The choices of gear do my head, help!!

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patrickgc
patrickgc
1 posts
1 posts
8 Jan 2011 5:50pm
Hi there,

I had my first lessons a few weeks ago just to see whether kitesurfing would be something for me and well I loved it. I did the lessons together with a mate of mine who has a 12m Caprina Convert and a Caprina board (144 or something huge). He is 95 kg and quite tall while I am just over 70kg.

So we have been using his kite and it feels a tick to big for me with the winds we had lately. I have been looking at some gear for me but need some help. A local shop has a used 2010 Caprina Nomad 11m but they reckon that this would be a good kite for flat water and my size.... any suggestions? Another shop reckons most guys go for 12m kites these days.

What would be a good beginner size for board and kite for me? Are some brand better suited then others?

Thanks in advance

Patrick
kyteryder
kyteryder
NSW
692 posts
NSW, 692 posts
9 Jan 2011 9:06am
Patrick,

I am presuming you are on the east coast. A kite between 10m-11m would be a good size to start out as your main kite. Should get you going from around 15-16knots with a top range of 24 knots, (top range will increase as you get better). I am around 70kg, and the bottom end won't change too much on the 12m, but you will struggle to hold on in stronger winds.
The Cabrinha Nomad, is a kite that needs to be used in a slightly stronger wind, or use a size up. The Nomad, is Cabrinha's answer for a more dedicated wave kite. If you never go out in waves, then there may be a better kite for you. I ride the switchblade, and find it great in the flat water, and waves. It depends on the type of kiting you think you want to get into, some are suited for some disciplines more than others.

It is confusing as each company puts out a few different styles, and the are heaps of brands too choose from. Everyone is probably going to say demo a few different kites, and see what suits you, though I think when you are learning, this is a harder feat to achieve, as most people are struggling just to hold the kite comfortably in the air. I would recommend talking to the shops, and don't just ask the questions on what they have 2nd hand, ask questions based on the types of places you will be kiting, your size, etc.

Good luck

KR
NSW, 4382 posts
9 Jan 2011 9:28am
At your weight you would be better off with a 10/11M kite.
Its all about your weight as you already seem to realise. You want a kite that has lots of depower when you let go of the bar, simple easy pull one rear line relaunch, good stability and safety system.

There are many kites that fit your requirements, including Cabrinha Switchblade and Convert. Cabrinha Nomad is a little harder to relaunch than the 2 models above although its easy when its windy.

Slingshot RPM, Rally or even an Octane or RevII, Best Waroo, Ozone Catalyst or C4 (C4 has a bit less bar depower) Airush Lithium, Core Riot XR, are all suitable too.

SurfConnect
SurfConnect
QLD
1674 posts
QLD, 1674 posts
9 Jan 2011 9:50am
For you weight a 10/11m will give you the most kiting time, if you reside in the Brisbane, Sunshine or the Gold Coast. Have enough lessons till you are comfortable and know how to handle setting up, launching, landing and basic flying skills with ease. We have brand new 2010 packages (everything you need - kite, board, harness, bar & lines, pump, leash) with 6 hour lessons for $2150 all inclusive. We have 11 brands for you to choose from. Drop into the shop at Sandgate and take a browse.
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