2 posts
Hey everyone, I've recently completed lessons and am in the process of purchasing new gear for myself. I'm 60kg and 175cm tall and currently considering a 9m F-one Bandit Kite and a Crazyfly Raptor Pro Board. Any suggestions or advice regarding my choices?
I live in Victoria and will spend most likely of my time in the Altona area, so advice on where to purchase will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
2 posts
Thanks, also how do I choose board size?
89 posts
Bigger (longer, wider) is definitely easier when you're first getting up and going as these are easier to get planing on and are more forgiving of the variations in kite flying that are common when starting out.
I'm new to kiting this season and about 15kg heavier than you and have a big old 145x140 Naish which I used for the first 5 or so sessions until I got going upwind and now have am F-One 136-135 as my main board. I think this is a standard size for a basic all round free ride board?
Maybe ask a good kite shop what they reckon for your height and weight. Steve at Altona KSS is pretty helpful if you're going there.
The old Naish I have is still handy for light winds (as they can add a whole other level of kiteflying skill needed). I'm pretty bad at flying the kite still when the wind is less than 13 knots so need all the help I can get. Sheeting in and out and anticipating the next kite movement.
Assuming you'll be hanging out down at the big sand bar at Apex park end of Altona. Usually a few people there to help with launching and landing and with local conditions eg tides and wind directions.
You may need to walk out a bit; but it's much safer to go out to at least waist deep when you're starting out....this has been said often on here; but it's worth repeating.
