Airush DNA comes in small sizes, well worth looking at

http://airbornekitesurfing.com.au/web/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=530&category_id=8&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=49

get the dna its probally 1 of the safest kites on the market and it comes in a 4m which would be a good size if they ever wanted to ride over 20 or so knots

Hey Ewen,

Poor representation is the answer. Whichever kites the retailers tend to push the most, is what will be most prolific on the water.

I don't know who even does Airush in Melbourne. It used to be Four Winds, and RPS. Don't know about now.

It's a pity because Airush kites are solid kites. A DNA is good for beginners because they are a snap to relaunch and have 100% depower by simply letting go of the bar.

@ ex2500, We are selling off our school kites and have a few 6's. If you are keen PM me.

Good winds,

You can go to a slingshot T3 they do them in 4 and 5m's super safe with the leash below the bar, very easy to use and versatile kite. 2;1 or 1;1 option.
check them out

charl said at first anyway....
Good advice that the IKO would agree with in regards to teaching.

michel said...

Definately look at the 6m switchblade 3,im only 42kg and this kite has goood wind range for a small kite,and for a beginner the super easy relaunch is a must,plus the safety system is really user friendly,it depends where you live also, if you have winds on the lighter side an 8m would also be good especially if he/she can only have one kite,because as he/she improves he/she will want that little bit extra,i fly my 8m in winds around 15knts-18knts my 6m 18knts and over,so for a beginner until he/she is one step ahead of the kite he/she could fly the 6m in winds 12knts -15knts without being to over powered, and the 8m in winds 10knts-15knts,at 15knts depending on his/her skills,or if you get an 8m you could rig up shorter lines on the bar say 20m lines then when they are more confident put on the normal length lines

Wow my head is spinning- did someone steal your full stop key? I'm not sure whether you finished that sentence or just passed out.

My son is 11.5 years, about 38kg I guess. We started him on a 4m 5-line C kite which was a pig to relaunch in anything less than about 16knots.

Found a brand new 5m Switchblade I for $500 last year (superseded stock) and it improved his riding immediately. Stable kite, great depower (and by the way, better light wind relaunch than the DNA 9m that a few other beginners here are riding). He is on a 120x38 tt which is pretty wide for its length, so he is going upwind in 12-14knots provided he keeps the kite in the air! We have had him out in 16-18knots with the kite pretty depowered, and he did fine....in fact it was easier for him to relaunch and body drag with a bit more wind

The 7 individual struts and the 2:1 pulley bar are a bit of a drag, and sure if we had the $$ we would put him on a 6m SB2 or SB3, but for the money it it a great kite and will keep him going for another year at least.

So my advice would be to go for a kite that has great relaunch, is stable in the sky, and has "drop the bar" depower. When teaching kids you'll find their attention span and stamina are both pretty short, not to mention losing the plot when the kite goes down in a mess and they can't relaunch, so an easy kite is a must. The teaching process is a bit long and drawn out, but the look of joy when they finally start riding is totally worth it.

...and when 90% of the other school kids come home from school and sit in front of the x-box or the TV, but your kid comes home frothing and says "Dad I can see whitecaps - when are we going kiting??".....well you know you are doing something right!