Walked into the kite loft yesterday and was looking at a Rush 3(?) kite. I really want to, at least I think I want to get into power kiting. I am 6' 190lbs. Any ideas on the size kite I should be looking at. The winds tend to be around 10-15mph. I would use on land(sand) more then water.


Thanks

don't know the rush but for starting go for something like a 3 mtr beamer or buster. They are good to start with and when on buggy or board make good high wind kite.

Can all kites cross over from land to water, or are they different. Sorry for all the rookie questions.

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=1985

This will help answer a LOT of your basic questions in one place!

No worries on the questions. Welcome
The Rush 3 is a two line kite. It is designed to be able to be teased off the ground for re-launch without assistance following a crash - something not all 2-line kites can do.
The Rush 3 PRo series are 3-line kites. the third center line leads to a brake bridle on the trailing edge. Makes landing easier and more graceful than a 2-line (always a crash) and makes relaunches easier.

These are examples of open-cell, ram-air foils. When they hit the water, they turn into laundry on a string. For cross-over water use, you need an inflatable or closed cell foil. A great choice in this category for beginners (the only choice) is the HQ Hydra. It is a closed cell inflatable with one-way valves in the front air intakes. After the kite self inflates on launch, the valves stay closed so the kite will float on water and can be re-launched. It is a 3-line kite. It will not get you up on a board but is good for playing in the surf and basic body dragging. It is a very popular kite for training for kiteboarding (on the water), but is a great general recreational kite, too.

Other types of inflatable kites for the water are much larger, more complicated and not suitable for first timers, at least without pro training.

If your budget will allow, consider a 4-line kite such as (in no real order)...
Peter Lynn Hornet 3.0 meter
HQ Beamer IV 3.0 meter
Flexifoil Sting 3.3 meter
Ozone Flow 3.0 meter

These are good all-around kites that will last you a while. They are land-only kites though, as they are open cell.
If you really want the water use as well, the Hydra is about the only choice for entry level.

second angus, go straight for 3m 4-line kite. The first two picks are the best. If you love this sport, a 3m 4-line will always have a place. 2-line kites are for kids, really, except for one monster that is still sold in france and something called the peek by the inimitable peter lynn.

given that you're open to land, I'd get skills going on the 3m, and when you're confident flying that kite in a wide range of wind speeds,you'll know much better what to get next.

there's no better foundation. yes, it doesn't have a bar. 4 lines on handles will teach you far more than 4 lines on a bar, save that for later when you are ready for a big depower kite of some sort, depowers must fly on bars not handles.

just IMHO of course, do your research and make your decision.

feel free to U2U me if you are in any doubt and want a second opinion.

buy the hornet right now and you will be happy (until the next kite, in weeks if not days if you get truly hooked), i guarantee it!

I'd personally recommend finding kiters in your area. See what they are flying. Get some flight time in with them if possible. You can never go wrong with a 3m fixed-bridle kite (like the ones listed above). Even for my friends interested in learning how to kitesurf, I recommend time on a fixed bridge to learn the window and other essential kite flying skills. Best of luck to ya.

and some more...



you'll learn more with a kiter on a spot somewhere in an hour than you will in a week of lurking on the web, imho...

hot tips: the land guys are usually friendlier than the water guys. the smaller the kite for the conditions, the more open they are likely to be, although anybody flying power kites on land can be friendly at any time! beware!

any of the 4 kites angus mentioned should work--ozone flow is a nice kite--i flew the 5m--

Welcome aboard!

I am your weight and height and the 3m is perfect for starting out and I use mine to landboard with strong winds.

Warning!: once you've tapped the power of traction kiting, you will be hooked.:bouncy:

Keep us posted on your kite selection and progress.

PS. The best place to buy a kite is from one of the guys on the forum...

Yep 3m would be good, thats what size i started on.

Welcome to the fold . I have never seen anyone fly a power kite and put it down and say that "it sucked". Quite the opposite.
Dont rush into it, take your time. You have the rest of your life to get more and bigger kites. The folks on this forum are very helpful. Listen to the "old timers" ,they have been there ,done that.
Get safety gear ASAP,even little kites can kick your butt. I have a 2M ace and it will hurt you in high winds. It can snatch you up like you weigh nothing, but it has no float, so it drops you like a rock! Be safe , have fun!

I would agree with what the other have said about getting a 3 meter. I am currently selling a used 3 meter in the 'for sale' section. I am 5'10'' and wiegh 180 lbs in full gear. Even if you didn't want mine I would really recommend getting something in that same range.

I am currently in the process of sending video of me flying my 3 meter to sp4cem0nkey. If you want it too then shoot me an e-mail jshuag(at)gmail.com

It might give you an idea of how a 3 meter flies.

I also have a 3m for sale in the For Sale section. And for a new kiter I'd be willing to knock the price down a little bit.

Hi I'm new to this and in the same position of not having a kite but VERY close to dropping some cash soon. I think the forum is a great please to start and I have already had some brilliant advice from people with vast amounts of experience.

I'm looking at a 3.5m Flexifoil Rage as my 1st kite and I'll be starting off on handles. This was my first choice and I've had it confirmed by other forum users as a good starting point.

I think I'll be sticking to the advice given to me as it is a lot of money to spend on taking a punt.

Welcome to the both of you! Good luck in your search for that first new kite.

Once you get this down, your hooked. Fly safe and you will enjoy the sport as much as we do!

Choose wisely and watch your quiver grow!

So Skip, Kite Loft! Where you in O.C. on vaca or do you live close to O.C.