dna

My son is now 12 and is at the jumping stage, he learnt on a Switchblade I 5m and now has a quiver of Switchblade II's in 4m and 6m. These kites have been really good and helped his progression enormously. Can't stress enough how important an easy relaunch and "drop-the-bar" depower has been.

He is a bit over 40kg now and riding an Underground FLX 124, he switches to the 4m when the wind is steadily over 22knots.

pics here

www.seabreeze.com.au/Media/View/12194/Kitesurfing/Tai-Lewis-riding-Magnetic-Island/

http://www.tevenei.com/tvm/nellybay_kite_forecast.htm

Personally I'd steer away from the DNA unless you are going to be learning in winds 18knots +. I've watched a couple of light (55kg) learners at our local beach struggle to relaunch the DNA 9m in 12-14knot winds, while the SB's are popping off the water easily.

I've been teaching my 11 y o son on a switchblade 5 - he's probably a lot lighter than yours

one issue with the smaller kites is that they are faster than the bigger ones. I guess that's obvious when you think about it, but it does make it a bit more difficult for really light learners. Also, its not easy to get a 2nd hand 5, but there seemed to be a few more 2nd hand 7's when i was looking

I've noticed relaunching can be an issue in lighter winds compared to my bigger crossbow 1 kites

pm me if you want to catch up & try the 5 - i live south so take my son to coogee, but also go north

Im 12 and i learned on a cabrinha swichblade 3 ,6 metre. I weigh about 35 kilos. In 6 months i've learned to do back rolls hooked in and unhooked and raleys.

Jp1245 said...

Im 12 and i learned on a cabrinha swichblade 3 ,6 metre. I weigh about 35 kilos. In 6 months i've learned to do back rolls hooked in and unhooked and raleys.

35 KILO"S?????????

get a pie into ya son.