WA
1159 posts
Ok, have done the lessons and now want to get a first kite. Instructor was keen to sell me his new gear that he stocked however I dont want to spend the cash on new stuff. Bit like buying a new car as soon as you get your drivers licence - bound to bash it about a bit until I get a reasonable level of skills.
As I tip the scales at 107kg I am after something around the 14 - 16 sqm kite size and I am assuming a board (twin tip) of around the 144+cm range. Sail down in Bunbury where the winds are regularly marginal of about 14-18knts during summer.
The advice I am after is what second hand make/style of kite would be recommended as a good starter. I would like something that has easy relaunch, has a fifth line, and doesnt have to be overly responsive.
Any advice appreciated as it will then give me a bench mark to look for on-line.
WA
614 posts
maaate- i tip the scales at around the same number, not a local so someone else might comment better on what the local conditions suit but anything bigger than a 12m is getting too big in my opinion. Maybe look at board options as a better way to use a smaller kite. I ride a 10m with skimboard until about 17knots when i jump on my twintip.
Cab Switchblade once again only in my opinion is the best kite to get your skills up on and is very grunty which suits us bigger guys. The 2008 was a nice one and so is the 2010. The 2009 doesn't have the same low end as the others. Hope that helps.
WA
1159 posts
Cheers LB. Nice to hear those comments about the "larger bloke" sizes. I just assumed that the kite had to be massive to haul my heavy ar$e. As a poley I am so used to needing an excessively big sail to match the light weights.
What wind range do you start to use the 12m in and do I assume that experience has a lot to do with this?
WA
614 posts
For the last three years I have gone with a one kite quiver- 2008 and 2009 it was a 12m switchblade, 2010 a 10m switchblade and this year I have got a 10m park.
More the point I was trying to make was I can't remember the last time anyone I know bought anything bigger than a 12m. There are plenty of boards out there specific for light wind conditions and i find that an easier way to go. I ride a Nobile skim board from 14 knots and once it hits 18 knots i am super comfy on a 138cm twintip. Kites have gotten more efficient over the years- my first combo was an 8m 12m and a 15m.
Something like the slingshot glide or a similar lightwind specific board might be the go for now and then you can keep it for later.
Up to you though- you will probably find that the bigger kite sizes are cheaper as they aren't as popular.
Good luck.
WA
1159 posts
Thanks again for your help. Will start looking out for that size and type of gear.
Cheers!
WA
925 posts
Hi shi thouse,
As a poley, I'm assuming you will be kiting the lighter breezes and still poling the stronger breezes, at least to gegin with. A 12m is a good kite if you plan of kiting in anything from 17 knots and upwards, but to take advantage of lighter winds that kiting can do as opposed to pole dancing, then an extra couple of metres won't hurt you.
A larger board will be a good idea and a 144 will be about right whilst you learn the ropes, then settle back into something around 138 when you are up and away.
Just a thought.
Cheers,
DM
WA
1159 posts
Cheers DM,
So in your opinion a 14m wouldnt be too bad given that I would be using the kite in breezes up to the 17/18knot mark?
Will definitely go for a large board to make sure I cover that range as well.
Best intentions are to then swap over to windsurfing once things pick up, but lets wait and see.
