So I am very new to power kiting, I only have one kite a scout II 3m. But I am loving flying when I can. I live in Buffalo, NY not to far from the water front so on a nice windy day I can get down there and fly my kite a bit. This is the first time I am looking forward to a winter that I can try out snow kiting. I never thought I would say this but my scout may not last two long before I want to go on to bigger and better things. I am limited as to the type of kiting I can do seeing how I dont have a ton of space nor do I have a buggy, board or skates. (one day, fingers crossed, I will have one of these when the student loans are paid off) so my question is what would be the best next kite for me. I don't have a ton of money and I am new to this but I dont want to get something that I will out grow fast either. I would love some advice

buy the first thing you can find even if you cant afford it...kiters creed

do you have skis?of any kind?
If so, try that with your 3M.
good kites are big$$$$ unless you find someone on this form who is hard-up for cash.
Keep looking, something will come up.

I do have skis they are down hill racing skis that I really suck at but still can't wait till next winter to try it. Never though I would be looking forward to a buffalo winter but there you go

You can get a used Apex for a song and a dance. 7.5 m or a 10m are typically the best beginner sizes. You'll need a harness for those depower kites, though. Of course, you'll eventually need a harness anyway, so start keeping your eyes out for cheap used ones. Don't buy anything new -- the market is great for getting used kites. See if you can sock away enough to get something like this:

1. Used Landboard or Skis or Skates ~ $200
- or -
1. Used Buggy ~ $500 or so (depending)
2. Used Harness ~ $50-100
3. Used 7-10m Depower ~ $300-400
- or -
3. Used 5m+ Fixed Bridle ~ $300 - 400

So save up around $600 and you should be set with a used depower, harness and board. Check out this for sale section, ikitesurf.com and your local craigslist for deals. The cheap kites will be older model Peter Lynn Arcs, HQ Apex, and inflatables.

Hope that helps.

Best thing you can do by far is to try and hook up with local kiters. Seeing what they are flying and why will help you a lot deciding.

Unless you see yourself in a buggy or simply static flying I would send you toward depower kites. Sounds like snow is the most likely way you will get moving in the near future ?

If I am correct and your Scout has 4 equal fly lines then I would suggest investing in a set of handles. They can be found cheap . If you post a wanted add on here somebody is likely to have a used set they will sell. They can also be home made if you are a bit DIY ? Next get a harness and start flying hooked in. Adding handles and a harness will keep you progressing through the summer, If you can find about $300 by winter I would search for a used depower .

PS you have a U2U message in your in box that I sent sort of on this topic.

Thanks for all of your help guys with my kite, I was able to get out and fly my scout today for about two hours. Since adjusting the lines I was able to get the kite to its zenith and had much more control over the kite itself. However I did notice one thing and it could just be the fact that the wind was not as strong today but I did not have the pull it had before it seemed that the back ends of the kite are cupped a little to much causing some drag and the kite not flying at its full strength but I could be mistaken.