Hi all,
I have recently taken up kite surfing and am in the middle of my lessons. I want to purchase a second hand kite as I am told you kind of grow out of the initial ones quite early.
I am 6ft 5in and 110kgs, so I am a big lad, I have been told I need a 12 footer, and this will do me right. I do want a kite that I can learn on so nothing fast, I am getting older now and the days of nutty adrenil rushes are gone.
I have seen some kites for sale here, can someone give me some advice as to the right kite to buy please?
Thanks all those who read this, much appreciated.
All the best,
AEC.

Thanks for the info, I meant 12metres, I was just being a dumb ass. I am in Perth by the way.

Thanks again,

AEC.

Try as many different kites as you can, from other kiters if they let you, or at your local shops to get demos. Contact Jason at WestOz (www.westozkiteboarding.com.au/) to try the Liquid Force Havoc. I dont think you will be disappointed. He should have 08 on clearance as the 09 range is fully in stock.

Yeh mate try as many different kites and brands as you can then you will have a good idea what will work for you! Oh yeh good luck with the addiction

As posted before, it depends on the brand and model, but, for your weight, I think a 12m would be quite under-powered. You would be forced to wait for the 18 knot+ days to get going.

I'm surprised your instructor hasn't got a view?

Cheers.

theDoctor said...

SLINGSHOT LINK (you deleting mutha uffers)

Dont listen to this kn*b dude talk to local crew/instructors and again try as many different kites you can! Good luck

Hey AEC,

I'm 104kg and I mainly ride a 14m, my other kite is a 10m and it's got to be a solid 20 before I really start riding it.

I ride a surfboard and a 135 I wouldn't get a board smaller than 142-145 to learn on though.

As for the kite it might be worth while sticking with the same kite you learned on.

i`m 95kgs and ride a rev 13m should do you fine and is very fast for its size.awesome kite but im biased.

Hey AEC,
I think you've been given pretty good advice so far....
my summary...look for a 12 - 14 metre SLE -or- Hybrid -or- Bow type kite.
No older than a 2006 model (which usually means it has been used since 2005).

My suggestion, look at a 13m Ozone, Instinct Sport or the original 2006 Instinct. Beautifully behaved kites.

You'll also want a small kite, 8 or 9m ish I'd imagine...

if you want to buy a new kitecheap you can pick up a 08 waroo over the net from the USA for $1000 complete. If its under $1000 then you dont have to pay import tax. Also I have heard some rumours that some of the east coast shops are selling switchblade 3's cheap...

11m Rev .

Hi all,
Thanks everyone for all the advice it is really appreciated. I have been taking lessons, did the first ones on Saturday in the gusty winds on the Swan river.
Had a mare trying to get bodysurfing but other than that it was great fun.
Actually the guy who was training me was very good and gave as many tips as possible, they give discounts of the price of the lessons against anything bought in their shop; which seems pretty much the de facto way here, so I wanted to make sure I got some seperate advice before committing.
Thanks for all the links I will do some web surfing this weekend, try and get the low down and then visit some shops.
Once again thanks to everyone who contributed, good or bad, it is much appreciated.
All the best, AEC.

you might not have noticed this but Australian $ has gone to ****, if you are not aware of this you are in for a lot of other nasty surprises but it's not for me to spoil it for you

$520 US for kite + $200 USD for bar and lines = ~$1000 Aus dollars give or take. Purchased at the start of this week with free shipping. Looks like a bargain to me