Hi all,
I have my kite surfing lessons booked with Zu Boardsport in St Kilda.
Its the full 5hr get you started course.
As part of the course they also give a $200 voucher to buy gear from them.
Obviously I'm just going to be getting started so dont need the best gear under the sun (and also its bank breaking).
I have no issue with some older/used gear as well.
Just wondering what everyone thinks is the best way for me to get my gear the cheapest for stuff that is good (enough) for a newbie to have fun on and last him long enough.
They sell used gear in Zu as well.
All advice happily received.
Thanks
Use the voucher to buy a brand new harness :D
Grab one used post-2010 kite to learn on for your average wind conditions, cheap as possible. Buy a decent board; choose your first board to become a light wind board later on...
Like he said above ... and never buy a kite more than two seasons old. Get an 'entry model' from one of the big five manufacturers for resale value (just in case you decide not to kite anymore) and build quaility The best value is usually a one season kite. A helmet you can use while learning and in about three seasons when you get bored of the twin tip and want to get into the waves.
So who are 'the big 5' then?
So you reckon the place to save money is in a slightly older, possibly used kite. Harness is thing to spend the cash on?
I guess it makes sense as the harness shouldn't change regardless of my skills improving I presume and can be used with any future boards and kites I buy?
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I would just get a kite I could afford from Zu, at least you can take it back when it needs fixing
$100 harness good enough
should be able to get a cheap used tt on gumtree/ebay - just make sure the bindings are screw on not glue on...
Select to expand quotenila said...
So who are 'the big 5' then?
So you reckon the place to save money is in a slightly older, possibly used kite. Harness is thing to spend the cash on?
I guess it makes sense as the harness shouldn't change regardless of my skills improving I presume and can be used with any future boards and kites I buy?
Look around, the are some seriously cheap brand new kites, if its second hand get a knowledgeable kiter to have a look, I've seen some pretty **** kites supplied to newbies, as for harnesses I've a few, if your large pay the post and its free, 
Select to expand quotenila said..
So who are 'the big 5' then?
So you reckon the place to save money is in a slightly older, possibly used kite. Harness is thing to spend the cash on?
I guess it makes sense as the harness shouldn't change regardless of my skills improving I presume and can be used with any future boards and kites I buy?
I used the term quite loosely because preferred makers you see out on the water depend on where you live and what sort of kiting is being done. But a quick look down the list suggests it's more like "The Big Eight"; Airush, Best, Cabrinha, Core, Ozone, North, Naish, RRD. If you have the dollars and know you are going to spend the next 2-3 years kiting then, sure, it's your money, so buy a new kite. The shop will love you! If you haven't got $1500, then a $900 year-old kite is a way to go, given you will be drilling it occasionally into the sand and sea while you learn. Why smash something new? Learn on a relative 'banger' and then look forward to the day, in about 18 months, when you pick up a latest model, spanking new, crispy kite for that new summer season. A good harness also means a NEW safety leash too.
Maybe try Switch Kites (I would) .You'll get brand new, highest quality gear at secondhand gear prices.
