Hi!
After my first post asking about kitesurfing schools, I got your useful replies so I will be finally having my lessons in 2 weeks with Peninsula Kitesurfing. In the meantime, I have been doing my homework; reading the forums, understanding the theory about the kites, wind, security… now I ‘only’ need to apply all of it to the real world :)
There are a few things I want to check with you. I’m sure the guys at Peninsula Kitesurfing will advice me but I always find it more useful getting different opinions from different sources. So here we go:
1. I’m based in Melbourne and I will most likely be kitesurfing in St. Kilda and Rosebud. I guess it’s difficult to say but what’s the average wind in these zones? I guess it changes quite a lot depending on the month?
2. Based on my previous question, I would like to have an idea what kind of kite I should be looking at. I’m 167cm & 62kg… a shortie. 8m? 9?
3. I will be looking at a bow kite, basically because after my readings it looks like it suits my beginner skills and when it comes to security, the depower is far better than in C kites. This is really personal but, what bow kite would you recommend?
4. Last one, what about the board? To be honest, I don’t have a clue about this one!
Hope to see you soon in the water!!
Thanks
I'm based in Melbourne also and from memory its normally around 20 knots maybe between 15-25 knots once the sea breeze kicks in, in winter it's less predictable and kind of all over the place. As for kite size I'm around 80ish kgs and 180 or something cm's tall and I've got a 10m (can get out in 14-30 knots), so maybe a 9m would be better for you to learn on - You can always get a second smaller kite later.
Select to expand quotepKtito said..
Hi!
After my first post asking about kitesurfing schools, I got your useful replies so I will be finally having my lessons in 2 weeks with Peninsula Kitesurfing. In the meantime, I have been doing my homework; reading the forums, understanding the theory about the kites, wind, security… now I ‘only’ need to apply all of it to the real world :)
There are a few things I want to check with you. I’m sure the guys at Peninsula Kitesurfing will advice me but I always find it more useful getting different opinions from different sources. So here we go:
1. I’m based in Melbourne and I will most likely be kitesurfing in St. Kilda and Rosebud. I guess it’s difficult to say but what’s the average wind in these zones? I guess it changes quite a lot depending on the month?
2. Based on my previous question, I would like to have an idea what kind of kite I should be looking at. I’m 167cm & 62kg… a shortie. 8m? 9?
3. I will be looking at a bow kite, basically because after my readings it looks like it suits my beginner skills and when it comes to security, the depower is far better than in C kites. This is really personal but, what bow kite would you recommend?
4. Last one, what about the board? To be honest, I don’t have a clue about this one!
Hope to see you soon in the water!!
Thanks
Hi pKtito,
Welcome to the KB community, good on you for doing your home work just remember to keep an empty head when you go to do your lesson's and approach them as if you know absolutely nothing because you'll absorb a whole lot more then, you don't want to be the person trying to instruct the instructor ;)
What ever kite you decide to pick up, you'll become pretty familiar with and you'll learn pretty quickly how if responds and where it's (and your) limitations are, so regardless of the kite I'm sure you'll be fine, just make sure you are responsible for yourself and others and fly your kite in winds that are suitable for you and your kite.
As for the board, there are different boards for different levels of riding and styles. The general Idea is the bigger the better for beginners but I wouldn't even worry about a board for a while. I would only really focus on flying the kite on the beach in light winds and Body dragging up and down wind.
Once really comfortable with body dragging and understand your kite, then I would think about the board. Don't worry if it takes awhile, it did for all of us, and body dragging is fun too.
Rip in to it and have a great time :)
Can't argue with kiwi burger there!
Good choice in kite schools, they are good guys there and very helpful.
I'm heavier than you at 90kgs and I have a 8m, 11m and a 14m so the long and the short of it is listen to the guys at PKB about kites and gear and if the bug bites you (and it probably will) be prepared to part with some hard earned because living in Melbourne means a bit if unpredictability until summer comes and you'll want (need) a few kites down the track to keep you in the water.
Be warmed here and now, this bloody sport is really addictive!!!
Select to expand quoteparrotdroppings said..
Be warmed here and now, this bloody sport is really addictive!!!
Welcome pkTito, as a warmed parrotpoo says, it's bloody good fun!
10 or 12 meter during summer. In the winter I use my 14 meter a lot. My next kite during winters is a 7 meter.cheers
Hi,
thanks for all your replies guys!! Much appreciated!! Can't wait for next weekend to start with the lessons!!
Based on your replies and the advice from PKB next week, I will see what gear I'm going for!
Have a great Sunday!
gday pKtito
regardless of what the most consistent wind is here in melbourne …. if our a beginner, you won't be going out in much more then 15-20 knots.
as for size, you will figure out what is best for you after a few lessons.
your instructor will teach you how to make your kite less / more powerful from line set-up.
buy something second hand. just like your first car, your probably going to thrash it a bit.
Make sure you buy a common kite. That way if you want something bigger or smaller, you can easily get the same kite in a different size.
It's always best to build a quiver of the same kite. That way you will become familiar with the kite personality.
BEST TS
NAISH RIDE
CABRINHA SWITCHBLADE or CROSSBOW
NORTH REBEL
all very nice kite to learn on. Everybody has their preferences and brand favouritism. Make your own mind up.
Most shops will let you demo and are really helpful.
im 115kg.
my quiver is 9m - 12m - 15m as for boards……
twin tips are best to learn on.
bigger the board the easier it is to get up and go.
i suggest anything from 138-141.
some may disagree as your not that big, but a few centimetres here and there will help a heap when starting out.bigger boards plain easier and have more area touching water so float better.
again, try buy second hand, you will save a few bucks and upgrade once your ready.
( ok… maybe I'm trying to sell you my 141 naish board. GOOD BOARD & CHEAP $250 !! wink wink ****** )
i learnt on a c-kite….. big mistake…… but i learnt the hard way.
its been 18 months since i started, and I'm finally upgrading my gear.
remember, your gear is an investment.
Get the right gear, and you should be able to go from sand dwelling beginner to Intermediate with the same gear.dont do what i did, and buy the first cheap thing you can find.
dont buy from interstate unless its a store, as you can't get your money back.
( my gf bought interstate, and kite LE exploded on maiden flight….. but theres nothing you can do)
hope that helped a bit
