Can anyone give me advice on a training kite. I found two, any thoughts would help.

http://www.trainingkite.com/order.html

http://www.kitehigh.com/index.cfm?section=buyGear&buygea...

Thanks

Typically each kite manufacturer offers their own training kite. Trainers are simply a small version of their regular models.

I see that your first link is to a foil and your second link killed my browser 3 times viewing nothing, so I can't offer much info there.

But the rule is... if you plan to surf with a foil, get a foil trainer. If you plan to use a tube kite, get a tube kite trainer. Mixing kite types this early in the game defeats the purpose of buying a training kite.

If you opt to take a course from a kitesurf school, they will often start you on a trainer, then quickly move you up to a larger kite. This can save you money as a trainer has little purpose (except fun flying) once you've got the idea of kite control. Schools can also point you in the right direction regarding what is the best suited kite for you.

Thanks for the info.

The thing is, I'm stuck in the middle of South Korea right now with no water in sight. So I was thinking I could use a trainer for the next few months to get the hang of things. Even though I know a school would be better. I have this time to kill.

Do you think it would be better waiting to go to a school (and not developing bad habits on the ground)?

If you have months to kill, you might as well spend them flying kites. Trainers are faster and more active than the larger models and therefore make good recreation kites. I don't think you can learn any bad habits. At least none that can't be fixed later on. So... enjoy yourself!

if you are really trying to get out on the water at some time don't get a foil trainer unless u don't mind relearning to fly the kite. I bought the sling shot b-2 trainer and it's 2 lines, when i hit 4 lines i need to re-learn it all!!! I'd say get a inflatable kite that is 4 or 5 m square if u want to some day get on the water. The thing with small foil kites is they FLY WAY @ FAST. Larger water kites will nto fly that fast and you need to get a whloe new feel.

Anyway best of luck