Kiteboarding Forums

Hi guys,

I am looking for some advice, i live in cape town and am keen to start kite surfing this summer. There are a few things i'm wondering about before i make an investment in some gear:

I live fairly close to kite beach, so will be doin the majority of my kiting there. Im  looking to spend more or less R5000 on gear, obviously second hand. Is it best to buy private or through one of the shops? Will i be able to get a decant full set, ie. kite, bar, lines, harness, board for that kind of money? I weigh about 72kg's what size kite would help me maximise wind range, because obviously id want to spend as much time as possible on the water? Any brand make kite's more suitable to beginners?

thanks

Hi Richstan

The first thing to do before you buy equipment is to do lessons, especially from a safety perspective. Once you have done some training with a qualified instructor, you can determine whether you are then confident enough to continue practising with your own equipment.

You would probably need about a 9m kite, and preferably a bow or SLE (supported leading edge) kite, especially for summers at kite beach. For winter, a slightly larger kite may be necessary. You may want to spend a bit more if you want to get the latest technology though.

We stock the Best Waroo, which is an all round SLE kite, i.e. a beginner as well as an intermediate or advanced rider can use it. We have specials on new as well as second hand equipment.

Give us a shout if you want to book some lessons, or come visit our shop just over the road from kite beach, next to the KFC. All our instructors are IKO (International Kiteboarding Organisation) qualified.

Cheers

The BEST Team

---

Exceptional Products with Exceptional Service at Exceptional Prices
BEST KITEBOARDING AFRICA
Shop 1 Portico Building
Athens Rd
Tableview
7441
Tel: +27 (0)21 556 2765
Fax: +27 (0)86 616 3358
Email: info@windfever.co.za
Web: www.windfever.co.za

Hey richstan,

I agree you need to go through a lessons cycle before committing to a purchase. All the Kite shops will offer lessons. A 7 or 9m bow should do you just fine.

Its better to buy from the shop for this reason: Its a given this sport comes with a price tag. Beginners may sometimes be primarily price driven. This is not always the correct way. The focus should be on getting the right equipment which is safe and functional for your level of riding. A bow (or SLE) model from year 2006 to 2008 is the right way forward. A kite shop will advise you correctly. Price can then be negotiated depending on the range of gear available + the shop will offer you continued advise and after sales service. THAT COUNTS  huge in an extreme sport with many variables.

Its a good thing to do your homework by speaking to various shops and people. Try think in the order of safety and functionality, then price.

We have a bow kite called Turbo2 ( T2 is 2nd generation). I'm sure we could build something to suit you. Come visit us for lessons, gear and advise.

Dave

---

Regards
David Mommsen

Slingshot Cape Town
Shop 38 Seaside Village Big Bay

t : 021 554 3418
m: 084 477 2640
w: www.slingshotsports.com
w: www.cyclonekiteboarding.com
e: slingshot@telkomsa.net
s: Slingshot Capetown

Thanks for the responses. Being a student, im would be working n a limited budget. I was planning on lessons, what's the approx, cost? Is there any reason for the relative differnce between prices of different brands? Like i said, about R5000 is all i could arfford on equipment. Im i in a position to start or should i keep on saving? Anybody not linked to a shop have advice on brands?

What's the difference betweem SLE and bow kite's? 

richstan:

What's the difference betweem SLE and bow kite's? 

Hi there

This one has been flogged to death.  Do a search on the site, you'll find a lot.

Cheers

Rob

---

Naish Africa

www.naishafrica.com
info@naishafrica.com

+27 79 569 4688
Skype:: robmunro65

Kiteboarding :: Windsurfing :: Surfing

DEMOS : SALES : LESSONS

Come try the latest Sport, SUP - Stand Up Paddling