Hello all -

Sorry if your forum is inundated with posts like these.. Basically I'm brand new to the sport and before I go and buy a bunch of gear that probably isn't right for me, I would like some input from more seasoned riders like you guys. Here's the skinny.

I'm 28, 6'3" 200lbs in Tampa Bay, FL. Experienced wakeboarder but brand new to the kite. Some friends and I got our first lesson this past weekend and are all hooked and I would like to make this my new favorite sport, stat. I plan to get another lesson and pick up gear of my own. My instructor recommended if I get one kite, that I get a 12M for 'our area and what I'll be using it for'.

I don't want to get some low end beginner gear that I'll regret buying 6 months from now when I have more experience. Ideally, I would like to get some intermediate type gear that isn't too advanced but something that I could learn on but something that can still enjoy and not limit me when I get better.

I would like to keep the package under $1,500 if at all possible but I could stretch a little above this if I have to. Any advice on trusted manufacturers, or certain mfg's to stay away from would be appreciated greatly as I'm not sure to go all in on one of those package deals I see from someone like liquid force or to buy everything individually.
Thanks for your advice!

Hi and welcome to your newest addiction! You are only a couple hours from me, so good to see another wind chaser in the west coast of FL! Sounds to me like you are primarily looking for water gear? If so PL makes some SWEET new LEI kites for kite surfing. I don't know much about them as I stick to land based disciplines. I'm sure some of the other guys here can point you in the right direction here.

If land based kiting appeals to you, I could take a trip north and show you the ropes on some fixed bridal kites and point you in the right direction for kites, buggies, and safety gear.

Let me know

Welcome again!!

oh sorry, I should have been more specific. I'm looking to get into water kite boarding. It's calm where we would be going so I won't be surfing so much. More interested in freestyling around and eventually being able to jump, do tricks, etc.

sorry did I post under the wrong thread for water kite boarding?

As you are still in the learning phase, I would recommend finding something used. Look for a used kite that is NOT older than 4yrs. Newer is generally better. The reason I recommend used is because you are probably going to beat up the kite pretty good while still learning. Once you can ride with confidence, and not crash the kite, then go out and demo a bunch of kites and find something you like.

The LEI market is all very similiar. For a new flyer, you may, or may not, be able to recognize the subtle difference between two different makers of kites. Or different models from the same designer. Find something that works for you, learn on that, then upgrade later...

Trying to start off on something that you will continue to use for years to come is going to be a lot more difficult. What you like riding now, may not be something you will want to continue riding in 6 months... Hard to say..

Best of luck!

Quote:

Originally posted by hawkeyes83 sorry did I post under the wrong thread for water kite boarding?

Nope, this one works fine

I wish we had enough wind in Naples to make it worthwhile on water

You're in good hands with the guys here

+1 on used.
the used LEI market is saahweet
you can prob get a kite/ decent starter board for around 500-600 bones.


don't get picky about manufacturers yet; just ask about a particular used kite you're thinking about and most people will chime in.

you're right, prob a good idea on the used. We crashed our instructors kite constantly and HARD.. The instructor said that buying used is a good idea but that we had to be careful and he didn't recommend anything older than 2 years as the fabric would be getting weak, especially if I buy locally as the gear would have probably been used mostly in salt water.
I'm just seeing a lot out there and a lot of different options. Will probably hit up craigslist and ebay and see if I can find some decent used gear.. How about the size though, is 12m a good 'all around kite'? We have pretty good consistent wind in certain spots around St Pete.

Hey Hawk,
I have an 11 meter and a 9 meter Best Warroo I'm selling here on Power kite. Here's the link to the thread.
They are 2008 Warroo's which are well known for good stable LEI kites. Check them out I think the price is good for the two.
http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=21846

+1 on used, I have a couple water-based friends who broke a couple kites before getting good enough to fly without crashing.

Kite skills are really important, you might want to pick up 3m 4-line from here for $150 or so and get in about 40 hours at a local land spot, the skills will transfer over. We do have a foil / land bias here... But kite skills are 90% of flying well on water, so I'm told... I'm a land guy.

Buy newish, 2008-2009 or more recent. Older than 2006 is a no go. For LEI's of all stripes (pump-up kites) make sure the bladders are good. If you find a couple good-looking ones on your local craiglist, post the model / size / year on here and you will get feedback in a day or two.

You need a harness and board, too. You're biggish, don't go smaller than 140/38 for size unless you hear from people you trust that it is good for you and your local conditions. If you feel comfortable with your instructor and can call him back, he should be a good go-to guy for local conditions and and the right kit for them.

For the water, good knowledge of safety systems and self-rescue are a must.

And yeah, 12m is as big as you want to go, bigger kites and lower winds demand more finesse and skill.

That's as far as i can go to help, many many others on here with more water skillz will help!

Welcome to the forum! We love kites and windplay of all kinds!

ja just so you know it's gonna be hard to find something cheaper than the forum.
unless you live in a big kite spot, then craigslist/checking the kite out in person is the next best thing.

most people on here are super trusty cause they don't want to jeapordize their bargaining power in buying new kites/selling old ones.

one bad post about a seller/buyer and : POOF :
no moar cheep kites for you lol

welcome to the forum