WA
194 posts
Hey - lookin for a few tips on buying first kite, I have surfed and windsurfed for for 15 years which may help me somewhat. I want to be able to go out in 12-15 when the waves are still clean and it's not windy enough for windsurfing - who knows, might give up windsurfing if I get into it..I think it will compliment and improve my surfing a little more than windsurfing does. I would like to get on a surf board and kite eventually but know I must start from the beginning at first.
I was thinking 12-15m kite would be the go for the light winds? With windsurfing you get wave, freestyle and race sails- I'm sure it's the same for kitesurfing bit I would have no idea by looking at one..
What would be a decent all round package to go for? Can I use my windsurfing harness? I am looking/hoping to progress quickly and be goin well in the surf by the start of next season come November..help is appreciated.
WA
8407 posts
Every brand does a decent starter to intermediate kite IMHO, something like an airush lithium, ozone cat , north rebel, cabrinah switch or contra, these are a bit better in the low end and power dept, something I find important with beginners you need a bit more grunt than not enough, sounds like a wave kite will be your choice when you reach your goal, but when starting they just don't have that drive to get you going unless you go bigger in size or the winds up
WA
194 posts
Cool, I will look out for those but what size though? Am I right in saying 12-15m? I am 85kg if that makes a difference. I would also look at second hand right now and my budget is about $1,500. I guess a twintip board would be the go to start on? I know these may sound like basic questions but I have no idea! Promised myself I will do it so it's gonna happen..
WA
8407 posts
what winds do you get on average, if you were a local here id put you on a 8 in the hight of the season and a 10 or 11 for the marginal, heaps of good deals around , on superseded or ex school kites from your local, and plenty on the buy and sell, get a knowledgable kiter to look at the second hand gear though as the are some dogs around, we live in a high wage state so that means people are cashed up and changing gear well before its used date, if riding waves is your goal the isn't any reason why you couldn't start on a directional, as your used to the feel underfoot
WA
87 posts
I'd recommend before you think about gear you have a lesson or 2. That way you'll be using the school gear (varying kite sizes, etc) in the early stages and you'll be able to get a real feel for the gear you should buy to progress (as well as specific advice on gear from your instructor). In my view lessons will speed your progress in the early stages and, importantly, make you a safer kiter.
From now to the start of next season you can expect some frustrating conditions - as you'd know from windsurfing. Learning to kite in the lower wind ranges and/or when it's gusty provides greater challenges.
Windsurfing and surfing will give you a an understanding of the wind etc and some of the board skills, but don't undersetimate how important kite control is.
Good luck.
