G'day guys,

I'm new to kitesurfing. I've been taking lessons with Alex and Paul from Kitesports down at St. Kilda. The other week i went out with an 11m and had the time of my life. I just struggled walking up the beach with the kite. Paul had to basically pull me. If he wasn't there i don't even think i would've been able to walk of the beach onto the water. This is where i come to my question.

What is the best way to totally depower the kite (as much as possible). Do you want really slack back lines? Do you want the kite high or low?

After depowering the kite as much as possible, is there still circumstances (too windy, too big kite) where it is just totally impossible to control the kite so that you can walk up the beach?

I'm currently looking at buying my first kite. Paul said an 11 and 15 setup would be ideal, but he's also saying a 12 would be good. But the other day i just couldn't walk up the beach with an 11!

I apologise if someone has already asked these basic questions earlier on in the forum, but i searched and couldn't find direct answers.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.
James
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Yes your back lines should be out but not so slack that you can't steer. You have the keep your kite as low as possible, perhaps a few feet above the ground or preferably over the water, and just lean into it. If you have it high it will lift you and you won't have any traction.

The size you choose is a function of your weight & board size & wind speed. You need to post more information.
Graeme