6 posts
Hey im curious as to the start up costs of kiting...thinking about startingin the summer. im def first gonna get lessons, a set of 3x2 hour ones for about $500 but im wondering IF i wanna buy my own gear, whats the deal there? i know its smarter to resell your stuff after each season (thats why my bf does..) but how old can you buy stuff thats actually gonna be re-sellable?? what do you guys reckon i need to buy new? i def need an impact vest (only got 1 kidney :P)...
anyway just wondering what a rough idea of a start up cost would be???
NT
237 posts
A mate of mine got into kiting with a second hand 2007 9m kite, second hand 2007 135TT board, and a new harness for roughly $1500
NSW
72 posts
I started in Nov last year and bought a ex demo 13m kite, second hand board, brand new vest and a new PFD for $1500. I also paid an extra $400 for 3 x 2.5hr lessons. Worth it all, progressing quite quickly now.
Be careful with 2nd hand gear. You get what you pay for. Always inspect a pumped up kite for damage, and if possible, get the owner to fly it for you on the beach to see the line condition (esp where you attach lines), and to see how the kite flies. Be wary of any lines that look modified, different lengths or damaged.
My advice is to pay for the lessons first, then you can use the schools gear whilst learning. This will also help you decide if the sport is for you. It should also mean you get to use some different kinds of kites and boards during your lessons.
The progression DVD for beginners is also a good watch to help you learn.
6 posts
yeah i have no intention of buying anything until ive had lessons... its not a cheap sport to start up with, so i dont wanna buy stuff that i know nothing about, have no idea what to look for...
but $1500 is about what i thought... gonna have to get out the credit card :P
in regards to lessons, ive had a look on the net at companies in perth, safety bay and lancelin, ranging in prices from 500-900 for 3x2 hour lessons... any experience with the kite schools and which ones are the best? and which place out of perth, safety bay and lancelin is the best to learn at? im happy to make the trek from perth to any of those places if its a better spot...
WA
56 posts
It would be best to get lessons at the spot closest to home that your going to kite at so your trained in those conditions.
QLD
1203 posts
A pretty good option is to:
1. Have your first lesson and at the same time speak to your instructor about what kite size would suit you (assuming that you will get to bodydragging stage by the end of this lesson - if not do your second lesson)
2. Buy a kite and harness and practice body dragging and flying your kite as much as possible.
3. Have your next lesson and if you get up on your board in this lesson...
4. Buy a board and get out there.
This way you extend your outgoing cash flow over a period of time instead of stumping up for gear before you have any skills. Definately have your first lesson before buying anything.
Being a girl you'll probably be buying a kite somewhere between 7m and 10m. You can probably pick up a second hand 1year old kite for around $900. This should last you at least up to a year if you buy well. New harness for around $200 and you should be able to pick up a second hand board for $400. New harness is good unless you can find a second hand one thats in decent condition.
Good luck
