VIC
6 posts
What is the best gear to start with.
level: just starting
conditions: 12knots - 20
weight: 71Kg
Location: Bay
Would 12m Cabrinha Convert with 148 Prodigy board be a start.
Lessons, what is the best go with this, any recommendations, schools, instructors etc?
Thanks,
47 posts
Hey mate,
at 71kg that equipment you were talking about is pretty big. You could get away with it in the lighter winds but if you're kiting in Port Phillip Bay you'll be looking at Seabreezes of 15-20ish and winter frontal winds of whatever it gets to.
I'd be suggesting you look at 10 or 11m kites and a board around the 135 mark. 148 is like a boat. Great for super light winds but you'll grow out of it in no time. As long as the board is around the 135x40 mark you'll be set.
In terms of kites the convert as you suggested is similar to the Slingshot T3 in that it's going to be super easy to relaunch etc. (ie. great for learning) however it is also a very slow kite, therefore you'll grow out of it quickly.
If you want some reccommendations on kites etc. shoot me a PM.
Chris
Kite Republic
47 posts
Regarding lessons Kite Republic is the way to go as well. Not a great time to get into water lessons at the moment due to the inconsistent winds however when it's right we'll get you out there and if you're keen to build the skills and have a blast landboarding or snowkiting over winter let me know.
VIC
6 posts
Thanks Chris for your response.
I have a landboard & 2M trainer kite, I'll have to give that a go.
My choice in kite size would be 10m, the smaller I can get away with the better, though still want light wind performance. Choice then would be switchblade or a Sligshot ??? & a second 135 board.
Unfortunately I will need to wait till the season comes around, then budget for lessons, kite & board. How much do you think I will need to budget for? (going by your kite/board/lesson selection).
Many thanks,
VIC
760 posts
Kite Republic do a great deal that if you buy a package (kite, board & harness) you get 'unlimited' included lessons. $2600-2800 for the full package and that'll get you on the water with as much instruction as you could want or need; but those prices are a bit old now... but i'm sure Chris / John will hook you up with some great gear, and have you headed in the right direction in no time.
Winter can be a bit of a rough time to learn though, but it'll make you appreciate the summer that little bit more when it eventually gets here!
VIC
1614 posts
bleh! enough pimping. if you're on a budget, and even if you're not, it seems kinda stoopid to blow upward of two and a half grand on your first setup when the market is saturated with great used gear at about one third (2008) or half (2009) of new price. kite for $800 and a board for $500 should be easy to find. get a new harness though, and be sure to try a few to find the comfiest one for your size and shape.
have lessons yes! but don't be held to ransom by a shop (and i mean any shop, i have no affiliation) who says you have to buy a package to have lessons with them. some shops say that noobies have to have lessons with them or they won't sell you a kite. there is a sensible safety ethos mixed in with that commercialism, but to spin it 'round to "every beginner should get the package" is just silly. every beginner should have lessons and be free to buy whatever gear their research points to.
as for size, yep, as other posters suggested, the cab combo you mentioned will be too big. plenty of nice 9 or 10 metre used kites in excellent condition, just search the gear reviews for 2008 and 2009 models, and any of the used boards from 134 to 140 will be fine.
once you've had lessons and are heading out yourself, especially in winter, check what size kites others are using before hitting the water. if skilled guys your size are powered on 9ms, sit on the beach, watch, and learn rather than get a beating on your ten. whatever kite you buy there will be days you are underpowered and days you are overpowered, but a 10m will be a happy medium.
