Hi Guys & Girls,
I am new to kiteboarding, had my first lesson on Friday and am hanging for my second lesson tomorrow at 1pm. Just found out my girl doesn't appreciate kite talk in bed, Hmmmph, like what the??? Hence this is why i'm on here already on a Sunday morning.
Could anyone please steer me in the right direction. I'm approx 5'7" around 80kgs. what sort of kite should I be looking for? I have read reviews on a few, but they all sound good.
I'm going to buy a second hand kite for my first season. From a friend of a friend I can get a 06 Naish boxer C kite (no damage) for around $350... but before doing that, i'd like some recommendations from you guys who are out there...
H E L P
make sure the kite has a 5th line this will make the kite depower and give you added saftey to the kite, you might want to invest a bit of money into a new SLE Hybrid or a bow kite these are the best for learning and will have a bigger wind range than you average c kite and you will find it will probably last you for around 2 seasons before you think of selling again. spend the money now rather than later.
have a quick look on the site for some selling items from 08 these will a bit more expensive but as i said before its worth spending the money, its like buying a car do you buy the $300 that will break down and cost you more than you paid for it? or the $1000 which will serve you better?
if u feel like you want to save a bit of money, you wont because as soon as you buy your first kite, you will be coming back for more. most people on this site have the addiction already and they will tell you to stop before you sell everything (including you children, car and wife (jokes).
if you want to know a little more about kite types try this link http://www.esperance-kiters.com.au/?L=ezine.index&id=5
about c, hybrids, bows and foils.
i would go a fifth line hybrid of some sort to learn on if i was you, i have a 12 meter rebel on seabreeze buy and sell... the 08 rebels a more a flat hybrid type of kite. it would be suitable for your weight and beginners ability from 14 knots to 20 i would imagine.
what size kite is the boxer you interested in?
Poor safety system??
I love the way ppl bash a C kite without warrant.
When you release the chicken loop on a C kite it will totally flag to the 5th line or one of the side lines, what could be safer than that??
The truth of the matter is the rider must have the presence of mind to pull the QR where on a bow or SLE just releasing the bar "usually" does the job.
I would look at the style of riding you want to achieve in the long term and aim to find a kite to suit that style, then work to your budget.
Jas
Briskites
My brother had a Boxer Kite, 12m (I think it was 06)
It had two setups for the bar, which he had setup in 2:1 for more depower.
He liked it, found it to be stable and safe. The only fault I had with it is I found the bar pressure very heavy. I had one session on it and ended up with tennis elbow, which I didnt have previously.
blade vertigo awesome 5 line hybrid you will freakin love them, the jews really know how to make a kite!
and at the moment the 08s are running at 800-1000 bucks for complete kit
check them out at www.bladekites.com
or msg hobie on here he will do ya a good deal
MrWiz the 06 Naish boxer is a pretty good beginner kite, the 9m flys well and is fast in the air, it is a gutsy little kite, there is nothing wrong with the safety system on this kite, it is true the bar pressure is pretty heavy and you could find it hard on your elbows after a while, and it doesn't have great wind range.
That said a newer bow kite would be easier progression and better relaunch than the boxer but if it's down to bucks being your decider there is no harm in learning on that naishi mate.
Thanks guys for your thoughts...
I have decided to go with an 08 Rebel, I'm told by a mate and a shop keeper that doesn't have one to sell me that they are great.
Now looking for a new on here or O/S.
4 hours till second lesson, YAY!