The typical progression is to start with a 3m, then to a 5m. That will suit a great many conditions (you can be comfortable going a little bigger due to your stature). From there it will be a matter of whether you miss out of flying because winds are too HIGH or too LOW. If you end up sitting out because you have too much wind, you will likely choose to pick up something smaller than 3m (1.5-2m). If you find yourself sitting out because your have too little wind, you will likely choose to pick up something bigger (in the 7-8m range). On another note, if you decide to move into depower, most people pick up something in the 8-10m range to start depower. (depower kites run larger for comparable wind speeds), and then progress in sizes from there. Many people feel comfortable moving to depower kites after a good deal of using and abusing their first and second kites.

There are no rules, but this is how most people go about it.

First and foremost, swallow some pride and take a big slice of humble pie, because regardless of how much you think you know and regardless of your level of experience, respecting the fact that these kites are NOT toys and can seriously injure or possibly kill you is tantamount.

Be careful, enjoy, and welcome to the addiction.

That kite jumping vid that always creeps me out. :o

No Helmet=Nothing worth protecting. Who say's there's no natural selection these days?

Here's my 2 cents. Forget buying a trainer. We've all but abandoned trainers in our school because there are small depower options that do the same job, are safer and don't generate any confusion when switching from a FB to Depow as the student progresses. A fixed bridle trainer isn't going to handle as broad a wind range as a depower or be as friendly in the gusts and there are 4m and 5m Depower options that pull like a 3m fixed bridle out there that are less likely to wreck you in a gust.

Ozone Access, HQ Apex, Peter Lynn Lynx and soon the Peak2 in smaller sizes will all provide you with some sense of lift and allow you to get a feel for flying the kite before you move to a bigger size that has some lift.

You aren't going to be able to safely jump on smaller kites. You can't fight physics. Sure in the right winds even a small kite will get you enough altitude to make you smile. But that smile will go fast when the thing drops you from 12 feet up.

911, You already know how to surf so to me the natural progression is to take a kitesurf lesson and start hucking your carcass on the water. Get your jumping skills dialed there and then start playing with hucking on land.

Btw. I'm 210 lbs and one of the worst beatings I've taken from a kite was on a 3m Ozone Samurai fixed bridle trainer.

hi Feyd.. and everyone else.

I am placing my order next week for a power kite and just want to know..

is there much difference between a 3m Ozone and a 4m Ozone kite? I mean does 1 metre make a world of difference or is it only a subtle feeling?
The biggest size for Ozone Octane is 5m.. I am wondering if this results in much difference over a 4m? I know you guys want me to start small... but is 1 metre smaller or bigger result in any noticable difference?

In 15mph winds I can fly my 3m Twister fast through the power zone and get some nice scuds and a good work out.

But I tried my buddy's 4m Twister on the same day and it was too much, it just dragged me way too much.

But in 12mph the 3m would probably be a bit tame and the 4m would be perfect.

You WILL be getting many more kites, so start small and don't sweat it. It's not like a 3m kite will become redundant....get a good model that will last (ozone like you have already decided) and it will serve you well in high winds as well as learning on in low winds!

1 sq metre = 10.7sq ft

I don't remember if you said where you are located, but you should really try to get together with someone that has been at this for a while. They will likely have different sized kites you could try under the same conditions, and that will tell you a lot. There will be enough difference between a 3M and a 5M in the same wind, to make you want to fly or not(as caution dictates). A quality 3M will always be in your quiver, to use in high winds or teach a newbie in 10-15. Good luck, have fun, and get a helmet!