New guy planning a purchase. Opinions?

[NewBkiter]

Hey everyone!

I have been browsing equipment trying to find what would work best for myself and my wife this summer when we get started up on full sized kites and I began to ponder. :think:

One kite would limit the wind conditions that we can fly in. 2 or 3 kites would open the door to many possibilities. I have come across a quiver of 3 consisting of 2008 North Rebel 7, 10 and 12.

I am 6'2" 230 lbs, she is 5'6 130ish. Personally, I think it would be safer to have the range of kites available. That will help overcome the newbie feeling of "I don't care what the conditions are I just want to fly!" I can picture her running the 7 while I am on the 10 or her on the 10 while I am on the 12 depending on what the wind speed tells us. I'll be checking in with the locals when we get on site to see what their recommendations are for size until we get more familiar.

We will be starting in Alameda as it has been deemed a decent beginner spot with plenty of beach and I believe the winds are a bit more tame. While I realize that may limit some of our flying days due to not having enough wind I still want to avoid the rocks at 3rd for a while.

The point of this is to get your input as experience kiters. While, I feel it would be a GREAT idea to get a quiver, do you all foresee any issues with it?

As far as out experience goes.
Her: Surfing years ago and some trainer kite fly time.

Me: No board experience unless you count sitting on a skateboard and scooting myself along when I was a kid. Stunt kite as a kid and hours of trainer kite flying.

I am not out in Cali yet as I will be coming out in June(I've just been out for visits and to pickup the trainer at Helmsports of Sunnyvale in San Mateo). I will have another 2 months of practice time before I get my hands on a full size. She is in Sunnyvale now. We will end up somewhere between Sunnyvale and Lathrop.

Thanks for your input!

As a final note: We will be getting lessons as to reduce the endangerment of others. Have not yet decided where to get the lessons from though.

[lieutenantglorp]

Take some lessons as soon as you and your wife get here and you will get a better idea on what you need while gaining confidence and peace of mind in your abilities. At your size you will likely use the 12 the most once you are up to speed. My wife is about the same weight as yours and uses her 9 the most.

[Sonny]

Don't buy any equipment until you take a lesson first. Used item will only get cheaper not more expensive. Sounds like you might be living in Peninsula when you get here, I'm at 3rd AVE almost everyday there is wind, come see me and I can help you.

[NewBkiter]

Appreciate the link Lieutenantglorp.

Top clarify, are you suggesting lessons prior to even making the purchase so that I am more informed or is it safe to have the quiver ready after we finish up our training?

Of course I am excited about having a quiver ready but if there's a good reason I shouldn't get them ahead of time, I am all ears.

Oops, I didn't refresh prior to the above post.

We will be at in Southbay just south of San Mateo and a little more of a ride to Alameda. 3rd AVE is San Mateo right?

[adamrod]

yes! just what the other guys said.

WAIT to buy gear until AFTER you're done with lessons. why?

1. gear is cheaper the longer you wait
2. you'll know more about what you want in gear and what size gear is right for you
3. your instructor can help you understand the pros and cons of different gear
4. most schools can hook you up with a sweet discount with gear after you've taken lessons.
5. you might decide that you absolutely hate kiteboarding and wish you hadn't spent all that money on gear.

i know it's tempting. I know you want to get some gear, but be patient. once you're done with lessons, you can get gear in a DAY. there's no reason to buy it now and let it sit around for a few weeks.

as for sizes? as a beginner at 230 lbs, you might want to look at a 14 depending on where you want to kite....but again, your instructor can get to know you and your progress and skills and do a much better job of giving advice on gear.

[manplesvanuatu]

NewBkiter,

I concur with Sonny. Don't buy used gear until you take a lesson.
Do buy that trainer kite and fly it as often as you can..For that you can go to 3rd Avenue (no need to drive to Alameda)..just go to the upper launch (ask locals where it is, if it is not obvious) and pick a spot far from the kite launching area and you'll be fine.
I believe there is a trainer kite by the name of Sensei. It comes with an instructional DVD. The more you fly this trainer it will ease the instruction process between you and the instructor.
As far as schools goes..Talking to Boardsports or Wind over water is a good start. Just go down and talk to the instructor(s) and get the feel of what personality you like best. I heard Helmsports don't start their lessons until May.

Happy wind!

[NewBkiter]

Have the trainer. Slingshot b2... a 2M foil. In fact I am about to take the little one to the park and get some more practice in. Park is just an open field by a local college. One side is open to the water so I get a nice clean strong wind coming through.

Thanks all for the input thus far. I saw a great deal for 3 kites in a quiver for about 1500 and my eyes lit up. :shock: Ok, so they popped out of my head! I was looking at needing to drop 1500 for just a single kite and 3 for a reasonable price (from what I can tell) in good condition sounded perfect.

I'll heed your advice. If I'm better with a 14m and the biggest I have is 12..smallest 7m I may find myself a bit disappointed when I am just barely kept on the water. I'll let the trainer do the suggesting.

Ok, enough rambling. Off to the park!

[More Waves Please]

In case you haven't gotten the message yet, definitely wait to purchase gear. If you think $1,500 is a good deal on a 2008 quiver, you should know that I recently sold my 2009 quiver (7M, 10M and 12M Airush Flows) for less than that. the 7 and 10 were well used, but in excellent shape, the 12 was basically unused with only 4 or 5 sessions on it.

Tons of use kites around the Bay Area. Just get here first, take some lessons and get to know some locals - I'm sure you'll get hooked up with good gear at a good price.

[Boardsports]

we have started our lesson program and are also adding jetskis to our San Mateo lesson program. Our instructors are IKO and/or PASA certified and we will do our best to give you a great lesson and gear buying experience. We teach on and retail Naish, North, F-One, and Ozone kites and boards. We can understand your riding spot and skill level and help you decide what kites best suit your needs :)

Jane
Boardsports School & Shop
Alameda - San Mateo - San Francisco
Voted "Best of the Bay"
http://www.BoardsportsSchool.com
415.385.1224

[rvv]

Newb,
Please give us a call when you are ready for your lessons. Kitegearboxx 888 411 0732 or visit our site www.kitegearboxx.com Our focus is 100% kiting unlike some other schools.
Our IKO certified instruction will get you and your wife up and riding in no time flat in a safe location away from the hoards of other newb kiters and for the absolute best prices out there. And we can do it without requiring that you spend countless hours on a trainer kite.
Also follow the great advice of the others posting here and wait to buy your kites. You, like me are a big guy, so you will be riding a 14m-15m (10-20mph)and a big board most of the time and your wife will probably be on a 8m-9m (10-20mph)which you can use in 28-35mph conditions (kite dependent) but she will never fly your kites (too big)So you wont have allot of crossover in your quivers. Four (2 each)newer kites should cover you both in most conditions.
Kites and boards are designed for most people that weigh 170lbs and would typically ride a 12m (10-20mph) and say a 135cm board.
Ps Also avoid using a board leash while learning at all costs, they just aren't safe!
Good luck and see you at the beach.