Kite sizes for learner in Margaret River & Augusta

My father-in law is a fit 60yo, ex surfer, long time Marg's local, about 85kg. He is keen to give kiting a try, probably start off down at Augusta river mouth then probably Prevally / Gnarabup once he can stay upwind.

Can someone recommend a good instructor in this area?

We are also wondering about kite sizes for a 2 kite quiver. I rode Marg's last summer over a couple of weeks and was well powered on my 8m SB3 when the sea breezes were in, almost overpowered some days. Most guy's were on 7's, 8's and 9's.

But I imagine the winter winds may not be as strong or consistent (apart from the cold front gales of course)??

For an 85kg beginner in that area I was thinking maybe an 11m/8m quiver?

cheers,

Andy

Andy,

The river mouth in Augusta is not the place for learners to be kiting. If your father-in-law was kiting there and found himself overpowered in a 30 knot SE gust, which sent him flying to the other side of the river, where's he going to throw his kite, into the trees? Vessels move up and down that river all the time, and I've seen several close calls where an out-of-control newbie has almost hit a boat. All it takes is one incident (especially if someone is injured), and kiting will be banned along there with the stroke of a pen. There's also semi-submerged trees on the northern side of the river (not as many as there used to be), and the northern side is exactley where someone will go that can't maker upwind, or at the very least hold thier position.

Once he can make upwind in a cross-on wind, then bring him down to the river, not the other way around. This is for his safety, and the safety of the general public and other kiters who use the river.

simon your man