G'day.

Just after a bit of advice from anyone that has started their kids out in the sport.

For a 10 year old what's the best size kite to get them started on.

They can handle a 1.5mtr quad line OK so was thinking maybe a 5mtr. Happy to take on board any recommendations.

Also how'd you go finding a harness that was small enough for them. Is seat or waist the preferred option, which brands do one small enough.

Thanks.

cauncy said..
Wind and weight? Older reo in a4mtr or north buzz in 2.5 or 5 tried and tested on 10 year olds of normal weight , epic kites do groms harnesses or dakine do some lightweight seats ,head gear?

... just to add, a good PFD and as they get experienced a good impact vest then some crow to eat as they start kicking your a r s e, won't take long !

mattn said..

G'day.

Just after a bit of advice from anyone that has started their kids out in the sport.

For a 10 year old what's the best size kite to get them started on.

They can handle a 1.5mtr quad line OK so was thinking maybe a 5mtr. Happy to take on board any recommendations.

Also how'd you go finding a harness that was small enough for them. Is seat or waist the preferred option, which brands do one small enough.

Thanks.

Just visited WA saw Jason Lewis's daughter Brook out kiting, she was using a flying objects harness and a 5, then 7M Reo, but the Ozone Catalyst works well too. Brook did not crash the kite, and I'd estimate she weighs 30-35kg, winds were around 12-15 knots. We have all the gear you would need, including vests.

What would be suggestion for 13 year old girl, 45kgs 176cm, skinny and tall. Has good water skills (surfclub nipper, surfing etc) I have a north dice 8m so maybe a 5m? to start on. Has flown a 2.5m ozone imp for the last summer, time to get her on the water, also have an 11 year old similar weight bit shorter same skills set.

Cheers

Started around 11 yrs with mine - just when it happened..
Was at the 40+kg mark...
Safety safety and safety...
I went with good impact vest with moderate floatation but not PFD level, helmet, and ability to swim well - did nippers and some squad training.

The main aspect which will come up is reach when they are smaller, so the shorter the throw for depower the better. The harness style which has comfort + a smaller hook. I also ended up making the chicken loop smaller. We started on a seat but he soon made up his mind he wanted a waist harness. Bought a 6m which went well for the first 3-4 kids who have learned on it.

Masses of beach work, a lot of shallow water work, then when he was getting on the board - he did a couple of lessons. I wanted him to get another take on safety etc... In retrospect I probably held him back as I went safety first...

The big leap came when he did a grom fest with Kitethrills - Andy Yates put the pedal on the metal for 3 days - shortly after that what Puetz said...
He is working on his latest video - here is last years....


If you have as much fun as I did helping your kid - you will have a blast..

Cheers
AP

Started my boy at 6 with a Wainman school series 2.5 will be moving him up to a wainman school series 5 next season.
The wainman school series is a perfect kite to start with, nimble, easy relaunch, and punchy enough to get him up and planning. He weighs around 25 kg now and the 2.5 is enough to boost him when kite looping. He uses a standard wainman bar with I think 23m lines this slows the kite down enough to make it manageable when riding. Give Westoz boardsports a call for info on the kite that's where I got mine. The harness is a Flying Ojects Minx XS

Hi
My kids now weigh about 48kg and they use a 7 park from 15kts up to about 23kts. So maybe a 7 or 8 would suit your son, depending on what the top end you want to use it in.
Also just as important when selecting gear for kids is the bar. My boys have used a few different systems but the only trim system they can use by themselves is the ATB system that has a toggle pull to depower and a toggle to pull to power up. They just cant get cleats, and have to come into the beach and stop before adjusting the depower, or more ofter they just wave for me to come and do it for them.
I got the naish ATB bar this year and they love it, they can easily adjust it as they sail along and the bar diameter is reduced making it easier and more comfortable for little hands.
If you are getting the ozone cat, I would consider a different bar. I don't think the ozone quick release is particularly instinctive, as it works the opposite way to other bars, also the cleat is hard to use for little hands when under load. It also has hard unforgiving bar ends, and a large diameter.
Hope this helps
juice Rider

My 10 year old has a 7meter north neon 2012 and loves it, his even named her Shelly. his 42 kilo tho at almost 5foot