G'day guys,

I'm just getting into kitesurfing. I currently live in Malaysia and am heading to Vietnam (Mui Ne) to take lessons at an IKO school. I have a trainer kite at the moment to practice with before lessons to hopefully speed up my progress, I'm also a very experienced snowboarder so from what I can tell from watching the Progression DVD is that edging is quite similar and riding switch will certainly help my learning curve.

But I'm looking for a first kite for after lessons. I am 85kg, 6'1 and going to be in Townsville in January and living there for the next 4+ years for uni.

For first kites I have nailed it down to:

Liquid Force 2012 Envy 12m
Airush Lithium 2012 12m
Cabrinha Switchblade 2012 12m

Liquid force is my favourite so far but I am keen to hear your thoughts on the best kite for me and the Townsville area... From my research the 12m sizing sounds about right but I may be wrong? Also keen to ride a TT to start off, anyone suggest a good one and what size to suit these kites and me? Money is not of an issue as I've always learnt you get what you pay for so may as well do it right the first time :)

Thanks for all your time! Cheers

Thanks mate :) I didn't think of brand support/service in the area.. Sure beats getting parts posted to you or sending gear away! I'll defiantly drop in once I move for a lesson and advice :)

Cheers

Haydn24 said...

G'day guys,

...... I am 85kg, 6'1 and going to be in Townsville in January and living there for the next 4+ years for uni.

For first kites I have nailed it down to:

Liquid Force 2012 Envy 12m
Airush Lithium 2012 12m
Cabrinha Switchblade 2012 12m

Liquid force is my favourite so far but I am keen to hear your thoughts on the best kite for me and the Townsville area... From my research the 12m sizing sounds about right but I may be wrong? Also keen to ride a TT to start off, anyone suggest a good one and what size to suit these kites and me? Money is not of an issue as I've always learnt you get what you pay for so may as well do it right the first time :)

Thanks for all your time! Cheers

LF Envy - nice kite very stable great unhooking freestyle kite, nice big CL!!
Airush Lithium - Will do you for a long time great kite to begin and progress with.
Cab - ????? havent flown the 2012 Switchblade yet.

12m good size choice.

TT you will learn on one then progress to a Directional - unless you come from a surfing or windsurfing background..
Cardboards are great and its Aussie!! design your own board.

Townsville nice, buy a stinger suit for the early part of the year or your kiting will come to a quick end... go venturing around the area nice spots, and if you drive 4hrs north pop in to Windswell at Port douglas, nice spot, great company.

"In The Loop Kiteboarding" also does sell Airush as listed on the Auswind website, (importer for Airush) and postage to east coast is about 7 days from perth!

Buy second hand first up, as everybody is getting the new and shiny kites (2013) Their older kites are great for your progression and better for your hip pocket, as a shiny new kite will only get alot of beatings untill you progress, once confident with kite and skills decide on the kite that best suits your needs from the money you saved at the start.

Marvin has alot of demo dayz; so go fly some once you have had some lessons and progressed, to get an idea on styles of kites; as not all sizes have the same output and size as noted in some past posts. Most companys are releasing next years kites round this time most years, so many a demo to be had!!

goodluck and go catch some wind.