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Gear Suggestions for New Kiteboarder

Posted: Fri Jun 11, 2004 6:16 am
by thethinman
Hi - Great site. I'm new to kiteboarding and hoping someone can help suggest some gear....

I'm 6'5 and 150lbs have surfed for 17 years and windsurfed for three (self-taught) in the Bay Area. In SF I was a on 4.5 & 5.0 sails in 25-30 knots off Candlestick and twice at Crissy Field. Winds in San Diego are 8-12 knots and I was forced to sell my gear - I'm desperate to get back out there!

Can anyone reccommend:

- Size of Training Kite & Good Video (I plan to also take a lesson)

- Size/Style/Make of Board (ie. twin tip, fins, straps vs. boot?)

- Size/Style/Make of Sail

- Waist vs. Seat Harness

- Life Jacket, Helmet?

I'm stoked to get back out here! Thanks

Re: Gear Suggestions for New Kiteboarder

Posted: Sat Jun 12, 2004 7:36 am
by OliverG
Hi, Glad you like the site.

Training Kite - I'd say a 2-3 meter kite is good to train with. Some are very small and don't generate much power, better to work with something that will generate a bit of pull.

Board - About a 150-160cm twin tip is best. No point in going with anything much larger as you won't use it later as you progress. Many beginners buy and use equipment that is initially better suited to learning, but is quickly outgrown and obsolete.

Kite - Depends largely on where you'll be learning, where are you located now? Your kite size will be relative to your normal winds. As far as kite style, go for a mid-aspect kite, rather than a high-aspect kite. Mid-aspect kites are typically more stable and have steadier characteristics than high-performance high-aspect kites.

Harness - A matter of personal preference really. After having a waist harness that rode up on me frequently, and also out of a desire to prevent any rib injuries, I'm now using a seat harness.

Life Jacket, Helmet - Depending on your swimming ability and confidence to stay afloat and swim for a while, you may want a life jacket. A helmet is a good idea.

Lessons - Be sure to take lessons, you will need more than one. There are many qualified outfits offereng lessons and it's money well spent.

Good luck, have fun and be safe!
Ollie