Hi Adzza,
Look mate I'm in the same boat as you LEARNER. I had to wait for my gear to arrive, so I joined this forum in the meantime and got as much info I could to prepare myself.
I'm an ex-windsurfer, I thought no worries I'll just learn about the different equipment and use my knowledge to get by. But no way mate the more I read the more I realised this is not only a dangerous sport for yourself but the general public included.
I would suggest you get at least 1 lesson. The first lesson will be all about setting up the kite, operating the safety equipment, wind window principles, obviously flying the kite and some body dragging in a controled enviroment.
I know they are expensive, but they are essential to have. I had 1 lesson the instructor said next lesson for me was on a board. I thought I'd just give it ago first for a couple of weeks, if I don't progress in that time then I'm going to dig deep and cough up some more dosh.
If you swapped the gear and it hasn't cost you much so far then $150 is about the going rate for 2 hours would be money well spent. Then you find out about the safety leash which by the way does not go on the chicken loop, depending on the setup it will either be a wrist leash or one you attach to your harness.
Good luck mate and maintain safety as the priority.
