I'm looking for a Trainer kite as an intro to kitesurfing.

Would prefer something of a decent size(3m or so) as it might be a while before I can afford lessons.

HQ Hydra 350 would be ideal, but open to suggestions.

Thanks

If your plan is simply to learn to fly and you don't "need" to use the kite on water, then might I shamelessly recommend my 4.5 Yeti for sale here http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=22095. Its a great size for learning and if you engage in any land based activity it will have a much better range then the hydra.

I've got to echo the "need" to use a kite in the water, however I think before you jump in and spend a whole bunch on a kite like a Gin or an HQ Hydra the question needs to be asked. What do you fly now? Big difference between the fixed bridle Hydra and the depower Gin Yeti. (you need a harness to use the depower on the Yeti) if you just want to learn the kite skills with a bar there are better, easier trainers than the Hydra for a beginner. :wee:

I had a hydra 350 as my first kite. Great kite, but I never used it in the water so the "water" aspect was redundant. I would probably go with a scout 2 or a prism tensor if I could go back in time just because they are still two line kites (easier) and are slightly bigger. The prism tensor would allow you to experience bar and handle flying with just one kite. If you aren't going to use the kite in the water, don't get a hydra, it's not worth the extra $$. However, if you have easy access to a windy water spot, then the hydra is the way to go.

Getting into depowerable kites (control bar with 4 lines) right from the start might be too complicated and frustrate you if you are learning it by yourself. Two line kites usually even come with the lines attached, all ready to fly; depower kites require a harness, tuning, and are generally more complicated. Also, being attached to a kite via a harness when you don't know what you are doing is not a good idea. With the hydra, I could let go of the bar and the kite would fall out of the sky. Letting go of the bar seems like anyone's first gut instinct anyways if it suddenly overpowers you.

Good points, all.

The reason I was thinking the Hydra is that I live in Florida and am walking distance to beaches and shallow water areas. I don't fly anything right now, and have been renting trainer kites from time to time.

I expect the Hydra would be able to body drag me around a bit or use the kayak/paddleboard.

Its not a necessity to be a water capable kite, but it would be helpful in my case.

Winds vary from 8-20 most of the year and I've had no problem handling the 3m trainers recently.

u2u sent