I have recently found out about kiteboarding and am extrmely interested in Kite ATB boarding. I really am not sure what is a good kite to start out with so I was curious what is good to start out with. I know this is probably a common tread post and im sorry if it is sorta annoying.

thanks

http://www.kiteinnovations.com/Profoil.htm

Here are some beginner friendly kites. Start small and be safe.

Didn't kite innovations just go under?

thanks, what size kite would you recomend Im 6'4" and 175 lbs idk if that is a huge concern also what would you recomened as a good ATB board?

Start cheap. Look for a used board on ebay. MBS, Flexifoil, Trampa and Ground Industries have good beginner boards. If you decide to stay with the sport, ...well I don't have to say, you'll know when you are there. Traction kiting is an addictive sport.

yeah i play paintball and it has the same addictive qualities and price ranges. But would you say a 5m kite would be an ok starter or is it too big?

I'd recommend that you start small. 3.5/3/2.5 m kites are all good sizes to start with. Remember, those sizes are for you to start and learn the traction kiting basics. Learn about kite handling, wind window, equipment/personal safety, set up, and training your reflexes. You'll know when you've out grown your "starter" kite and then shop around for a quiver. If you move up too fast/too soon, you could hurt yourself. A kiter posted a picture of leg x-ray when he broke it.

Start small. Be safe. And, build from there.

PS: Here is a link to the thread, take a look.

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=5587

wow thats a bad break. Ok i think ill start at 3/3.5 can those kites still pull you on a ATB board pretty well?

A 1m kite can pull you in enough wind

the different size kites are used to get the same amount of power out of different wind conditions. a rough example is a 3m kite will produce a certain amount of power in a certain amount of wind and a 5m will produce the same amount of power in lesser winds. The problem is when the winds pick up ... and the 5m will be too much.

Every size kite will have an effective wind range for your weight on the ATB. I weigh 150 lbs and use my 3.5 at around 15 mph winds. I have bigger kites that I use in low winds for ATB.

I recommended the 3.5/3/2.5 m size kites for static flying. Before you get on an ATB, learn to fly static and scud.

ok i was kinda figureing that so what would you say is good flying conditions for a 3m

also i was curious is it better to use handles or a control bar?

I have a Profoil 3.5 m and I can fly it in 12-13mph winds. I fly it as high as 17-18 mph after that it becomes too much and I move down to my 2.5 m.

Use handles. You'll have better control of the kite. Also get yourself a ground stake and a wind meter.

ok better control is good to have for my first kite. Mos tof the videos and pictures ive found during research have shown bars so i wasnt sure if that is the way to go. I did some reading and im thing that and HQ Beamer III 3 or 4m probably 3m would be good for me. Maybe ill eventually try out a bar. I wish i had a local shop near me so i could go possibly see/try some of these.

where are you located there might be someone here on the forum in your area. Most kiters are willing to let you try their kites.

Just outside of Flint, Michigan I'm not sure if there is a huge following around here

Quote:

Originally posted by berlinI wish i had a local shop near me so i could go possibly see/try some of these.

That's the problem around here too. The scene is like four guys and the closest shop, which doesn't have much to try out, is 70 miles away.

Quote:

Originally posted by NPWfever Didn't kite innovations just go under?

No, The assets of the company are on the block as Ted is looking for someone to pass the torch to, but he is keeping it active to sell the remaining inventory. Great kites.

does anyone knw a good site to get the HQ Beamer III from?

I got mine from http://www.coastalwindsports.com/servlet/StoreFront

He will give you a fair price and take care of you after the sale.

ok yeah I found that site earlier $237 is right around the average price that ive been able to find. I just bought a macbook online about 5 minutes ago so this kite will be my next purchase.

That $237 is the minimum advertised price. They can't offer a price below that due to restrictions from the manufacturer. It is below retail. It also includes everything you need to go fly safely with that kite. You'll need a helmet eventually as your risk taking increases. It won't hurt you on your first day and every day out though.

Yeah I'm definitly gonna get a helmet cause i cant wait to get out there on a ATB board but i am going to wait till i can handle the kite.