Hi everyone.

I have just decisded that I want to have a go at kites. I have used one many years ago but due to lack of funds couldn't take it up. Now I really want to get into it.

I realise I have to start out on the basics but I want to end up kitesurfing.

I indent getting some lessons soon but I have been looking for a training kite. Being new to the scene I only really know of Flexifoil kites so I have concentrated my research on these. I have been thinking about getting a 3.5m Rage. (I'm 14 stone or 196 pounds) From what I have read I think this would be a good place to start and allow me to progress. What are your thoughts.

I have been looking at second hand options on ebay but it seems quite limited. I have seen a new 3.5m Rage with lines and handles for £250 (Approx $400) but I can get 20% off this price. Is it worth me buying new or am I just going to wreck it?

Lastly, as I intend to move towards kitesurfing should I start off with handles or go straight for a bar?

Any other tip would be welcome?

Thanks
Ian

Lots of options here. Ideally, professional lessons are what you want to do to learn Kitesurfing. There are, entirely too many different aspects/safety issues/etc that you will need to learn to be successful on the water. Getting a 3-meter kite to start with is always good. You can learn alot about flying a kite that will translate over to the water. The rage is an amazing kite. First real power-kite I ever flew.

However, once you go towards water, you are going to want something that will stay inflated on the water. The HQ Hydra might better server you. This is a 3-line kite on a bar. I would still recommend flying a fixed-bridle just to get familiar with what you can do, the wind window, stuff like that. Though, if you can find someone local to you with one, that might be better way to go.

Plan on lessons for the water though. Best of luck.

rage is a good starter... as far as bar vs handles... i prefer the handles, and comparing that bar to your eventual kite-surfing-bar... well there is no comparison other that having a bar... two completely different set-ups...

The rage, hornet, or beamers are great beginner kites and will give you a feel for how the wind behaves



welcom aboard, kiss all of your money good bye!

:: Double post wtf? ::

sorry

:bigok: to the above...

3m on 4 lines and handles is the most fun, the most finesse of control, and the best learning opportunity for figuring out how kites fly best in a wind.

If think you'd like playing with the wind for fun, and are thinking about adding some adrenaline to the mix, it's the way to go.

If you're after pure adrenaline, then go straight for kitesurfing / lessons and forget about the fun little beach kite than can introduce a ton of people to the sport...

After fun and no adrenaline? then go stunt kite, have a look at the many on offer here from one of the forum's most respected power kite dealers:

http://www.awindofchange.com/

just my 2 cents...

I learnt on a 3m with handles on a field.

How much moneys have you got to spend?

tbh youve got to fly on land first, lessons for kitesurf arent cheap and unless youve got the money, you aint going to be able to have lessons every weekend.

Defo would like to know what your budget is.

If your on a really low budget then i would say get maybe a traction kite from pansh, like a sprint or a legend, i hear nothing but good things about these for Traction, and you can get many sizes too.

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=1985

Good start out info . . . . . :bigok: