I weigh 80kgs and have been sailing for 10 years, windsurfing for 3 and have a firm understanding of both. I am looking at buying a kite and have found a 13m slingshot rev that I am considering buying as my mate advised it is a good kite. Do you think this is a good size? I realise it could be on the big side but i feel after a lesson or two with a smaller kite, then taking it easy in say sub 15 for the first few times i would be ok?? I have also spent many hours on a trainer.

Any comments appreciated.

Good point. I live in sydney

so seabreeze 14-25 aroundabout... maybe occassionally higher.

I am also thinking i will most likely end up getting a second kite.. maybe a 10? for those southerlies and bigger sea breezes. which, if the case would make a 13 a better buy than an 11 or 12?

The Rev is a good kite but you are doing it the wrong way round. Go smaller to learn then you will know if you want a 13M kite. I doubt it but lots in NSW ride larger kites so maybe?
At 80 kgs a 10M would be more than enough for learning - if you are already thinking of a 2 kite quiver you may go even smaller - an 8 or 9 - first to allow for a good balance later with a bigger kite.

Ask kiters around at your local area & at local shops. Local knowledge is worth double anything here from outsiders.

Hey Brezzo

Did i mention I just last week got my 11.5 Griffin from Briskites omg I think i did and so cheap omg! again lols

so any ways 12-27 knots 85 - 120 kg rider so the spiel goes for 11.5m

As a beginner I couldnt imagine haveing any thing bigger

tho kite size isnt about skill set, just wind range and body mass, maybe a bigger board for lighter winds

brezzo said...

I weigh 80kgs and have been sailing for 10 years, windsurfing for 3 and have a firm understanding of both. I am looking at buying a kite and have found a 13m slingshot rev that I am considering buying as my mate advised it is a good kite. Do you think this is a good size? I realise it could be on the big side but i feel after a lesson or two with a smaller kite, then taking it easy in say sub 15 for the first few times i would be ok?? I have also spent many hours on a trainer.

Any comments appreciated.

I put this same answer in a previous thread
Add 1M to all my sizes for kites and 2-5cms for the boards

First, learn to fly a kite!!!
Get a trainer kite, learn to fly it really well BEFORE you get a kitesurfing kite, or get any lessons.

At 70kgs, the best size kite for you to get will be something thats suits your weight and the average winds you get in your area. East Coast, twin tip, on flat water - something around 11/12M, Surfboard drop 1-2M
West Coast Drop another 1-2M
Start with a larger TT or surfboard, something around 1.35 - 1.45, then when you can ride upwind, get something smaller (1.25x37/38 - 1.32x39/40/41) and either sell the larger board (and get an even bigger one for light winds)


I've got about 60 used, near new ex demo, new ex last seasons, and am doing some amazing deals to clear some stock prior to new seasons stock arriving, and you get warranty and real service from Sydney's original kitesurfing shop located on Botany Bay.

brezzo said...

Ok so this is what I have ended up with.

Brunotti Onyx 136cm board

Slingshot Rev 2 (09) 9m
Slingshot Rev (bought new in 09 ) 13m

total $1200

Have been doing lots of trainer kiting with my mate who kiteaboards and he has been going through when i need to do what so now looking for my first lesson, just have to wait for some breeze.

You stole them!
Excellent buying. The 9M to 13M gap will seem large at first, by that I mean you may not be able to handle the small overlap between kites that are 4M different in size, but you will get used to it and find its the best value for money possibility for the widest wind range.
With older kites get someone to help you check the bars for safety, check the spinning function of the chicken loop as the bearing in that particular loop can corrode and sieze, then break suddenly. If it breaks you can lose your kite and will certainly end up with a potential swim.
Check the condition of the flagging bungee line. Depower main line, same. And most importantly check the lengths of the lines are all even when the trimmer (cleat) is set to "full power" or max extension.
Connect only to the middle knots on kite (rear lines) all the time.