I've been lucky enough to spend the week in Tarifa, Spain (self -proclaimed kiting mecca). As a complete beginner, learning in 30kt winds put the fear of god in me (and after 8 hours of lessons had all but buried my gear in sand!) but thankfully the winds dropped back to 15-20 the next day which was easier to learn to stand up for a few seconds.

At 91kg, on the 30+ knot day the instructor put me on an 8m, and in the lighter wind a 12 was doing well until the wind died in the ass. I was just getting up on the 12 and from what I understand this is a good all-rounder for Brissie for someone of my skill and weight.

It's end of season here and the owner (Sam - bloody good bloke) is offering a second hand "Bull" Zigzag kite made in Tarifa - they reckon they get two years out of a Bull kite when subjected to the abuse of a a student trainer, and the same kites are used by the locals (reasonably good performance, not absolute beginners). I have seen two seams go in the week here though - not sure if that's normal after a pretty hard crash on water.

Am wondering whether the deal is worth lugging it back - about AUD$400 for a 2012 12m Bull - compared to looking for a second hand deal in Brissie.

Am also wondering how hard it might be to get some help repairing, if my Brisbane local hasn't seen this brand before. As a basic 5 struct single pump inflatable, I'm assuming the techniques are the same...?

appreciate any thoughts...

As a beginner 6 months ago, i strongly recommend you buy where you are going to live. When you have dramas, (and you will) it is SO good to be able to go and talk to your local guy about it and what to do. Whether it is knots in your lines, recovering from a shore break pounding, or technical issues.... The extra dollars you might spend are more than compensated by the fun time on the ocean. Which is, after all, the point of the escapade.

Well that's my experience.

RPM said...
sounds like spains answer to switch kites..

Have you had bad experiences with Switch kites RPM, what models did you try?

Sorry for bringing up the S word Laurie but it sounds to me like RPM was trying to knock them, so I would just like to hear what problems he has had with them.

Can't say I have heard of a Bull Zigzag but then again I haven't been to Tarifa.
I have a feeling that Dave and the Doc might be right though.

Fair enough, Im sure the Zigzag has the same issues, I can see why you would compare them, carry on.

fingerbone said...

Dave Whettingsteel said...
As a beginner 6 months ago, i strongly recommend you buy where you are going to live. When you have dramas, (and you will) it is SO good to be able to go and talk to your local guy about it and what to do. Whether it is knots in your lines, recovering from a shore break pounding, or technical issues.... The extra dollars you might spend are more than compensated by the fun time on the ocean. Which is, after all, the point of the escapade.

Well that's my experience.

Although I agree on buying local , what difference would there be if he bought that zig zag kite into a shop here in oz for repairs or advise compared to bringing a ( bought second hand ) kite from seabreeze into same shop?

Probably not a lot of difference as you say. I've bought new, but last season stock,from my local shop in Gero, and it's just been great to go and see Kim whenever I need a question answered or a problem resolved. I guess it is my style to find people I trust, then to do business with them over the long haul. Price matters, but I think there is a lot of additional value in someone who look after you, and especially when you are a newbie.