I have started off doing sandboarding with a power kite
many years ago,and then got myself a Nash 7.5 5 AR
with all the gear and did some bodydrags.
That was 6 years ago.All the gear and kite are still in
brand new condition.Popped down to our local shop to get a idea
of what i have to do to take up the sport again.The dude told me that
since the kite is 6 years old (still measured in AR)i might have to
get a new one?!
Is that for real???
I would love to use my old kite because she's my baby and I owe it to her!!!

PS.are there any other newbies out there that live in Cairns/yorkeys knob?

Just upgrade the quick release to perhaps a QUICK Release.

and go have fun. then look to another kite when you feel ready.

Firstly get some lessons and abuse an instructors kite for a while, instead of your "baby". If you can't fly the kite you have, then you need them. If you can fly it you would not be asking this question, and probably have better kite skills then I do.

As for keeping the kite for flying, forget it. All you will do is waste a heap of time trying to learn on it, and eventually come to the inevitable conclusion "it sucks" when you have a 9yo girl on a 2010 kite pop a raily over your head and call you a noob -after the 10th time that day it has spanked you hard and you are struggling to relaunch it.

if you are short on cash find a 2007 or later SLE type kite second hand for under $500. It will be 1000% easier to learn on and that much safer as well.

As for "owing your baby" - no problem there, do what ever you want with the kite, I am not judgemental just don't fly it!

Your best to seek advice from a local as to the size kite that would suit you but as for make/model you are spoilt for choice these days.

You don't want a super-high performance kite. You want sumpin that behaves well (stable in the air), relaunches really well, has a good safety system (all kites these days are far safer than your old set-up so no dramas but some safety systems are a little better than others) and that will get you going in the right direction.

Some kites that fit this that you are likely to find a choice of are:

Best Waroo
North Rebel
eclipse Nano
Cabrinha Crossbow (or Switchblade)
Slingshot Rev


Anybody else got any suggestions?


The above kites are not listed in any order BTW - just all good kites to get going on. Don't agonise too much about which one will suit you, it's takes a season or two before you will be fussy, just find the best condition example at the best price you can.

Also do a search on the kiteboarding - general and newbies forums for similar advice.

Would be a great idea to get a lesson too. Take whatever kite you buy along to the lesson and ask the instructor to point out the best/safest way to use it.

Best of luck.

getfunky said...


Some kites that fit this that you are likely to find a choice of are:

Best Waroo
North Rebel
eclipse Nano
Cabrinha Crossbow (or Switchblade)
Slingshot Rev


Anybody else got any suggestions?

Airush Flow (07 or later)
Airush DNA
Ozone Sport