Hey guys I'm new to this (i got a training kite three weeks ago and had my first lesson with that) and I'm looking at getting the full gear for my birthday in a month. Because i haven't done this before i don't know anything about sizes and stuff but I've been told the the "Best Yarga" is a good kite to start with but i don't know what size i need i am thinking either a 7 or a 9 meter. I have also been looking at a "freeride" cardboard but i am also unsure of sizes.
I live in Geraldton W.A. the wind varies quite a bit and ranges from about 8-20+ knots most of the time. I am 15, 172cm tall and i weigh about 65kg. can anyone help me out with the kind of gear to look for and some sizes that would work for me to learn with?
thanks, MasterUWA
Hey dude
Get the kite first, if you don't like it then you wont be stuck with a pointless board. If you learn the 'conventional' way you'll first learn to bodydrag and then get going on the board.
As far as kite size goes, different kites have different power for the same size, but I'd think 9m would be comfortable. Try to get a bow kite or hybrid, because they give you greater control over the kite's power while you are still learning with your board, I know this as I've been kiting for six months now and I can't stress enough to you how much a managable kite has helped me progress.
It will largely depend on your budget as to what type of kite you can get. All up you can spend around $3000 for good gear with only one kite, so it can be very expensive.
Another kite I suggest you check out is the Turbo2 or 3 which is now out, Im sure others will add to that, but I'm in love with this kite.
There are plenty of good kites to start out with, what I recommend you do is speak to all the retailers in Geraldton and see which brands they carry because if you need spare parts or any other after sales service you're going to want to go and see them and get their advice on your particular kite and problem with it.
Having said that, treated with respect kites will last a long time with no problems at all, there isn't all that much too them that can go wrong. Packing them up dry and without sand in them will extend the life of the fabric. Rinsing your bar and lines, harness and board with fresh water after use is also good. A lot of people say that you shouldn't use cleaning agents on your kiting gear, but I've used soapy water to wash dirt out of kites before, then rinsed them with fresh water, and I reckon it's probably better than having the dirt in there wearing at the fibres of the fabric.
As far as I understand from people I know up there the wind actually exceeds 20 knots a fair bit, and at your weight I would think a 7m might be a more useful size to you than a 9. I'm not really qualified to say that though, I weigh 110kg and live in Perth, it's always best to speak to someone close to your own weight who kites the same beaches as you will be, they will always have the best idea.
Hope this helps.
Hey MasterUWA,
Find youself a good kite instructor in Gero. Ask for Lindsay. He'll prob put you onto a Best, but he should at least give you an honest answer as for size and an appropriate model kite for your experience and desires in the sport.
Get a full lesson. A trainer kite is a great start which will help you heaps in lessons, but it is not a substitute for an experienced instructor to fill you in on all the ins and outs of the sport.
Good luck,
hey man, don't listen to the above three guys, their just trying to psych you out, grab the trading post or head to ebay, buy the biggest two line kite you can find and get yourself a wake board, their the same as kite boards but the bindings are heaps easier for learning, don't worry about a harness yet, just grab a belt out of your old mans wardrobe and use a shackle to attach the kite to it, your gonna need help when your first learning, so head to the nearest populated patrolled beach and rig up near the flags, that way the lifeguards can help you out, after all, thats what they're paid for right..?
you're fifteen and totally indestructible, just friggen go for it, just think how good hadlow was at fifteen, you gots to play catch-up dude..
all up, you should be able to get away with it for under two hundred bucks i reckon..
goodluck....xx
teabagg, with quality posts like that how come you've only logged up 9 posts?!
Please, don't be selfish, you have a gift, share it around.
Hi MasterUWA,
If you’re in the Geraldton area you will be surprised by the support you get from your local kite brand. NEW is based in Geraldton and provides FREE lessons to customers from how to connect your lines all the way to how to thrash around a handle pass.
www.newkiteboarding.com there is a forum attached as well.
Best bet is making your way to Point Moore in the afternoons when the Southerly is blowing. Check out what’s going on and meet the guys riding there.
I say that because you will probably end up riding there as well. 
g'day 15 yr old at UWA,
kited geraldton for 3 years and you go the spot to do it, Tim at Gspot was always a great guy for help and service, dont be shy get into his shop introduce yourself tell him what your thinking about(kites not girls) and he will show you what he has.
NEW kites are awsome and talking to N8(NJPornstar) you will get the best service available to anyone i reacon.
so check Gspot and talk to N8 from NEW Kiteboarding and you get what you need.
get your mates into it as well there only one grom intown since i left and we need more,
i will be back but 18.
^^
what's funny??? it's the same with most here in Perth only you pay per hour with the majority of retailers.
check the NEWs out, they are local and a good kite for you
