Hi all

I have brought my question here as I kinda got laughed out of the gear review forum (could of worded my question better I guess)

What is a good kite to get started on that will see me through to intermediate and beyond? I have been thinking maybe a switchblade because from what I can gather these kites have really good depower.

Just chasing some good advice.

Cheers

Gday Scotty,fair ? as i had no idea as to what sort of kite i should start on either.Heres may two cents worth, as i see it.Firstly new/old.There is a tone of good quality second hand gear out there.Your first kites gonna cop a flogging.I would try to purchase at least 2 kites to start with.Your instructor should be able to advise you on what sizes are best for your weight and the local conditions(have met plenty of beginners with only one kite and they are only able to ride in certain conditions)Next thing is the safety system on the kite.I had a five line kite to start with.This saved my ass acouple of times.t is a very big thing.I dont ride this kite anymore,but i can appreciate its value.I would also only worry about a kite that im only going to ride for acouple of years.Over this time you will have decided what sort of style your after (wave/freestyle). You should be at an intermediate by this stage.On the subject of depower,most kites all have a certain range of depower,but as stated before,two kites will give you a bigger wind window to go kiting in.On what sort of brand.havent ready to many negative comments about any particular brand.so cabs,north,bws,etc all good .Talk to as many people about what they ride.all the best.cheers

Hi Scotty, welcome to seabreeze. Sorry about taking the piss out of your last post, but when there is an opportunity, you know how it is.

Almost every manufacturer out there has a model suitable for beginners in their range. The best thing to do is find out what is sold in your local area. You mentioned the switchblade and this is suitable to learn on, but there is more to a good kite to learn on than just good de-power. Get to know your local kite shop, even if you are after a second hand model.
The size of kite you get is also important as is where you kite.
So how much do you weigh? where will you be kiteing? and what style of kitesurfing do you see yourself progressing into?
You will need to get some lessons before you use your kite, if you haven't already, so your instructor should be able to help. Most schools are also run by shops or are affiliated to shops, so you may be able to get a deal with the kite, board and lessons.
If you let us know where you are and someone will be able to recommend a school .

Thanks for the info guys. I weigh 85kg and I'll be doing most of my kiting around the Sandgate/Redcliffe areas. Sorry everyone around there another learner to negotiate lol.

I was thinking of going for lessons with kitepower at clontarf. Haven't really heard anything good or bad about any of the schools around here, so it would be great if anyone has anything to say about those schools.