Hi,

I was looking around the forums at some of the kite stuff and I am still confused as to what size kite to get. I am 130 pounds and want to use the kite for snowkiting and surfkiting. I found a 12m Venom Boa on eBay, but I am not sure if that is too big? Also, can any of the kites be used with a harness, because I think that looks like a more comfortable option for control?

Thanks!

Any kite can be used with a harness but some kites REQUIRE a harness (depowarables, LEIs and kites like the venom require a harness).

As a newer flier, it is safer for you (and others) to not be using a harness - you should have kite killers but not a harness so you can bail out safely.

I don't fly arcs or depowerables so someone else will need to help you with the size but I would say that buying what sounds like your first kite, from someone you don't know on E-bay, with no guarantee that kite will be rigged correctly when you get it, well that could be dangerous. And besides, from what I understand, arcs (like the venom) are more difficult to self launch and land so you likely don't need to be dealing with that as a newer flier.

I'd prefer you start with a 3-4m fixed bridle kite on handles to get the feel of things or a small lower aspect depowerable like an Access or Apex or something. I weigh 145#s and kite ski and kite landboard. My most commonly flown kite is my 5.5m but now that I've got my 4m Bego, that will probably be the most common kite.

You can go bigger if you want but these kites aren't toys. You can get seriously hurt or hurt someone else which is bad for all in the sport and not just the injured.

Do your research and get the right gear (with a lesson if possible). You want to enjoy the experience and not be thoroughly intimidated or worse off injured.

Keep asking the questions though and pick the collective brain of the forums so you can get the best gear that's right for you.

Thanks for the info! I do know about the dangers of kites because I have been flying stunt kites for about ten years. My dad is really into stunt kites and even has some larger parafoils (5-6 foot range I think). I am pretty familiar with controlling kites (including a quad-line stunt kite we have) so I am hoping that will help me learning. I can imagine the power of true traction kites after using the parafoils we have on windy days. I definitely would not to get hit by one of those! I am just trying to decide how much I want to invest in this sport considering I'm not really in an ideal location to go snowkiting everyday. Unless there are some spots in southwestern CT you are aware of? Anyway, thanks for the info!

Not quite sure what you're looking at, The Peter Lynn Venom's come in 13m, pretty sure there is no 12m's. So the brand sounds suspect.

Depending on what sort of kite you're looking at, the size may be right on or may be completely out to lunch. for example, a 13m Venom wouldn't be bad, but my 13m Century would kill you in anything more than a breath of wind.

Yes,
there is something odd about that add. Not only do I not think Venoms ever came as a 12m but I don't recognise the " boa " part either ? ( my f-arc is a 12m ? ) To say nothing for the fact this guy is willing to sell a kite that size to a total noob ( how does he know about your experience ? )
P.L. arcs are very good kites. If you want bang for buck I seem to see some near give aways on older ones. Your on the right track. Perhaps going a bit big for a 1st kite.
Keep looking and keep asking.
There are no stupid questions. Only stupid mistakes!

Keep flying those parafoils until you can do it BLIND. Seriously !

Decided not to get the 12m Venom, I agree it seems suspicious. So will any of the beginner kites let me do some jumps? I would like something where I don't have to upgrade as soon as I get good.

Edit: Where would you guys recommend buying the kite from? Ebay? Kite shop? Someone from the for sale forum?

You'll get plenty of suggestions. Here's a couple. Assuming money is the biggest issue.

Try to pick up an 8m P.L. Bomba or Guerilla or older arc and then then a 13 or 18 to match. These are some of the cheapest high quality, used kites out there that work on water and land. Those two kites will give you all but the very lowest and highest winds.
Another thing to consider is an old C kite ( Leading Edge Inflated ) with a fifth line. They can be picked up very cheap now. Problem with them, especially learning is if you pop the bladder your day is done + $ to fix.

If you are new to the sport you DEFINATELY want to get to know your local shop owner. It follows that you should support him somehow as well. Most shops have used / consignment gear. Next bet is to buy local. Some scammers are definately out there so if you choose to buy online be carefull.

Thanks again for the help! I am looking to spend anywhere up to $300-350 for the stuff I would need to get started (kite, lines, etc). Do most kite stores know about this form of kiting? I don't know any kite stores around where I live in CT, but I know a few in Cape Cod.

Is there any local riders, if so, talk to them, usually they're selling off old gear for cheap, you can meet them at the park, get them to set it up and fly it, make sure it all works properly, then you see a little of how it's set up and packed up, as well as knowing it's not a lemon.


It's something to consider. Some locations have very specific needs on a kite, We live close to the squamish spit, one of the best kitesurfing spots within about a 10hr drive, but it's really poorly suited to the PL Arcs, the set up area is sheltered from the wind, you launch by walking out into the water and having someone assist the launch. With the PL's, you need wind to inflate the kite. Another location locally is horrible for inflatable C type kites, lots of sharp shells stuck in hard packed sand, pops inflatable kites instantly if you make a mistake. So see what people are flying around you, talk to the locals and go from there.

Seaside Kites in Hull sell LEIs (Cabrinha) and some foils.

Dr. Gravity in Harwhich sells foils.

Little Overhead sells LEIs and gives lessons.

Powerline Sports in NH sells all kinds of traction gear.

Connecticut Kiters link is http://connectikiters.org/ Mostly large SLKs, etc. but I'm sure if you get in touch with them, they can point you towards the local traction group and get you some help.

There is also http://www.kone.org/Site/Welcome.html John Ruggerio is their main traction guy as is Don McCasland. Email Kone and ask them for help in finding locals as they can put you in touch with the traction folks from MA, RI and CT. If you want I can PM you John's email address but I don't want to post it publically.

Here is the NEKS link http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/neks/

Keep asking and keep learning.

Thanks so much! I have been to Dr. Gravity before, my dad buys some of his kites there! I'm definitely gonna look into the sites you suggested for local contacts. Someone also told me that there was a park in Stratford, CT (McKinley Park or something) that has lots of surfkiters.

I was looking at acampbell's website for kites (http://www.coastalwindsports.com/) and saw some Pepper entry level kites for reasonable prices. Are these good kites and if I get one of those, should I still get in the 4m range? Looking at a kite on this page: http://www.coastalwindsports.com/servlet/the-4-dsh-line-Trac...

What exactly do I lose by getting an "entry level" kite? If you guys say those are good kites, I might get one of those. Or, I was considering the Bego 200 or 400 (according to a chart I saw for those kites, I should get the 200, but not entirely sure).

Thanks!

From what I've heard and read (at racekites.com - go there to read reviews) the pepper is a fine entry level kite but it won't get you on the water so if you want to kitesurf, this is not the kite (nor is any open celled, ram air foil).

How much do you weigh? if you are light, a 5-6m kite could be your low wind kite making and a 2m kite a very good choice or a high wind choice. Maybe you need a 3m maybe a 4m, depends on where you fly, average winds, weight, what you want to do.

What is generally meant by an entry level kite is that the kite has a lower aspect ratio and a thicker profile so it flies slower, lifts less, luffs less and is more predictable and stable - so its easier to learn the ropes on.

More aggressive kites like a blade or crossfire or even a bego have higher apsect ratios (thin and long as opposed to short and fat), fly faster, pull harder (compared to lower A/R kites similarly sized) and lift more. They also tend to require more flier input and can collapse more easily in poor wind conditions.

The choice is yours. Personally, I think you'd be better off starting with something like a pepper or buster II or something. That way you can gain confidence without gettting hurt or intimidated.

Angus from coastal wind sports is a poster on this forum and I'm sure he'd be willing to address the specifics of any kite he sells.

If you're looking to get into land kiting at all, buggies, ATB's and snowkiting it may be worth starting out with a midsized foil. something in the 4-5m range. With your background in kiting, control shouldn't be an issue, just need some practice on the reverse launching and some time to get used to the power.

For snow, foils will work fine, but you also mentioned Kitesurfing. Most of our locals who kitesurf have gone strictly with inflatable kites, C kites and Bows mostly. Then when they go out on the snow they just use their surf kites. If you can keep the kite from continually powering into the ground the inflatables are fine. Once again, we're dealing with an inexperienced power kiter, but a very capable stunt flier, so it shouldn't take long to get kite control nailed.

I'd almost consider going straight to a couple lessons, it'll give you a chance to talk to some of the locals, get some time in on surf kites and figure out what gear you like.

I hate to say it, but unless you think there's a decent chance to get into Buggies or ATB's, there's little need for open cell foils. The only time kitesurfers get open foils is if they have never flown before to give them time to learn kite control. That's where something like a 3m trainer comes in.

If you do decide to get into land sports, something like the Buster II's and Beamers are something to look into, probably in the 4-5m range. Be sure to fly them in light winds to start.

Thanks again! So many great suggestions! Can the inflatable kites be used for buggying also, becasue that was something that looks quite fun and I know the beaches in Cape Cod are very flat and large when the tide is out!

I weigh about 130 pounds (so that means I should look for a kite of about 5m? By the way, is that 5m sqaure area or 5m wingspan?). I will probably most likely be flying in winds from 5+ mph to 20 mph? I am looking into getting a few lessons because I think that would definitely be a good idea. The problem is, I'm still trying to find a place locally that gives lessons.

Are there any beginner-intermediate inflatable kites? Sounds like that is the way I want to go because they are more versatile.

If not, maybe I will get the appropriately sized Pepper, Beamer or Buster. So many choices! I am going to go read some of those reviews on racekites.com

Thanks!

I've seen LEI's (inflateables) as small as 5m. Not the greatest kite to learn on, and not the best kite to learn on while on land. They're fine in the snow and even on soft sand, but if you crash it on hard sand, dirt, etc. you're likely to bust a kite bladder (which aren't super expensive, but not really cheap either). Start off with a foil that you can crash over and over and over and not replace anything. Once you get the hang of that, then think about an LEI if you choose to go that route.
~Joe

Okay, so then I guess I am looking at a Pepper, beamer, or buster. I also saw a 2m Ozone Samurai on sale for $180 (comes with a bar). Would that be good or is it too small?

2M might be too small. I would say get Rage 3.5 or one size up. I used to ride my ATB with Bullet 3.5 but it was high wind. Rage is a good kite to learn with and you can keep it even when you are advanced for high wind ride. Don't recommend it for water though - Brian

Once again, depends on what you want, If you're looking for surf only, any low end foil will give you time to learn kite control. I don't know how much you can improve on 10yrs flying delta's though.

If you're going surf only, then any foils aren't really needed. Now that you mention buggies though, whole different kettle of fish. A guy your size can easily find use for a 2m kite as a high wind buggy engine. You could probably get away nicely with a 2m, 4m, and 7m kite for a full quiver for land use.


Another consideration is the kite type. We're giving you total area, not projected or anything, Also the power output is way different for the types of kites.

IE a 10m Arc =
8m inflatable(c kite) =
a 6-7m depowerable foil
= a 4-5m fixed foil =
a 3.5m race kite

Rough estimates, I'm sure someone will correct me for the lil bit I'm off.



It's one of those "You really have to decide which way you want to go with this sport" sort of things, Spend some time, think about what looks fun to you, then we can help find the right kites for your needs

Haha, didn't realize it was so complicated. The reason I initially got interested in this sport was because of snowkiting. So I guess I want to start out with the more land based side. Then if I like it, I will buy another kite for surfkiting during the summer. So, to summarize, my priorty for a kite is one that is good for snowkiting. Then, I can add to my collection from there! Thanks!

I just got a 3m Brooza at 1/2 price on clearout from Pablo. It's a very good kite and a keeper for high gusty wind. I think he may have more. You should send him a private message and see what he has. He usually has deals he's not pushing online.

Ok, I will do that. Thanks.

Thanks for surfing my site.

You have nothing to lose by getting an entry level kite. B-Roc described the class well - predicable and not over-powered. Nothing dweeby about it. So one day it will just be your high / gusty wind kite.

Peppers are great and priced well against a Beamer- the other often recommended entry level kite and a good choice, too.

A really good choice to consider if you want something stable and predictable is the Peter Lynn Reactor. One of my new favorites. Pretty fast and good piull but Smooth and steady. I was skudding with my Reactor 4.9 the other day at the Sunset Flyers Festival in FL. Some passers-by on the beach stopped to take pictures and stood at the edge of the window. I was able to pose the kite for them and practically sneak up and scratch their nose with it hovering there. I had no problem with handing it to a novice. Later I buggied with a guy with a Beamer 5.0 in light winds. In a heavier buggy (Flexifoil Wide Axle) I drove back upwind and he walked with my Peter Lynn Comp. XR. Reminds me of the Pro-Foils, but the Peter Lynn foils are built like Flexifoils and I think come from the same factory.

Speaking of Pro-Foil, I have a great deal on my last 3.5. The kite is bundled with top quality HQ color line set, handles and kite killers. Priced like dealer cost for the kite & handles, retail for the lines and kite killers.
great fun kite for novice and still a great performer.

bump e-mail

Thanks guys for all your help! I am going to take a few lessons like everyone suggested to try out the sport and then get a kite of my own. Thanks!