Hi,
So I have always been pretty interested in Kiting, and plan to ask for a rig this christmas. I Am 17, around 130lbs, and although I have not kitsurfed before, I have a lot of experience wakeboarding and sailing, as well as flying small sports foil kites. I found what seems to be a pretty good deal on ebay, and want to see what you guys think, and if it will be good for me. This set includes:
-EH Ripper 9m Kite
-EH Bar with 24m lines
-GK Harness
-as well as a pump, bag, and mountain board.
I plan to use my wakeboard for when I am in the water.
I know that 9m would be a little small for me once I become experienced, but figured it would be a good starting ground and then I could get something like a 12m later on(Its not that windy where I am, it will be around 10-20 knots while im out there)

So is this a good deal, Should I go for it, it is all for $350, which seamed pretty good to me. All stuff seems to be in pretty good condition according to his claims and pictures.
Here is the link to the listing: http://www.ebay.com/itm/201734298944?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT

I also Have a friend who is into kiteboarding and I could probably get out there with him a few times to teach my how to do it.
Thanks!

cloudsurfer said..
Please do yourself and everyone a favour and ask for kiteboarding lessons instead. The gear you're looking at seems very outdated and unsafe to ride let alone learn on. Professional lessons from a certified instructor are crucial to learning kiteboarding. Not only will you learn properly and safely, you will have the chance to try the sport out first before investing in gear and you'll learn about suitable gear for learning on. Your instructor will probably even help you look for your first safe set of gear.

Kiteboarding is a great sport which will provide you with years of absolute fun but it's important not to forget that it can be dangerous and professional lessons will give you the foundation you need to enjoy kiteboarding safely.

Kite boarding is fun and relatively easy to get started at.
The offset is how easy it is to get into trouble. like cloudsurfer said, get lessons first

About 2 years ago we had a guy down here using some older gear,
He did get 1 lesson and then used some cheap, older gear with less depower, and less or different safety systems
ended up unconcious on the highway after dragging through the shallows.
He only stopped on the highway cause his kite hit the power lines

Its a great sport, and an awesome feeling to progress but...

Get lessons first

Hi Ethanh100. Great that you are interested in this sport. Being young and proficient at water sports may help you.

If I was you the first thing would be to get lessons. This teaches you the basics, the rules of the road, and importantly safety. Your progress will depend upon your progress and your instructors proficiency. Learning may take some time or it could be faster than normally depending upon how fast you learn. Your instructor will let you know when you are good to go by yourself.

I would not buy any gear until you have had some lessons and discussed it with your instructor and your local shop. The gear you get to begin with may not be the gear you use after you have progressed. Your first kite should be the size you will use the most for your local conditions.

I would ask for lessons for Christmas to get you on the journey. Take your time and enjoy the ride

Your progress will depend upon your progress

Great advice that

Shadow your mate for a bit and learn about rigging up and safety, then you'll get way more out of any lessons

Can i suggest not to use your wake board either for two reasons. firstly as a beginner you dont want to be strapped into boots. if things go wrong you want to be able to get your board off with ease.

secondly wake boards are a far more bumpy ride, kite boards are a lot smoother in rough conditions.

(im also a beginner passing on good advice i recently received)

Best of luck, i hope you enjoy the learning experience