This is my first day in the sport and I'm toatally pumped to get out there and ride the wind.

I'm 170lbs and want a kite that I can use in the winter on a frozen lake (iceskating or skiing) and one that I can use in summer with rollerblades or those big wheeled things I see.

I'm looking for something that will get me a little air (5-6 ft) in moderate winds (10-15 mph) and gentley float me back down. Then once my skills improve I could take out in higher winds and get some serious speed and air. My ideal budget is about $300 US including everything I should need.

Without buying used, your not going to get what you need. Getting 5-6ft of air in 10-15 is going to put you in the 6-8 meter range. These are not cheap kites, and I would not recommend starting at this level. On handles (with your budget, forget de-power) you are limited to pretty much 3 kites-

Flexifoil's Blade.
Ozone's Riot.
Hq's Crossfire.

Again, back to budget, you can get in a 4 meter crossfire for this price. You will not be getting the power you desire, but that will come with time. What you do when you start is get a smaller kite, learn it in moderate winds, get a larger kite for moderate winds, then use your small one for higher winds. Then you end up with something akin to what I have. Again, back to cost. For what you want to spend, you can only afford an HQ new, but there are used kites out there. You probably will not find a used Crossfire or Riot, because they are newer to the market. You will however be able to find used blades. There will be a few series 3s around, but you will probably run into more series 2s.

I very highly recommend that you start somewhere around the 3-5 meter mark, and the closer you get to 5 meters, the more I would recommend you start out in very light winds, and be very cautious.

As for having one kite for traction..... well... if you get serious about the sport, you will have to have more. Especially if you want to ride winter and summer. Summer winds are slow and non-existant, winter winds usually blow like crazy.

Hope this helps, and feel free to ask more questions..

Scoop

I'll second Scoop's remarks. The Ozone Access is probably just the ticket for you if you can increase your budget a bit. I've used a 3m² Frenzy in higher winds with my buggy, and it will spoil you. The Access is very similar and easier to afford. It's worth a look.

Oh, and welcome to the sport and the forum. Life may never be the same again.