Hey guys. Getting interested in land kiting with a buggy. I am an upwind riding kitesurfer with 13 year olds that are becoming interested. I would like to introduce them via the buggy. Looking into the Beamer Scout or TSR (like to have them exposed to bar over handles) but have read the bars do not have depower like by water born kites have. Is that right? Am I on track with first kite choice for them? Is there any with depower built in like kitesurfing? They weigh 100 lbs and I weigh 185. I know one kite will not due for all of us. Thinking 1.5m for them and something larger for myself. Thanks in advance. Rich

This is the only depowerable trainer kite that I've seen. I don't have one so I can't tell you how if flies but the guy who sells it is a regular on the forum and has a fantastic reputation. It sounds like it might be a good fit for you.

http://www.powerzonekitesports.com/trainer.html

I think a 1.5m kite may be a little tough to learn on and less stable than a 3m. I have one and find that it needs a fair amount of wind to get going (I'd say 15mph plus). So you end up flying a smaller kite but in stronger winds and I'm not sure you end up with much less pull than using a 2.5 or 3m in lighter winds. Don't get me wrong, my 1.5 is a great kite just a bit faster and twitchier and less forgiving than my 3m.

There are a variety of depower trainers in LEI form .

The Scout isn't depower but has an old school D-loop to hook in to for 1 handed riding. One of there purposes in design is to be a kiteboard trainer. Not having to worry about trimming the kite at 1st is actually not all bad. It allows you learn much faster and with less consiquences at 1st. I'm a fan of the old TRS's but haven't seen a Scout yet !
I would say they are a good choice. The safety of these kites is a key factor !!

1.5 is toooooo small !!! I think something like a 2.5 and 3.6 might be good ?

I SELL a 3m instinct light trainer package that alot of people like...it's an inflatable....13 years is perfect for a 5-7m depower SLE

I added kites to my sig to show what I have as a starting point. Hmmm lots to consider. More dumb questions coming, sorry. I'm alittle confused at the 4 line use of these foil kites. Does putting pressure on the back lines not sheet in the kite? Conversly letting out the back lines via the handles, sheet out, and depowering the kite? Thanks for the feedback. Rich

rich, four line kites if they aren't sheetable, are fixed angle of attack. usually three or four rows of bridles support the power lines, the brake lines help steer or stall the kite. add enough pressure to the back lines and the kite will fly in reverse.

looking at your quiver, a 5-7m sle would get your 13yr old flying and give you additional wind ranges