Hey guys and girls,

So I am yet another guy looking to get into this sick looking sport that is kiteboarding. I have a cousin who's mad on the sport and, well, it just looks like epic fun.

That being said, I've obviously seen and comprehend some of the hazards that come hand in hand with the sport, hence my signing up and this post really.. Was just looking for any friendly advice that you guys might have to give, and thanks in advance!! Definitely wanna get some decent lessons and do it right from the beginning.

I've just moved from QLD to VIC for uni and I've got a background in surfing and quite a bit of wakeboarding having grown up on the gold coast. So I'm hoping a lot of the board skills will transfer.. would I be somewhat right here? Flying kites on the other hand is where I'm really going to need to develop my skills.

That in mind, I was after any advice on kite schools. I've been reading through the forums and getting mixed reviews on the system/ various schools/ seemingly commercialised/'money grabbing' way the schools are run?? any input would be appreciated.

As I've just moved interstate I'm not really gonna have any kiting buddies to get out riding with and get advice from etc. but I was kinda getting the impression kiting is a pretty friendly/welcoming community and making friends to get out isn't so hard? (so long as you're not a complete donkey!!) haha

another question regarding VIC. What is the chance my QLD blood will survive winter kiting?? Do many people get out kiting in winter and what kinda gear are you rocking? Just a thick steamer?

Another noob question, are winds generally a lot lighter in winter? And on a similar note, I weigh 80kg. Is it likely something like a 7m and 11m kite would get me everything i need? Or is an 11m kite gonna be too powerful for a beginner?

And would riding a 138 liquid force watson wakeboard (no fins, and its pretty slippery) be advisable for me?

Thanks in advance for anyone who has the time to shed any light for me!

Cheers
Simon

The watson hybrid is what I ride, but you would definitely want to invest in a proper kite board with straps for your first 6 months minimum.
11 would definitely be your go to kite most of summer and then get a 9/8

Welcome mate. A word of warning - this sport is very addictive! I will let the experts discuss boards and kite sizes, but in terms of schools, gokite on st kilda beach are great. Kate and Jim had me riding in 5hours and I still see them each time I head down for a session - great guys.

It's a friendly community for sure. Always someone willing to give you some advice or help launch/land etc - a lot more hospitable than surfing (which I've done for 20 years).

Happy days and enjoy.

Hey all,

just a collective thank you to everyone who has given us some advice!

Have definitely got a whole lot to think about!

Hope everyone has a great new year and def looking forward to meeting some kiters, and hopefully soon (once I get back to Melbourne) putting a kite of my own in the air!

Simon

Getting lessons is essential. I think its like learning to drive a car or motorbike - there is a lot of power in a kite.

Ask around to get recommendations on the best kitesurfing school to use - they have different techniques and instructors.

Make sure they teach you self rescue and safety procedures. If they say they don't do this then find another school.

Once you have 3-5 lessons you can continue to learn yourself, but be aware that close to or on the shore is the most dangerous place to be with a kite. Its best to have a buddy around keeping and eye on you and to assist if you need it.

Winter is great fun once you have some experience and can handle frontal winds. I use a 3/2 wetsuit too.

Melbourne is one of the best places in the world for kitesurfing - the bay provides locations for every wind direction if you are happy to travel.