but time practising is just as important.

That said, if you really want to start *now* then don't hold back!

Best of luck to you!

hey there new to the forums,
i wish i had of seen this thread before i bought my gear, i am a beginner also had one lesson 2-3 more to go probly for IKO certification.
i recently purchased an 2004 Airush flow 10m and a 2004 cabrinha CO2 16m and 2004 airush 138 switch board for $1000 neat.
why is it harder to learn on these older kites could i just buy new bar and lines to make it safer. thinking of buying yet a smaller kite 7m fuel or rev probably

Hey barrelking,

Can't help you out with gear, but just wanted to concur with the lesson theme. I figure if you're on a budget it may be tempting to cut corners here. I'm a raw beginner this year, and initially baulked at the cost of my 3 lessons. Once I had them I was stoked I did, because there is so much to go wrong with kiting, it is amazing how easy it is to hurt yourself or others.

Since my lessons I have seen heaps of people with no idea, launching downwind, setting up their bar backwards, not inflating their kite enough, and not being mindful enough of others. Not only will their progression be considerably slowed, but they give kiters a bad name.

Lessons are not optional IMHO.

In terms of gear, I bought a new 08 Cabrinha Convert because its what I learnt on and the safety systems seemed pretty solid. Maybe your Mum or Dad could be convinced to chip in a bit if you hit them with the old "but think of the hospital bills you'll save" sales pitch?

Good luck!