Newbie here, advice please

[powderhound]

hello, am very interesting in kiting, especially snowkiting because I am a big skier, but on the water looks awsome to. I have never kited before, but I can fly a stunt kite pretty well (only flown a trainer kite once, I could fly that well to, just didnt want to invest in one)

so I am trying to sell some skies, and someone said he could possibly trade kite stuff, do you think any of these kites would work for snowkiting in Lake Tahoe, and out here in the bay for a beginner, to learn how to kite? also I am selling the skis for $200, is this a fair trade??
also how much do you think the Yarga would be worth? above $400 at least??

quote: the guy

2005 Best Yarga 13 with five line bar B+
2002 Cabrinha Blacktip 21 with bar A-
2001 Gaastra 25 with bar A-
2002 Slingshot 16 Fuel and bar A-
2003 North Rhino 16, no bar C-
2003 North Toro 18, no bar C-

I would trade all the bigger kites for the skis only and the Best 13 for the bindings. The Slingshot, Cabrinha and the Gaastra are in top shape as well as the bar, lines ect ect. The North kites are usable but well used. The Best Yarga is a great modern flying kite and has a fifth line for relaunch and safety release. It is in great shape.


thanks a lot -jonas

[reyrivera]

Look at Dirtydbz post about beginner kites:
https://www.bayareakiteboarding.com/abo ... asc-0.html

Looks like the kites that you listed might be too powerful for a beginner learning in snow. Best bet would probably be a bow kite for you as well, learning curve will be way faster.

[powderhound]

I would use these in the water, looks to much fun to pass by, and I live right in san francisco.
if I have the kite, I might as well use it in the water

so pretty much a no on these guys??

[reyrivera]

Yeah, I would not recommend those kites for you.

Was that a 21 meter 2002 black tip? I have a 20 meter Liquid Force M80 C kite, I've only taken that out 5 times last year towards the end of the season when the wind slowed down in the Fall.

I learned on 4 line C kites, and the learning curve was steeper compared to my friends who learned on bow kites. Since you live in SF, a 12 meter for the bay would probably be good. 12 meter is my staple kite for a 180 guy in the Bay. Maybe get a 7 meter bow for snow kiting. There's a lot of folks unloading their gear at the beginning of the season, you can get decent deals this time of the year.

[powderhound]

allright thanks.

anyone got some begginer ish gear they possibly want to unload? I would need all the gear, I have nothing (I would rather post here so people can give suggestions, since I do not really know anything) and thanks a lot for the replies

I am approximately 6-1, and just about 160pounds (and im 17 if that matters)



something like this https://www.bayareakiteboarding.com/ads_item.php?id=399 for kiting around here? I need something inexpensive if possible

[S.I. Rider]

i have 2007 liquid force assault 2's 9m and 12m that work great on water and snow. check the classifieds on this page for the add.

[reyrivera]

I hate to break it to you buddy, but the initial cost can be steep, you gotta look around for used deals.

You will probably need to spend between $1500 to $2000 to get started. That's just how it is. Don't forget lessons too.

There's a lot of decent shops here that give beginner lessons. Shops that come to mind (not affiliated with any of these guys):
Kite Wind Surf
http://www.kitewindsurf.com
Board Sports School
http://www.boardsportsschool.com
WOW kites
http://www.wowkite.com

There's more, but I'll let folks chime in on their favorite schools. If you take an initial lesson, your instructor will guide you on the gear that you need

This is basically the setup that you need and the typical used price ranges:
4/3 wet suit for all year round kiting
$200 - $400
12 meter decent used bow kite complete bars/lines/leash/pump
$400 - $700
Used kiteboard with foot straps size 134 - 151
$200 - $400
Used harness (seat or waist), this one is based on personal preference
$100 - $300
Helmet
$40 - $200
Life vest
$80-$150

[powderhound]

I have a wet suite and a life vest, do I really need a helmet?
might as well just start out with one for the snow, since I have all the snow equipment, all I would need is kite and harness.

[Greg]

Powderhound wrote:

Then all I would need is kite and harness.

Your 17.
THEN, No problem- your gonna live forever...
Go for it,
L.M.G.

[elli]

For the snow harness , kite and helmet. The rest of your ski gear should be fine. Water is a different story, way more gear.

Look at the other thread. The difference between you and the other guy is that you asked before and therefore saved a few hundred dollars mistake.

For the kites, none is worth your time and none of them is worth 400 or even close to that. There is actually a lady that makes handbags from used kites, let her know about them :)

Try to borrow a small power kite and get used to power on a harness, it will really help you on skies. I personally had a lot of experience with power kites, first time on the skies I just went. Fell a couple of times but nothing major and it was the shiftiest wind I ever saw. So you can do the same and you have a whole summer for that.

If you plan on snow kiting the locations in the bay area are not that great, water kiting on the contrary is great. I never thought I will kite on water but kiting on snow is not really a practical option for people from the bay area, so I am in the water. Donít want to ruin your plans, but I had exactly the same optimism about snow kiting and reality didnít match.