any amount of kite flying will help you when it comes to grabbing onto the big ones!

Definately a good idea!

Get yourself a 3m. The 2m's are cheaper but they are more toy like and move at ridiculous speeds which is not like flying a big kite. It would be like training to drive a truck in a Mini Cooper S.

Good winds,

Go for it mate!
That's as much money you will save on lessons to reach your flying skill level!
Students who used to come to me with training kite experience background were improving twice faster than students who didn't.
As Kitehard mentioned, small kites will tend to have a bit of a mosquito effect, so make sure you focus on controlling them rather than just moving them randomly all over the window. Practice keeping the kite steady in one spot (rather than letting the wind decide... ) and once you can do this your eyes closed, work on control one handed (tip: right hand controls the left side of the wind window, left hand the right side...).
If you turn up to your first lesson being able to know where you kite is your eyes closed, it will only take you couple of hours to get used to an inflatable kite and you will be on the board in no time!
Definitely worth the investment...
Have fun!

Must admit, i took the recommendation of people here on these forum's to get some practice on a Trainer kite and I have been doing so for the last few weeks. It's great fun and you quickly work out how the wind window work's and how your bar movements effect the kite in the air. I've improbably had about 7-8 hours on it now and am almost confident enough to book myself some seasons before the end of the season. I think the trainer will be money well spent as some mates are already showing interest.

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Originally posted by kitebored

most local shops let you borrow a trainer kite for free

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True too. Windsurf N Snow in collaroy has training kites available..... They're at disposition and can be borrowed anytime for free....

I have a 1.8m trainer kite and it has lifted a 10 year old in the air in +20knots before. Not only did the lines not break, but the 10 year old didn't let go and was lifted again after hitting the ground the first time.

Tough kid though, after going back to his camp spot and having a bit of a cry he came back for another go. This time with his dad holding onto him.

The lines didn't break with me flying it like said mosquito in tight 8s and loops in the centre of the power zone at the same windspeeds either mind you.

Definitely get one, borrow or buy. I say buy, they're great fun for non-kiters and I enjoy mine myself occasionally too, like when the wind is just picking up and not strong enough to ride on the water etc.

quote:

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Originally posted by kitebored

also you can't use these trainer kites when its over 15knts or so, we broke a set of lines in about 6 different places one day in about 18knts.. brand new brand name kite and lines..

we thought it'd be great fun in a big blow with a skateboard but not to be

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There's "trainer" kites and "power" kites. I imagine the kite wasn't made by Flexifoil, Ozone or PKD. Power foils are awesome. My old 4.9m Flexifoil Blade2 pulled like a 12m C.

I agree with other comments about the value of a trainer, 3m is an ideal size. I still have a 3.5, it's perfect to give mates or the GF to play with.

it allways pays to have trainer kite .its all bar practice ,plus when in a cyclone it makes for great buzz