Hi Damon
I'm heaveir than you and this is what I can reccomend.
As for boards hands down go for the Cardboard 138x41 I use a UG wave tray and have tried the UG FLX and many more and the Cardboard is a my choice as the best board and Ozzie made, go to this site www.cardboarding.com.
Kites, you have plenty of options but it depends on were you live. If your west coast then 10 12 16 or east coast could be 12 14 20. If money is no object then go the new North 06.
Just my opinoin.
Alex

Hi Damon
I am same height as you and a bit lighter. I prefer a bit more planing area on the board - I have a 155x39 and a 139x41. I find that unless the wind is really humping, or really solid, with the smaller board (Slingshot SX) and with any type of lull,I spend more time under the water than on top and battle to get upwind. My longer board (Stubbs made) also has less rocker which is quicker to get on a plane, but not so nice for quick turns. My next board will be wide - about 145xabout 44. It also looks like the footstarps aren't set for tall guys either. My long boards' footstraps are so close togtehr, that quick turing to pop jumps etc is quite difficut.
My opinion - maybe others disagree.

Welcome to the new world Damon!! Your question opens a potpourri of possibilities. Be aware that the responses will only be personal opinions and not facts so take your time before you make a decision on gear.
You will find many excellent kitesurfers who will recommend exactly what they currently fly with yet they didn't start with this equipment. If you buy advanced gear then you may well spend more time IN the water than on it. With all due respect to Hardcarve, I doubt if a 138 was his first board! You DO need a fairly large kite due to your build. You can't drive a Formula 1 car until you have a fair bit of time on a Holden and you are not the first person here to be a "fast learner". Actually....come to think of it.....you could start on the F1 car but the odds are that you will soon be a dead F1 driver instead of a very alive Holden driver with a grin from ear to ear!!

Most of the current kites are excellent with little difference between them where a new flier is concerned. Personally, I would recommend a 16m kite and a board around 150. The shorter you go the higher wind you will need to use it. Longer term you can get a shorter board and keep the long board for light winds.

Kites can be either inflatable, multi-bridled parafoil or 'hybrid' parafoil. They all have their advantages. You can't go wrong with any of them but you should check'em all out first anyway.

Brands of kites and boards are very much like the brands of beer that guys drink. They all taste pretty good after the first few but, after lots more sampling, you learn how to judge the ones that you prefer. It all comes down to "taste". Otherwise, we would all be driving Hyundais......arrrkkkkk...!!@@@$$#!.... (I can say this while Johnny Guyer is on holiday... :)) )

Once again, welcome to the fold!

all the best

Neil Taylor

www.kite.net.au

a 12 is 'da bomb' if your board is big enough.
it's the kite most kiters would prefer to fly.

Dude,

its like I have a double, only I'm 118 kg. My usual kite is my 20m X4, but my favorite is my 16m X4. I used to have a Thorn 129 but I lost it, now I use and Underground FLX 132, which does me in most conditions. I use the 20m up to 20 knots then I go to my 16m and if its around 25 to 30 knots I go to my 12m X4. So, depending on where you live and the winds you get, 20 16 12 should cover most winds. I tend to use my 20 when everyone else is on 16, if I change down, they are on 12's and if I'm on my 12, they are on their 10's or 8's. Don't be scared to use bigger, you'll have fun and boost big.

Cheers for now,

Robert.

The wind around here hauls 105kgs around quite easy on a 12 & 16m LP giving the body a good slaming when you **** it up. It has more power and pickup than any V8 skiboat I have been behind and no fumes. Cheers

wow, thanks to everyone for their welcoming and advice so far. I've never seen such a vibrant and alive forum with so many interested crew, and I'm glad I'm a part of it.

Damon