Now then,
I'm new to kite boarding (my gear is still in the post!) and therefore i'm trying to get a few hints and tips before i go out and do my best to cause grevious bodily harm to myself
What is meant by Beam?

well don't all rush with help, there's only so much info a mind can take in!!!!!!

Beam:

A squared-off log or a large, usually oblong piece of timber, metal, or stone used especially as a horizontal support in construction.
A transverse structural member of a ship's frame, used to support a deck and to brace the sides against stress.
The breadth of a ship at the widest point.
The side of a ship.
The widest part of a person's hip, (See Shannon).
A steel tube or wooden roller on which the warp is wound in a loom.
An oscillating lever connected to an engine piston rod and used to transmit power to the crankshaft.
The bar of a balance from which weighing pans are suspended.
Sports: A balance beam.
The main horizontal bar on a plow to which the share, colter, and handles are attached.
One of the main stems of a deer's antlers.
A ray or shaft of light.
A concentrated stream of particles or a similar propagation of waves.
A radio beam.

Or, it might have something to do with the brand named kite “Beamer”.
Take your pick, I going to get back on the beam before, my boss catches me off.

nice reply mate,
Just about covered all my options there, thanks for that. I'll raise a glass of Jim to you tonight

Please don't mind the cross post, too much info with attached vid files to even contemplate reposting everything, not to mention I don't have access to the original files.

http://www.kiteatb.co.uk/_basics/startmoving.html

They discuss the Beam, Broad and Close reach on this page.

Cheers for the link Pablo
Very helpful indeed:D