I remember there used to be a FAQ thread on the kitesurfing forum, but I can't find it anymore.

I do windsurfing at the moment, but I want to try kitesurfing to see what it's like. What size kite do I need and what type of board? I taught myself how to windsurf on a normal rig and board (not beginner stuff). I've heard that kitesurfing is more difficult to learn though. So if I want to get into kitesurfing do I have to buy a trainer kite or can I just buy a normal kite any of you guys use and go from there?

I've got about $1000 to spend on second hand gear, is that reasonable?

Any help is appreciated.

My advice... unless you have some friends that already kite, buy a trainer kite (2-3 m2) and take some lessons. You might save your kite from getting destroyed while learning what to do with it and it's the safe thing to do. Also consider that if you hurt someone on the beach, you might get the sport banned for everyone.
Having said that, most of what I learned wasn't during my 3 hour lesson, but from other kiters. Kiters around here are more likely to help if they know you've taken lessons and have the safety down.
My two cents...

Hi,

I think most people have an estimation that they can get going for around a grand. This is do-able, but only if you are experienced already.

$1300-$1500 is probably a more accurate mark and break it dow thus:

$200-$300 For Lessons
(no ifs no buts) even with a trainer kite these are not an option - unless of course you have a death wish and don't want your gear to last more than 5 minutes. IMHO, I reckon for a raw newb, 3 lessons is probably the minimum (maybe 2 if your a good poley). BTW I'd skip $100-$200 on the trainer and buy a cheaper stunt kite (and use a broom handle or similar on the lines) prior to lessons just so you understand the basics of control and the 'wind window', stalling, etc etc


$400-$600 for a board.
If you are 75-85kgs go for a size around 140-150cm length x 39-41cm width. Don't listen to heros who say "nah man I'm on a 120cm and it rocks". Learning on a board that planes easily and doesn't need to be super powered up is much more fun. If you stick at the sport this board will eventually end up your lightwind board. If you are over 90kgs then look at 150-160cm boards.
YOU DO NOT NEED THIS YEAR'S CUTTING EDGE BOARD! Pretty much any board designed for the ocean/chop (if that's where your goin) or flat (if that's where your goin) post 2005 will do the trick. Last year I bought a Liquid Force Drop 136cm (made for chop/ocean/waves)brand new for less than $600 with straps just to give you an idea. I am still very happy with it's ride comfort etc. Not really a suitable board for you unless you are more like 70-75kgs?
A lot of boards below $400 seem to be pretty clapped out, old designs (>2004) and/or knackered.


$500-$600 for a kite with Bar n Lines
Now this is debatable (I'm pretty sure people are writing responses whilst I am even still typing this ) but... I reckon the kite, more than the board will make or break your progress and fun levels. Both definately contribute, but I give the nod to the kite.
The good news is (for buyers not sellers ) kites devalue much faster than boards. Look for a post 2005/2006 kite, pretty much all brands got their designs down pat after 2005. Don't bother with a 4 line C kites (even if super cheap), go the 5th line options as there are numerous benefits ie safety/relaunch/handleing etc.
C style, Hybrids, and bows kites all have there benefits... 5th line C's are probably a little cheaper. All work very nicely regardless of some folk completely writing off differant designs. At your level you won't be pushing the envelope of design for a couple of seasons at least. You will generally get better wind range out of a hybrid or bow style. These are newer designs so probably more like $600-$800.


$200 for harness
If you can't use your poley harness (??) try on as many as you can around $200. Comfort is very important, everbody is shaped a bit differant so there is no hard fast answer.
DON'T BUY 2nd HAND. The only harnesses up for sale (IMH experience)are shagged and being offloaded to newbies for around half the price of a new unit.


Good luck old bean

Thanks for the replies guys. Looks like I'll need a little bit more money then . I'll probably have to get a lesson or two as well then.

Forget the trainer kite,That is so "90s"

This will only extend the learning curve and cost you more $$$ which you could be puting towards a lesson and or your first kite and board package.

Shore in a ideal world if you had heaps of $$$ the trainer kite would be the safest way to start and learn the absalute basics with.But you will learn these basic steps anyway 15 min into your first lesson.

We conduct lessons for $150 for 2hrs useing the latest gear (with a Qulified Instructor)

Your first 2nd hand Kite Package consisting of a last year's model kite 2006 model (so very safe,up to date and easy to use/master)Harness,and board will cost you any where from $1200-$1800 in our store.

These types of 2nd hand packages we sell are all sold with a Shop good will waranty.

This gives you the peace of mind that your gear is Safe and will last you through your progressive stage and is also approriate for you and your conditions.

So Nikita you are pretty close with your $1000 you have! but if I was you I would wait a bit and try to increase your budjet a couple of 100.

Be carefull!... if its super cheap there is proberly a reason why!

Hope it all works out for you, Kite Surfing is Sooo much fun!


Regards
Luke

Its all in flying the kite. The rest will come.
I spent about 3years on a stunt kite before my parents let me learn.(they wanted me to be a bit more of an anchor). I think that helped me out sooo much.
For 80-90 bucks they are well worth it.
With a bit of practise on this when you get to the lesson the trainer kite will be a piece of piss.
Just see how you go from there.
Good Luck!

If your from the Sunshine Coast get some lessions of Dave and Mike from Kitethrills, and if you like it they can set you up with a kite deal that also gives you unlimited lessions! It's a sweet deal.

Hey Nikita, I forgot to throw out a question to local Qld kiters for kite size for your weight. As I say I (IMHO) reckon the kite is more important to avinagoodtime, so it would be handy to get local input on a kite to suit your kgs.

If you are 80kgs or so then maybe:

12/13m for a C??

9/10m for a hybrid/bow??

Anyone?