Hi All,
I moved over to Melb almost a year ago, and basically haven't kited since I got here (mainly due to work getting in the way). I was a beginner in Perth and got to being ok on down-winders once I realised I should look where I'm going and not at my kite....Anyway, I'm a bit nervous about getting out there again.

I think some of it stems from some initial bad advice from a teacher who suggested I buy a 12m kite in Perth which meant I ended up getting smacked and dragged around a fair bit by it due to the pretty high winds they get there. Very rare to have sub 20-25knots which is basically when I can only use the 12m...

So I think I'm gonna do a refresher lesson, or perhaps even my whole IKO Beginner Level again just to get my confidence back....or hire/buy a trainer kite to get used to the power again...Just wondering if anyone has been in the same semi-nervous position after being out for a while?

And from the wind speeds I seem to see in Vic (I live in Mt Albert North, so am aiming roughly to go around St Kilda towards Mentone etc. but not sure..), a 12m kite looks like it would do for pretty much all conditions!?

A 12m will not do all conditions. No kite will do all conditions, but if you can only have one kite the 12m is an OK choice for Melbourne if you're 80-90kg or so. Be sure to have a look at what size kites others are on before you head out. If guys your size are on smaller than 10m kites, probably best to just watch and learn from the safety of the beach. Melbourne averages lighter wind than Perth, but we still get plenty of gnarly days when a 12 will be a liability.

(Unless you're 120kg, the teacher who suggested a 12m as a one-kite quiver for Perth needs a talking to.)

At the risk of being a bit controversial, I'll say that yes, having the right gear for the conditions and having adequate instruction will make a big difference, but it may also end up that this sport isn't your cup of tea. I'm not of the opinion that everyone should kite. It's an accessible sport, but fundamentally you have to be up for some sh!tscared moments at every stage of the learning curve. If not, there are plenty of other good sports.

As an additional bonus, once you are up and happening again, you can join the Surrey Hills kitesurfing club (established 2009) with Pete and I !