Hi All,
Looking for an appropriate place to enter this, I understand that there isn't a Newbie section or FAQs to place this, so I am very sorry to bore those who have probably answered such questions a million and one times......
OK, So I have finally given in to the lure of Kite Surfing.
I have a chance to buy a second hand kite off a mate, but unsure if this is appropriate, in fact I haven't even got any details off him, but I think it is a 10 mtr Liquid Force.
I weigh in at 70kg, and stand approx 5:10 heigh.
I am looking at kitesurfing around Brighton Le Sands Sydney, as well as similar areas in and around the sydney region. As a newbie, I will be going out in tame conditions, so thinking a largish Kite, but at the same time, something that will be manageable in perhaps up to 20 knot winds. Or am i being unrealistic with that expectation??
I have become too confused now with varieties of kites, and boards.
So for a beginner:
1). Bow Kite or C-Shaped?
2). Inflatable or Non?
3). Seat or waist harness?
4). Is a twin type board best?
I am about to book my lessons, but am just curious as to general consensus on these questions!
Unfortunately my local shop is suggesting $2500.00 for a 1/2 decent set up, This is out of my range by far. They are also quoting 2nd hand 1500.00 plus. Is it a bad idea to look at ebay, or other second hand options? I just know that this shop would be making a handsome profit on this second hand gear, and I cant afford to pay them that profit!! I understand that newer is better, please help!
Thanks All
Tommy
Welcome to Seabreeze, welcome to Kiting BJ.
Newbies forum has just been started:
www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=72
Enjoy .. Lozza
hi blowjob,
Depends whose "general consensus" you are after... obviously shops will tell you to go for new... and new is most of the time better... mind you you can also find (if you are lucky and look hard enough) new or as new second hand gear for much cheaper. Also ask all your local shops for last years stock... can get half price sometimes...
Still, as a learner, you are more likely to trash your first kite, if you have lots of money, buy new, else get second hand trash it, and then you will eventually want to buy new anyways, so shops do win in most cases.
The kite shops are generally quiet friendly, and can offer good products, discounts and gear, but whatever they say will likely be biased (personal experience). Do your own research, and ask other unaffiliated kiters, then go to the shop. You can even demo gear before buying.
The most important thing is that you don't get duped into buying someones second hand kite unless you are 100% it's in acceptable condition (you must inspect unless it's new). The kite may look great on a picture, but only close inspection shows it's true condition. For example, once the kite is deflated, lift it up against light and inspect the fabric near the entire leading edge... if it has small tiny holes the size of the needle, it means it's been ridden a lot, and the fabric is weakening... (i didn't know this when an instructor i trusted sold me my first kite). Make sure the fabric is in good quality all around - i.e. check trailing edge that the fabric holds firm all around. Any repairs on the fabric are ok if done professionally. Make sure it holds air after inflation, and the valve lids all hold firm and don't let air out. Inspect all the lines and pig tail attachments - ensure they are not about to snap at worn out sections.
You can get great second hand kite for around $900, and board for $400. If you pay less, there is more risk. Sometimes you can pickup old new stock for similar price if you are lucky.
10 - 12 m should be right.
bow / C - go either - but if you get C, go for 5 lines (better safety for beginners). I prefer C any time. Both for learning and thereafter... but Bows are a bit more easier for learning... and have better depower at the bar... although that's arguable as C kites have came long way...
go for seat harness as your first learning harness. easier. Later you will probably switch.
Ask whoever you are having lessons with to guide you in the right direction, they should be able to tell you what size kite you need etc. If the gear at your local is to rich for you then look at other shops online. Most shops have an online store were you can get deals. I know buying online is a bit of a risk so if you find something maby interstate you can pretty much be sure that someone on here will know the store and will be able to tell you if there ok or not.
Great tips, and much appreciated. Now about that login name, how do I change it!!!! 
I've bought my last 2 kites and impact vest from Seabreeze buy & sell. An inspection is a must but i've been very happy with my buys.
www.seabreeze.com.au/classifieds/default.aspx
You'll be looking at about $2000 for a good setup if you buy off seabreeze classifieds. Kite & bar, harness, board.
100% do not buy new
.......when you are learning your kites tend to get quite punished and there is nothing wose than seeing your brand new $2000+ kite slamming into the beach, rocks water etc....... then in 6 months it looks like a bag and flys like it is 3 years old.....
Buy a Bow / Hybrid from 2006/7/8 onwards I would say a 10m .... far easier to learn on and many come with massive depower , many will argue that a C- Kite is better and for unhooking and loops they probably are although I have no trouble doing either on my SBlades ... I ride both SB's ( Bow/Hybrid ) and Fuels (c) and I can guarantee you will find a bow/hybid far easier to learn on.... get one second hand learn on it then when you can kite confidently without dropping your kite ( under normal circumstances ) think about stepping up to a new kite and decide if you want a C kite or buy another Bow/Hybrid.
Buy an Inflatable : Nothing wrong with foils at all..... in fact they have massive grunt are great in the light wind etc....... but you will find a far greater range of options in the inflatable market and many many people prefer the inflatable ( just check the numbers at the beach compared to Foils )
Buy a waist harness : There are many pro's and con's to both styles of harness, but by far the majority use waist harnesses, but it depends on your physical shape, style of kiting etc....
a seat harness :
Cons :can squash your frank and beans a bit, they do somewhat restrict movement, they look like you are wearing some sort of incontinence pad/nappy. Some find it an awkward kiting position with the chicken loop pulling from a lower centre of gravity
Pro's : good if you have back issues, if you have a small chest ( waist harness can ride up a bit ) some find them a better alternative for longer distance kiting or longer hours ( personally I think if a harness is comfortable after an hour it should be for 5 hours ) each person is different.
Waist Harness :
Pros : you will look more like one , better flexability and range of body movement , no squashed nads, no nappy look. Different kiting position +/-,
Cons : must be fitted correctly or it will ride up , not suitable for all body types, some riders complain of back issues etc.....Some take a bit of wearing before they are completely comfortable... ( mine is 5 years old the only bit of equipment that has never been upgraded or replaced and wont be until it dies .....Mystic Warrior 1
If you plan on ripping it up once you get to that level ie: trying tricks, unhooking etc.... buy a waist harness now ( neither style is easier to learn with as long as they are fitted correctly ) otherwise you will want to buy one later on.
If you have any of the above issues ( back pain, small chest etc... ) and are probably more content to just ride around with a few boosts but generally just cruising ( nothing wrong with that and just as much stoke ) perhaps lean towards the seat harness.
Age may also play a factor in this as to what your intentions are. I would say that about 90% of riders use a waist harness but those who use a seat style have just as much fun and have just found it more comfortable.
Twin Tip : A twin tip probably is best for learning as they are not as fragile as surfboard, you dont have to gybe like some mutants and all surfboards and probably easier to control. That being said if you have no intention of riding freestyle or wake style but want to kite and surf the waves just start on the surfboard. Twin tips work fine in the surf as well but if you want to really surf the pocket, drive off the bottom turn and hit the lip like a surfer you need a surfboard or even possibly a mutant. ( that magical unicorn the Air Rush Hammer spings to mind)
, buy second hand and make sure you check it out before parting with the hard earned ( lay kite out on lawn or other check the leading edge for wear particularly the stitching and seams, check that it holds air, check for repairs ( many kites will probably have minor repairs some with none. nothing wrong with a professionally repaired kite and you will have to use a bit of your own judgment here
eg: few years ago i was going to sell one of two identical red 12m Switchblade 2's One had been used about 3 times but had a huge repair right down the guts of the canopy the second was used for about 12months but without a single repair a mate of mine bought the barely used but big repaired kite as it was a far better prospect.......
look for stress lines in the ripstop ( canopy fabric ) and or the feel of the fabric if it feels crisp it is probably quite good if it feels a very soft or limp it could be bagged out
whatever equipment you choose I can at least guarantee a quality stoke and hours and hours of it.
Hope some of this helps 
Welcome to kiting 
