Size depends on the style of kite, your weight, and local wind conditions. If you're a newbie I stongly recommend a Peter Lynn foil (aka twinskin) because:
Extremely stable - always returns to zenith
Self launches
Less likely to crash
Self inflates - No pump needed
Relatively light bar pressure (ie easy to fly)
Usually easier to relaunch from water
There are a few caveats:
Can take on water making it harder to lauch (but it takes 15mins in the water before this is an issue - you're usually back up in in <5)
"Bow-ties" (requires a simple technique to unbowtie)
Can luff & drop out of the sky (rare)
but the above are all really minor issues especially compared to the significant advanatges.
I bought a VenomII in October 2006 as a 1st kite and havent looked back. Its very forgiving and you can concentrate on learning the basics of the sport.
It is also a top end performer. A 16m PL VenomII was used by a 4 top finalist of the mens opens in the 2007 Australian Wave Nationals (actually I think it was the winner).
Also hire a big floaty bi-directional board for a few months till you get your balance.
each other on this forum since it started. Its a bit like the difference between the zillion types of PC, and a Mac. If any one of them had flown a foil they'd have bought one the next day.
Smart kiters will include at least one foil in their kite stable.
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