Ok guys 1st post so id like to start by saying HI.
Im new to this sport and are very keen to get into it. since i am a novice im unfamiliar with what i need to get started.

OK im 18yo 75-80kg NSW sydney looking to start kitesurfing. I love an adrenalin rush so im looking at gear that would let me develop.

Could you please spec me the best gear for myself including prices (all the gear if possible because i dont know everything i would need)and possibly a place where i can order it all. I have a very limited budget of probably a little over a grand so secondhand is welcomed.

Cheers for your help

im just starting to. i have had a lesson and probably going to get some gear in the next week or 2. I live in wollongong but am up in sydney alot. if you want someone to learn give send me an email

Quick question what does the size mean i.e. 5m 13m etc
Does the size determine to how heavy teh rider is or is it to do with weather conditions?

Without wishing to sound dismissive or disparaging- don't buy anyhing until you at least know what it all means. There is a lot of stuff out there, and it may all be good for someone, but not necessarily for you.

Have the lessons (absolute must!) then try out some of the demo gear available, then buy.

If you're looking to kit up for about a grand, you're looking at second hand. The benefit is that you can pick up very good stuff, very cheap. The sport is evolving, as is the gear, so there are benefits to be had in later model kites (boards, not so noticable). My personal preference is for the new 'bow' kites, but you won't get in under your budget with them - but try them out on demo to see if you reckon they're worth the extra bucks fo you.

Have a look at the FAQ for tips on gear - my summary (don't bother flaming me if you disagree) is:

Look for a board that is reasonably wide through the tail, and about 140cmx40cm ish. The width will get you planing early, and that length is not to unstable but still short enough to trick about, and when you get the hang of it it will be good for light wind.

As for kites, it depends on what wind you are going to use it in, For example, I'm 85kg in St Kilda (lighter elsewhere), where the wind is about 15kts, so my main kite is a 14m (12m SSTD to be precise). At 75+kg you'd be looking at about a 12m (in this wind).

There's lots of stuff to work out, in terms of needs and priorities. Get some lessons (trash their kites rather than yours) talk to people, try everything you can get your hands on, before you splash out.

Oh, and be aware that whatever you buy will be out of date soon enough, so don't get hung up on the latest.

Cheers

Andrew

If it were me, I'd go straight to a 4 line inflatable - skip the 2 line and trainer nonsense (again, I'm sure I'm just asking to be toasted by someone).

When you're ready to ride, you should be going straight to the gear you want ot stay with - it'll no doubt change over time/experience, but when you are starting out, trash theirs!

I don't mean that in a flippant or malevolent kind of way. It's just that learning to fly the kite properly (and all that entails - ie. crash, loop, crash, stall, crash etc.) is the MOST important thing to do. The difference between learning to control the kite and simply learning to launch the kite can be the difference between life and death - or at least some very nasty injuries - literally. Not meaning to come over all heavy or nuffin', but it can be sensational fun or painful, the difference is a few lessons - after that, the gear thing will make a lot more sense. By all means, explore the wealth of knowledge that exiss on the forum, but don't rush.

BTW- as mentioned above, a good instructonal video can let you know what's coming. I picked up a copy of "the complete kiteboarding guide" when I started, and highly recommend it (if anyone knows that there's a better one, pipe up now). It goes through all the basics and then on to the tricks etc.

Cheers

Andrew

http://www.kitepower.com.au/catalog/product_16720_The_Complete_Kiteboarding_Guide__DVD_cat_278.html

Seriously - get this dvd (or similar) - 4 hours worth of training u can watch over and over again....plus knowing all this before u get to your expensive lessons will help u heaps. Your 3 hour lesson will be ticking away while he tells you stuff u can learn beforehand....

Your lesson time u wanna spend as much of it as possible flying kites (his trainers and bigger) and not talking theory thats explained very well in dvd's - anything your not clear on from the dvd, then get your questions ready for your instructor to answer.

It's a worthy inverstment and one u can probably resell later to your mates who will go thru what your about to after they see you busting huge airs on your kite.

After your lessons - get your instructor to reccommend you a setup - or speak to your local shops and explain to them how far along the learning path you are and they will do the rest to get the gear thats suited to you.

Best Kites: Yarga (http://www.bestkiteboarding.com/s.nl/sc.2/category.2/it.A/id.676/.f ) are cheap and theres a few around 2nd, they are also very well suited for beginners.
- 5th line
- 11m and 13m sizes would suit your weight and wind
- should be a few around 2nd hand for $500-$600

Liquid force : Spectrum 2's are extremely popular kites, they are pretty user friendly and decent for learners.
- 5th line
- 12m or 14m sizes would suit you
- Lots 2nd hand on here for cheap

Liquid Force : M80's
( www.liquidforcekite.com.au/kites_m80.htm )
are great kites, extremely learner friendly, and still offer a huge amount of wakestyle performance as you get better, take your moves from wakeboarding straight over to the kite!!!
(i use a 12m M80 mostly, love it and im 72kgs)
- 5th line with an excelent bar system
- 12m or 16m sizes
- more expensive, not many 2nd hand (there was a few in the for sale section) cos they are an 06 kite, but definatly worth it for the extra money.

Slingshot Fuels are also used a lot by beginners and pro's alike so they are pretty good 2, 13m size for you...



Board wise its as aperry said, bout 130-140cm and 40cm wide...
Liquid Force WLF 130 or 140
are great boards, i ride one and its awesome :-D not many 2nd hand but a few on closeout or ex demo if your lucky.

The Drop 130 by Liquid force
is a forgiving board 2, although narrower than the WLF, still easy to learn on...

definatly dont buy a trainer kite, you grow out of them in the 10mins you fly one in your lesson...

Give us a yell if you need anymore help... i know some good guys/shops to get this gear from for decent prices...

Rhys

WOW thanx very much kite power australia and Brighton Kiter Rhys. All vey helpfull advice. Ill be attending my first lesson tomoz hopefully.

And then looking further into purchasing following the instructors recomendations on whats right for me. wind surf and snow have offerd a number of killer deals. Trying very hard not to jump into things but its way too cool a sport