Hey guys! I am super excited to get into this sport soon. I am sure you guys get tonsss of newbies asking the same questions so I will try to stray away from that. But I am looking into getting into Kiting.

I have been reading through the forum and researching stuff online, and realized that I need to start on a 3m kite, but I have some concerns over location and money.

First off, I live about an hour away from the outer banks in NC, their are some fields, and we get some pretty strong wind from time to time. I also visit the beach a lot, specifically Atlantic Beach, Nags Head, OBX, Emerald Isle, etc.

I am concerned that the area that I live in is not optimal or friendly fo Kiting. I want to get into everything eventually, buggying looks especially fun.. and of course jumping, but will my area allow me to do these things?I have also read the sand in the outer banks sucks for buggying and boarding. How much money will I have to invest to get started buggying? Is anyone from around eastern NC and could show me some stuff or give me tips?

Second, my budget is only around $200 for a starter kite. Since reading around on prices and articles, I realize that this is not a lot of money to start out on.

I am 5' 11' and 155 lbs.

Thank you guys so much for helping me out on my Kiting Adventure, I look forward to getting out into the wind and truly trying it out. I have much to learn from you guys.

Also do you guys recommend starting on a bar or handles? How long of a line should I start out on?

Do you guys have any tips or a specific kite that you would recommend?

Thanks.

James -

Welcome.

Can you get to Jekyll Island May 8-12? All the monkeys will be uncaged - you can watch, listen, trial, demo, train, buggy.

I started with the 3.5 m Hydra, it's a get-wet trainer, bar, three lines, 20m line. Still have it - it's what all the newbies fly first.

Jumping should be months away, i'm thinking - if at all - but you could try a small four-line kite on handles, like a 2.- or 3.- Reactor. Or any other maker, really - just small and four-line on handles. Then, you'd have your higher-wind kite when you took to the buggy.

I now pass to the de-power folks...

You should be able to pick up a used 3m trainer kite RTF for under $200. I started with HQ Rush Pro III 350. I also live inland and the winds are always gusty. My first depower was a 7.5m Apex. My first 4 line kite was Pansh Flux 2m and 4m because they are pretty affordable and fly decent.

Spend as much time as you can flying what you have in the lightest winds to start. I spent many outings wishing for more wind but it's worth it in the end.

welcome James
get the bar it's easier...but in like <10hrs flying you'll be ready for a proper 4line 3m
and it will kill you that you don't have one
OAxis is right anyone can fly when theirs wind...its much harder when theirs none

Sent you a private message. Will gladly let you try just about anything in my kite bag.

Don't wanna wait for JIBE? No problem:
We got WBB happening in 33 days!

abkayak is right - there's more to learn by starting on handles instead of a bar. The "trainers" (i.e. Rush Pro) are sized differently. Put your money into a proper 3m kite rather than a trainer.

And read riffclown's wonderful post: http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=28759#pid27... (it's in his sig.)

If you are interested I have a Twister 2r. 3m rtf. Green/Black/Yellow.
Original bag, handles, 25m Flexifoil (newish) lineset 180/100, pl killers, steel (not pl) stake.
Condition is used. No repairs or issues. I was going to list it at 225.00 shipped, or 200.00 picked up. I'm in Raleigh. I wasn't ready (lazy) to list it yet, no pics. I'll take some indoor pics if you're in a hurry, or outdoors when the weather warms.
Landboarding, Agressive trainer, Buggying, check.
Jumping, wait awhile. It wants to jump, discourage it if you can.

I also have a 5.5 but that's not for you yet. Let these guys give you the pros, cons, and comments on the price. Oh, welcome aboard.

Two things about kite jumping.
Don't jump into just any kite purchase without research.
Don't jump just because the kite can, you must be ready also.
If the above advice is nonsense, kite with someone who can help you back to the car.

^^divine intervention^^

3m twister would be a great kite to start with imo. 4m twister was my first real power kite. I learned a ton with that one. start in lightish winds and work up the wind ladder.

Hey you guys, thank you so much for all of the tips, just messaged Ed Cliner

I was just getting ready to say $200 will get you an excellent deal on a used starter kite. Plenty of good people here that look out for one another. Can't go wrong with our classifieds page. Most everyone can vouch for everyone here. Welcome!

Bandits and thieves!. Most of them don't even use their real names. :evil:

The offer I made isn't a steal. For about 150.00 more you can buy a new one. Still green.
On the other hand it's not a ripoff either, the kites in good condition and a 3m is , or should be the most powerful size offered to a beginner.
If you test fly it and then post its "too powerful" for me, then it will sell immediately.
That would be the strongest possible endorsement to a kite junkie.

As for me I just bought a Rage 1.8, kite only, from Amazon for 149.00 shipped. The wind has been wild lately.