Hello, so I'm thinking about starting to do this sport. I have three questions at first: how much would it cost summing everything to start with a beginner kit for kite landboarding? Is it true that crowded beaches are impossible to kite on? What does "ATB" mean? Thanks in advance.

all terrain board=ATB
used kite 200$, used ATB 100$
no kiting in crowds...no putting others or access in jeopardy

Don't kite on beaches with crowds. Even if you are an experienced kiter, people are stupid and will get in your way and get themselves hurt, and it will always be your fault. $300-$400 will get you started with a used 3m quad line kite and mountain board.

Quote: Originally posted by abkayak

all terrain board=ATB used kite 200$, used ATB 100$ no kiting in crowds...no putting others or access in jeopardy

Thanks for the fast reply!

whoa slow down and enjoy the adventure. Start off with a kite. Have fun learning and flying the crap out of it for a few weeks then add the board. Spread the fun out a little :D

Quote: Originally posted by ssayre

whoa slow down and enjoy the adventure. Start off with a kite. Have fun learning and flying the crap out of it for a few weeks then add the board. Spread the fun out a little :D

True that! A good dose of static flying will do you a world of good laying in the foundation. You'll read a lot on this Forum about "muscle memory", being able to "fly with your eyes closed" etc. These chestnuts come from folks that truly know what they are talking about. I owned three FB four line kites for a number of years before I began to go mobile this year. Not saying it needs to be that long, but man, am I ever glad I really understood how kites worked in the air and how safety systems work before I got ripping around in a buggy (or on a ATB, etc.).

As my father was want to tell me: "Anybody can handle the helm when the sea is calm". I got my butt out of a sling quite a few times this year knowing a bit about flying.

#1 rule - have fun! Two and three: be safe and don't screw up access for others. :D

Budget in some additional funds for helmet (not used) and pads (elbow & knee).

ATB (All The Best ),
Sam

You get what you pay for in this sport. Avoid impulse buying especially on a budget! Avoid buying anything you aren't sure is a quality product from Ebay. It is loaded with cheap toy quality foils. That said, a good deal won't last too long so do some homework on brands and models ahead.

Folks on here will help you choose a good quality used kite and board. If in doubt it won't take long to get an opinion.

The tried and true way to get going with minimum aggravation is to start out shopping for a good quality 3m 4 line foil. Look for HQ, Ozone, PKD, Peter Lynn as far as good brands. Get out flying the 3m and do so until you can fly it without even looking at it. While doing that shop for a good ATB. Like others have mentioned it is WAY easier to think about learning one thing at a time. Knowing what the kite is going to do makes concentrating on the board a whole lot easier.

Now my bad news. NO single kite will do it all. Expect that you will want and possibly need a larger kite once you get in motion. 3m will give you plenty of power but you will need very strong wind to use it as an engine. It is easier to learn the board with a larger kite in lower winds. While learning to fly the 3m you will get a feel for your local wind and have a better idea what size works there. You may need to sell your 3m for a larger kite down the road.

Folks estimates are close to right but you need to factor in shipping. Here is how I would budget. $150 to $200 for a good quality 3m shipped. Get it sooner rather than later. Another $150 to $200 for a decent used board delivered. This may take some time to find? Expect you will want to trade out your 3m shortly after getting the board. You should be able to resell the 3m for very little loss ( other than shipping ) pretty easy.

Most people who ride stand up prefer flying depower kites. These require a harness. So, consider the fact that when you sell the 3m you will probably want to consider moving up to a depower. A used depower kite and harness are going to set you back about $250 + what you get from the 3m? Option B is a larger Fixed Bridle foil and less expensive. Expect to throw in another $100 trading up to FB.

This sport can get spendy! Most of us have at least 3 different sized kites etc. and I am assuming you already have a helmet + pads.

You found a good place to help you make good choices. Feel free to ask away!

ATB Any Time Buddy!



:bigok:

Quote: Originally posted by indigo_wolf

Budget in some additional funds for helmet (not used) and pads (elbow & knee). ATB (All The Best ), Sam

indeed, the sudden reintroduction to gravity, mass in motion and mother earth needs consideration.

I look at it this way: When ATB kiting, you're really doing two sports at once -- piloting your kite, and controlling your board. IMO, not something you want to do BOTH of your first time out. Get good at kiting FIRST, then add then board when you're ready. I did 20+ hours of kiting before I dared add my board to the equation, and I'm glad I did it that way.

i agree w/ everything Blade said....except the part about selling the 3m when it's time for #2 kite
cant have too many 3m kites...so certainly 1 isn't enough

Quote: Originally posted by abkayak

cant have too many 3m kites...so certainly 1 isn't enough

I think I might be the poster child for that notion.

Also had to undergo a 12 step program for Prism Aliens & PKC Phases. :embarrased:

ATB,
Sam

Quote: Originally posted by abkayak

i agree w/ everything Blade said....except the part about selling the 3m when it's time for #2 kite cant have too many 3m kites...so certainly 1 isn't enough

Selling the 3m was only presented as an option because I was hoping to present the cheapest possible method of getting started.

I should have pointed out that if you can afford to hold on to it keeping the 3m is a preferred way to go. Those who can afford to usually do. I guess I was hoping to stress that you can buy and sell a quality 3m kite at very little cost other than shipping. High demand combined with the fact many hold on to their 3m makes trading them easy once you have found one.

Odds are huge that you will want a larger depower kite ( or 2 ) if you get hooked. The sport can be a real money sucker but you can get some very good deals on the used market if you do your homework!

ok...just worried you have a pblm w/ 3m kites
i cant help but notice you dont have one:D

really starting to become irritated that I sold my 3m at this point. may have to fix that soon.

Quote: Originally posted by abkayak

ok...just worried you have a pblm w/ 3m kites i cant help but notice you dont have one:D

Tee Hee! I have had many!

My 2.5 profoil has become my " trainer " foil while serving me well as the last kite I will fly before calling the wind too strong.

I actually feel that 3m is the size that starts to act like a grown up power kite. Anything smaller is like a kid on a sugar rush. All over the place and too quick to react. My old stretched out 2.5 acts more like a kid on ridalin .

I've read some good comments. To summ them up.

1. You get what you pay for
2. Start to learn kiting without a board. (I have seen so many people struggle wanting to it all at once and they totally forget about their surroundings making them dangerous kite flyers)
3. Forget the crowded beach. Go around dinner time or early mornings to learn to fly a kite
4. Keep us posted. We will tell you..we told you so..
5. Learn the wind. You will find your limits.
6. Pay attention to your surrounding. Remeber you're the one with the power kite in your hand. Youbhave a responsibility.
7. Never be afraid to ask questions. Here or when you see another kiter
8. Protection. A helmet can save your brains.

I would suggest in addition to the above - get wristguards.

It's scary (in a good way) how much help is available here for a complete stranger (like I was).

Skie, unless I missed it, you haven't mentioned a couple of things that typically should be taken into account when deciding on gear: your size and your location. Coastal breezes and beaches generally require different options than gusty inland winds and farm fields.

And because it's as comprehensive as it is (thanks Riff), I have a link to this thread bookmarked:
http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=28759

Welcome to the sport :wee: