Where ya at? Perhaps a local member can help steer you correct, give ya a bit of a hand!
If you have seen it and think you want to give it a go, the absolute cheapest way is to take a lesson, and see if the bug has really bit ya! If you
decide this sport is for you, most people would recommend a 3-4m kite to learn on and practice basic kite piloting skills. 4m is enough to get you
dragged around and really catch the power kite illness.
Most would not recommend
a larger kite than 4m for any new pilot, regardless of size, because even that 4m can pick your near 300lbs up and put it down hard and painfully!
Welcome to PKF and I hope we get to see you flying soon!
Tide? What's a tide? Man, it's 1000 miles to any ocean.