Hey,
So I'm at work and a guy says 'You ever done extreme sports? You want a kiteboard for free? Cause I'm just gonna put it in the bin otherwise' And I go, sure, sounds like a deal. Now: I've never kitesurfed and I don't know anything about it but I figured I could either start or just sell it on. Now I've done a little research and I think what I have is a 2002 9.4 airush full kit. My issue is that there isn't a lot of info online about this model but the one modern review I did find suggested that this type of kite is now considered dangerous by most people and would be an awful thing to learn on. So I'm just asking people: what do I need to know about this kit?

Thanks.

Yee-har! A good old fashioned kite burning.

The harness might be ok, or the materials might have deteriorated with age and neglect. Check the stitching isn't falling apart.

Board fundamentals haven't changed that much - planks with a couple of straps on them. If it has a leash on it take it off and burn it with the kite.

Keep it in your cupboard, learn to kite with some decent gear from the buy n sell section, then one day when you're good, bring it out and have a play. Marvel at the crude safety systems, lack of depower, teabagging in gusts, lack of a decent leash, etc. Then take it out on the water and learn how to edge, old school style.

Hey Younchris,

Ah the old Lift 9.4. A truly excellent kite in it's day. In 2002 these were a revelation in power and lift. Unfortunately, Stability, wind range, steering, bar pressure, de-power, relaunch and safety weren't really design considerations.

By todays standards, these kites would be only suitable for the most experienced of performance kite riders. For learning? Forget it! Most experienced kiters who never started back in ye olde days, would struggle with one today.

Turn it into a bean bag, it's a little more green friendly than burning it.

DM

Loved my Lift Pro. Still got it!!