Hi Guys

Guessing ya get this all the time lol...but just joined up and looking for any and all advice on purchasing my first kite plz.....

I Just finished a weekend of kiting lessons in Cairns Qld and am now keen to get my first set of gear and start mastering the sport (fingers crossed) The lessons were very well done with Kiterite of Yorkeys Knob on a Cabrinha 9m xbow (Really liked the Cabs bar!!!) which was enough to learn the kite skills on and get to my feet but not enough to stay up and start moving very far....Saftey first which was good lol

I have been given a slingshot 139 board and waist harness from a mate so now need to buy my first kite....My instructors at the end recommended a 12m and i recently dropped in for another chat with em and the best thing they have atm for my size apparently is one of their "brand new" runout sale priced Cabrinha 2012 12m Switchblades...but is a bit expensive even at $1800 for me unfortuantely...

Im a fit 90KG guy and most of my riding will be in Cairns - Yorkeys Knob / Kurrimine Beach / Townsville - Alva Beach and Cungara...any locals advice ???

Any alternative ideas / suggestions / recommendations of kites and ranges of kites etc etc etc from kiters and hopefully dealers/sellers of brand new or used good condition kites would be greatly appreciated (the more the better plz) as ive come to realise how much range and preferance is definately out there in kites...and it is a bit confusing and intimidating first time round to be honest lol...as with everyone i want to make the most informative and best guided decision for my first kite as i will prob only have the one kite for a while and dont wanna be wasting all my time on the beach sitting there waiting for wind to pickup/die due to a poor decision on my part......

Cheers Guys
Talk Soon
Tim

Hey steve thanks for the reply mate....found a 12m switchy here on seabreeze for $900 so gonna call him bout it.....just outta interest too seeing ya mentioned the fone's i recently saw a new 11m fone bandit 4 for sale for $930 delivered....would that be heading in the wrong direction size wize (ie too small for my size) instead of a 12m ?

hey bud its a 2011 kite (the switchy) and he's met me at $800 now...it "looks" in REALLY good condition but as we all know photos can be decieving lol.....i can't see me finding a newer one cheaper to be honest....its here on seabreeze if ya wanna have a gander for me man lol....ps really really appreciate you taking the time to help a stranger out too mate....i noticed quite alot have read my post already but your the only one genuine enough to actually give some advice lol so THANKS...

Hey Tim!

I am a newbie myself, but I had a lot of help from an experienced kiter when it came to hunting down second hand kites.

Questions you want to ask when buying second hand are
-are there any pinholes, tears or other damage (such as wear) to the kite
-how much has it been used
-all valves sound (not leaking). you could ask the person to pump it up, leave it over night and then conclude if the pressure has dropped or not
-first owner or not
-what conditions are the lines in
-does it come with a bar/pump
-why selling

also remember, that when buying second hand through a shop you sometimes can get warranty on the kite (e.g. if it is an ex demo)

I was also advised, that if buying privately, and the kite you get is not as described, you have some protection under the Trade practices act and consumer law (entitled to your money back)

as I am new to this as well I cant comment very much on other kites, but I hope this info helps you a bit in the process

happy hunting!
elise