Hi there, I'm looking into taking up Kite Surfing. I'm going to get some lessons booked however in the mean time I was given the advice that before I go to the lessons it would be best if I learn how to fly a kite first so I'll be able to progress more quickly. I've seen a number of kites and don't really know what would be the best kite to learn on for this. My local shop had the HQ Symphony's in stock.

http://www.skyhighkites.co.uk/power-kites.asp?pid=PK13

Would this be a good kite to go for to learn the basics of kite flying or would it be better to go for a 4 line kite? I've seena Flexifoil viper and Flexifoil bullet on ebay. The other kite which I thought might be suitable is the HQ Rush learner power kite.

http://www.skyhighkites.co.uk/power-kites.asp?pid=PK20

This is dual line with a control bar.
Any advice appreciated. Thanks, Ben.

Personally, I would and did start with the duo control because you will need to learn the control aspects of the kite in general. You will need to learn how to use the force of the wind, how to anticipate what the wind is about to do by feeling it on the back of your neck first. Depending on how much wind you have, you will learn the meaning of the phrase. “May the force be with you!” You will most assuredly learn respect for the wind, after it has dragged you across the field. When you can fly the kite with your eyes closed, which includes doing tricks; then move up to quad control. Good Luck with what ever your choices are, at least you have the good sense to start with something small.

Thanks for the advice Tigger.
In that case I think I'll go for one of those HQ Symphony 2.2M kites. Hopefully I'll be able to get the hang of it quite quickly so I can then move up to the big boys.

If you never plan on using handles. (kitesurfing kites are on bars) Then I would learn on a bar. There is no reason to get used to one thing, then switch to another. I know there are some lei kites (tube kites for kitesurfing) that are in the 3-5 meter range for training. You may take a look around for one of these.

Scoop

The HQ rush is a good trainer kite 2M in size. Also the beamer TSR Ozone Imps are great, Anything in that range works fine for a trainer but like Scoopy said try to get one with a bar. thats what you will be on when kitesurfing.
The other option is if you want to use a kite as a trainer and you would also use it as a traction kite for buggy, board whatever you could get a larger 4 line kite in the 2-4 meter range that can be flown on a bar or handles. Then you could use it to learn and have it for an engine later on for land use. Just an idea to save a little money down the line.