08 Switchblade 3 or 09 switchblade IDS? The IDS has way more depower than the 3. If it is a SB3 I'd go the 8m as a one kite quiver. He should get going in around 14kn. If it is an IDS, a 10m will end up his light wind and most ridden kite. Will get going in 12kn, but will have to sit out the strong wind days esp as a beginner. If he takes an 8 IDS this will end up his small kite.