Hi JethroP, unless you have a good mate who is an experienced kiter who is prepared and has time to help you get sorted... I think you would be better off going to your local shop and letting them help in your gear decision making. I know you can save a few bucks OS but IMO the back up service/advice/some offer free lessons etc from you local shop (if you have one) is worth the extra $$$ in the long run, especially when learning.

and to add i will definitely take your advice of going to local shops and the school i'm going to to take their advice as well. I jsut wanted some impartial advice as I've experienced shops in the past that offer you advice but seem to take advantage of your lack of knowledge to push stock they need to get rid of.

Hey man, stick to a delta or bow kite for starters - they offer more depower than C-kites and haver a greater wind range and definitely support the local retail community.

Depending on where you get your lessons is probably going to influence your kite choice. I learnt at Katani, they carry Liquid Force, Wainman and now CrazyFly. The CrazyFly MooWii is a sick kite and I'm pretty sure they are doing complete packages w/ lessons for $2k.

Anyway at the very least pick up a few of the different bars from the various brands and see what it feels like in your hands and check out their various safety systems. Ideally you would take the kite out for a demo ride, but considering your pretty inexperienced you don't have the luxury of this option.

For your weight I would be looking at a 9 or 10m kite, that way you will have a pretty good wind range to go out in and you will be able to grow into your kite. I wouldn't go any larger than this (i.e 12m) as you can quickly get maxed out if the wind blows any harder than 22 or so knots.

Hey Jethro, I have a 10m Park as well and have been really enjoying it this season.

Hope you like it.