Im looking to get into kiteboarding this summer and want a kite i can get a feel for while the winds are light now and will slowly build as the summer comes. The tenso is new purchsed 12/28/13. flown twice. the 12m of course an older kite but also needs a bladder replaced. Also read about the depowering aspect of this older kite, and well it doesn't really. not like the new kites can. Now im not a beginner to to kites or boarding. Just havent done them together. This still a fare deal or not? And 100% yes on a few lessons from local shop on kite rigging,adjustment,and safety. water lessons will have to wait til march-april when they start. any thoughts?

O! and im 6'5 245lbs.

If you feel you made a wrong first purchase...than this would be your second mistake...but i think you should keep the tensor anyway and get some use out of it so what do I know?

12m is kinda small for 245lb guy unless you're wanting to rip it out in 20+ winds.
I'm 210 and rarely fly anything less than 14M, BUT I'm also a lighter-wind guy...and usually fly under 20 mph winds.

I guess 12M would keep you comfortable in the "learning zone" (body dragging and working to get up on board)...

Oh I've done many bladder repairs on my old 2005/6 North Rhinos too...they are kind of a pain...and I've found myself just grabbing the 14M Neo (water foil) or 24M Phantom instead lately.
The older kites are an acquired taste...but the new one's will be MUCH less frustrating to learn on....

The newer designs relaunch SO much better...and you'll need that when starting...

I'd just save up a bit...and get a 2-3 year old 14-16m inflato...or see what the kite school uses...they're your best resource.

What, trade a brand new FB kite for an old C-kite with popped bladder? Just because it's "too small"?
Great trade - for the other guy! I wish I had an old LEI to trade you, but I passed on one FOR FREE.

I fly my Crossfire 3.2 all the time. I have been hauled on several parts of my body downwind by it.
You need more than one kite! You will be in high winds and wish you had kept it!

Are you interested in buggy/MTB/snow at all? The 4.2 will get you going on all those in a decent wind.

With what ive been reading and imformation from all of u. i will keep the kite. true i have not got to feel its true power in good winds yet. Save up for awhile and have two kites. 2 is better then 1. thank u all for your past fourms and input today.

Big points to you for coming on here and asking before trading ! I think you could have made a mistake.

Fly that kite you have like you own it ! It is a good size and will get you moving on snow if the conditions are right.

If water is your goal buy a harness and start flying the tensor hooked in . Learning to take the power from your harness will take you a long way in lessons. Use the kite to learn how to lift yourself from a sitting position up into a riding stance. Learn to fly it one handed without looking at it at all. This will help with getting set up in your board + is just generally important.

You have the perfect kite to train for you lessons in the spring time. Selling it would be a mistake. I suggest you hold on to your money and be ready to buy a kite + board ( + wetsuit and whatever else you will need ) right after you take your lessons. Often the shop will have a good deal on a package for you. At the very least, your instructor will be best to advise you on what gear will work best for you + your location.

If you can become the true master of that kite by spring you will have learned 75% of what they expect in the 1st lesson going in and really get the most out of your lessons ! This gives you and them more time to teach you how to ride the board at the other end !

Since you will need to buy a good helmet to train with , look for one that also works in water.