Hey. Use the search function to check out plenty of threads concerning gear for various weights and conditions. First off though, look into lessons. I would also suggest getting hold of the latest version of the Progression series of DVD's. Watch them over and over and your lessons will make more sense and you will pick things up quicker (hopefully).

Hmmm not so sure those "Progression DVDs" are really that good, or to put it this way - they don't "reflect" our Vic conditions.
Our conditions are choppy at best and one would have to find locations with rock walls or sand bars for flat calm and yet windy conditions (Inverloch comes to mind). Otherwise it's choppy and harder for beginners to learn (especially Altona).
The Progression DVDs are fantastic to look at especially as they were filmed in exotic locations like Egypt, but really they don't resemble the conditions we have and it's not as easy as they show on how to water - start.
The best advice has already been mentioned - get lessons, practice at the right locations with the right conditions and make sure you have the right equipment so you are not overpowered. Just get professional advice and training and yeah a trainer kite is a great way to practice kite control - number 1 priority really.

xxxseraaphim, at this time of year in VIC you should not consider learning to fly larger inflatables kites or looking for gear....Trainer kite and DVD is the way to go when wanting to get started in winter time, unless of course you head up to FNQ for some quality winds and lessons between now and September. The DVD will never replace quality instruction but will greatly facilitate your learning process and you will find it much easier to keep up with the pace of the lessons. There is a lot to know about kiteboarding if you want to get into it safely and ultimately be completely independent. Most lessons I watched are very fast paced where most students will only remember bits and pieces from being talked to non-stop for 2 hours. This is exactly where the DVD is most useful. Just watch ( a couple of times) the first Hour and a Half of the 2nd edition of the beginner progression DVD (anything before the water start). That and a couple hours of trainer kite will make you save on the cost of at least one 2H + lesson.

Good luck and stay safe!

Kazan said...

Hmmm not so sure those "Progression DVDs" are really that good, or to put it this way - they don't "reflect" our Vic conditions.

yeah true not our conditions (nowhere I've found in WA like that either), but I found them super helpful as I'm just learning and to rock out to my lessons having watched them closely, I understood what the instructor was talking about much easier. that's all..