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new to the sport



Last post 05-08-2008, 1:37 by d0dja. 2 replies.
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  •  05-07-2008, 21:55 24938

    new to the sport

    I am new to the sport, I am looking for a good beginner kite that I can still use as i progress to an intermediate state. Does anyone have any recommendations for brands or sizes, or anything i should stay away from...

    Mike
  •  05-08-2008, 1:32 24940 in reply to 24938

    Re: new to the sport

    hi Mike,

    where are you situated? how much are you willing to spend? then you can look at new or second hand... how much do you weigh and height play a role with choosing the right kite and board.

    speak soon
  •  05-08-2008, 1:37 24941 in reply to 24938

    Re: new to the sport

    Hi Mike - most any intermediate kites made in the last 2-3 years would be fine. Avoid older models, and high-performance models (which are a bit twitchy for a beginner).

    Arguably you should go for a bow kite, although there's a lot of debate about this... many experienced kiters believe that modern C-kites have similar levels of depower, but are more conducive to learning good technique.

    But if in doubt, go bow. You can't really go wrong with North Rebel, Cabrinha Crossbow, Naish ...hmm.. Cult (Rob?), Best, Takoon, Slingshot, etc etc etc. There are loads to choose from, and performance is pretty similar. Choice of brand is more religion than anything else, and disciples of each will talk until the cows come home about why their brand is better.

    Size selection has nothing to do with your skill level, it's (mostly) only determined by wind conditions... your local kite shops can advise you best on this. As a rough guide, if you're a medium/largish man, average winds of 25-30 knots you use an 8-10m2, 20-25 a 10 or 12m2, 15-20 a 12 or 14m2, 10-15 a 14 or 18m2.

    You have, of course, gone for some lessons? If so, your instructor should also be able to advise you (although will mostly likely push you towards the brands their shop handles).

    If you've not had lessons, then drop all other  plans until you have.

    ~R
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