I just bought a a 3m tensor from the forums and I've been using it in around 10mph winds and learning and I'm sort of planning my strategy cause I'd like to get a de-power foil for landboarding and I'm hoping with patience I can get a good deal on a used one. Now my question is this. I'm only 100 pounds and 5' 2" and would like to get something properly sized that would be a good all around kite. Before people advice me on waiting till I get proficient with the tensor let me just say I've gotten plenty scared flying it and have respect for what damage it can inflict so Im no hurry to progress to a de power till I'm good and ready. That being the case I figure I can keep my ear to the ground and hopefully come across a good deal on the proper equipment that I can use in the future.

There are so many different factors other than just your weight. 10 mph takes out some DePower Kites right away as it is not enough wind. DePower need more wind for what they are. Choose a mid size kite to start. not the biggest in the range, not the smallest. This will get you that mid range kite that will stay in your quiver in the future. The smaller ones I fear wont do you much good in the lighter winds. The larger ones ... be safe. Wish you well.

Every kite is the right size: it's the wind that has the variability, and we size our kites for the wind.

A "good all around kite" is really quite a mystery. Do you mean all around different aspects of land boarding (cruising, jumping)? or terrain (grass, sand - soft or hard, asphalt)? or wind conditions...? Eventually, I think the answer is: there isn't one. (Just don't try the Tensor for jumping.)
If you've gotten scared, you're in too much wind. Remember the feeling and know that before you get there it's time to pack that kite away and pull out a smaller one. The same applies with de-power kites. Nobody likes an injury.
Let us know where you are; there's a good chance that there's someone nearby that'll be willing to share knowledge and kites.
Good condition kites at fair prices will be there when you need them; you will always need a helmet.
Have fun!

^^all solid advice^^
Any proper dp kite is so big first time out its really quite intimidating
Do your best to be w/ another kiter on their stuff...you will feel better about it
Or buy an 8m and figure it out yourself...either one

I'm in San francisco near ocean beach. What I meant by the tensor scared me was that I could tell by the pull on it that given the chance and if used irresponsibly one could get hurt. I surf and also ride motorcycles and both of those sports require a certain level of respect for conditions and wisely choosing the right equipment for ones skill level which also seems to be the case with kiting. As far as the kite dimensions what you guys are saying makes sense given conditions and what not. I'd most likely be landboarding on the beach and maybe grass and while I'd love to be able to jump it's not something I'm in any hurry to try since I'm aware of the dangers. Also, how do the types of kites used for kite boarding on water do when used for land sports? Is there a particular model/brand kite that would work for both keeping in mind that if used on water I'd be using it in the ocean.

Welcome.

I think we all understand your enthusiasm and it sounds like you have a real level head.

NO single kite will do it all for you. You sort of need to accept that you will need a few kites and will have to cycle them as you grow in skill and styles if money is tight.

1st of all, when you transition to water you really need to budget some money for lessons. San Fran is not a beginner friendly area and proper instruction is even more important there. LEI are best for learning on water. Not so much on land. Moving to LEI is something to consider down the road but not until you rarely crash your kite.

Having typically light wind and being a light weight ( I am also ) is a real catch 22. We have similar problems in Vancouver. As mentioned very few depower kites handle very low winds well, Those that do are technical and expensive. Big kites are too slow for most parks but nice with long runs like beaches since they build on their own apparent wind. Lately it seems that my most used kite to cover both those situations has been my 18m Phantom. Going from a 3m Tensor straight to an 18m Phantom isn't something I suggest. The thing is, my 15m Synergy just isn't enough in only 10mph wind so recommending an in between kite is tough! ( I am referring to arc style kites that have a much smaller projected area )

I suggest you watch for a closed cell foil about 8 - 10m. You can use it to play in the shallows self teaching body drag and such to dramatically speed up your lessons. The advantage in starting with a faster, smaller kite is that you are forced to learn how to spank it around to force power from it. Knowing how to do that makes you a much better pilot down the road. Around the time you have finished your lessons on water you will know if going to LEI is the right choice for you.

I could be wrong but I don't think you can ride with a kite on Ocean Beach? There are a few folks who ride on land around San Fran . I suggest you make another post looking for local pilots. NOTHING beats meeting up with others.

The winds are lite here most of the year but spring time it gets super windy. This is mainly the reason for the interest in kiting cause once the winds pick up the surf conditions take a dive. I've seen people buggying on ocean beach but only twice in the 12 years I've lived here. I totally get what you guys are saying about having more than one kite. The same holds for surfiboards and it can get addictive and expensive quick. Right now I'm a bit strapped for funds, hence the planning in advance and keeping my eyes peeled and being patient for a deal on a used one. I plan on doing some water lessons but I want to get proficient with a kite so I can save some money on lessons.