Where are you mate? This will help us get you into the right size for your location.

My first kite was the 07 Boxer 12m and I weighed 83kg. I thought it did the job well for 6 months or so until I flew a better kite and I progressed much quicker. That said, for the cash outlay I was happy. I sold it for $150 less than I paid for it and think it was a cheap way to get into the sport, get the basics down, then try the latest kite to invest in.
As already asked, you'll need to supply info, mainly wind strength in your area. Also, how much are you looking at paying for it? We may be able to suggest alternatives in the same price range.

Hi Balotelli,

Forget the harness and go buy yourself a good quality new one. The harness is the one bit of gear that should always be purchased new and sized to fit properly. Do not scrimp on the harness, it's the bit of gear that attaches all the load to your body. If it is uncomfortable, it will make kiting a misery, if it is a modern comfortable and correctly shaped harness, it will make kiting much more pleasant.

Don't buy a harness on price, try them all on and purchase the one that fits your body and needs best. It will last you years so it's worth while getting it sorted correctly straight up. They mould themselves to one rider, so anything second hand won't be a best fit for anyone other than the original owner.

The 07 boxer and RRD board will be just OK for your learning but the kite will be completely blown out in shape, and you'll find with the weathering that the kite has received will have made it much less tolerant of crashes and damage. There will be no bladders available any more and bar parts will no longer be available to suit. If it's all in good nick, then OK, but if not, I wouldn't touch it. If you purchase it, fully inflate it to pressure to check bladders, Carefully inspect all lines, bridles and bar parts closely. If you need a couple of bladders, new lines and a leash, you're looking at close to $380, so your cheap kite is now really expensive.

In 07, boards were as stiff as planks and quite harsh to ride, it will do the job but by spending just a little more, I reckon you could get much better gear. The footstraps in 07 were horrible compared to today's gear.

The gear you are talking about, assuming it has no repairs etc and is in good nic, is worth no more than $450. Get someone who knows gear well to inspect it with you, as a cheap deal can suddenly get expensive if it needs new lines etc. Most line sets are around $180-200, that alone makes your purchase too expensive.

Almost everyone I know that has purchased really old gear like that, has found progression difficult and frustrating and in the end, they would have been better off getting later model gear.

Bottom line is, you are getting exactly what you are paying for, and it probably isn't the bargain you initially think it is.

DM

I learnt a lot about kites fixing up my old 2007 model ones when I broke them... but that was in 2008/9. Stick to kites made within the past 3 years depending on how worn they are. At least safety systems have improved since then.

You're already $28,500 better off with new kites compared with buying a wakeboat.

My first kite was a 2007 14m torch, reccomended by my instructor, i did not have any issues what so ever, sure it spanked me once or twice, but i learnt very quickly to respect the power of a kite, to be competent and prepared to pull my safety when required, and how to hold a good edge to control my speed, i thinks its a bit generic to say people must learn on bows or hybrids etc, my girl has bought C4's for her first kites after a week of 3hr lessons every day and again she has learnt quickly and is probally a safer and competent/confident kiter for it. The 2007 torch had good simple reliable safety, above the bar depower trim strap and 5th line, i dont think you can say that todays kites are any "safer" unless they come with ABS, airbags etc, what ever kite you decide the most important thing is to get someone competent in that kite to supervise you for at least the first time you take it for a fly.

Hi Dougie,

Cooktown can be plenty windy. At your weight I'd be looking for about a 10m kite of late model. Have a chat with Bretto from Windswell, he'd be your closest retailer. It will be better to get something supported by the local shop so you can get spares and after sales service. We can service you quickly from WA, but is better to support your local if they are a decent bunch.

Look for around a 135-138 x 40 for your first board. Get Lessons!

Cheers mate,

DM