Hey guys,
I'm a newbie, just did a few lessons. Just bought a bunch of gear on the weekend (Cabrinha Nitro 12m, Stonker board, dakine harness, 
) but the board didn't have a grab handle. Gonna make it a bit of a bitch getting the into the bindings.
Anyone know where in Melbourne I could pick up a new one? and rough price? Board already has holes for it but it's been taken off/lost.
Cheers,
Robbo
You should be able to get a handle from any kite shop in the area.
My main comment though is on the 12m Nitro - I'm presuming that your lessons were on some sort of bow or hybrid kite - your Nitro is either going to be a 5 line or if it's a 2004 model have the recon system. Make sure that someone shows you how to relaunch, self launch and land this kite before you go out. Also, the nitro is a high aspect ratio C-kite which has a lot less depower than a modern kite. Make sure you have a kite leash and know how to use the quick release.
There is nothing wrong with having this as your first kite - I learned on this kite soon after they came out before the invention of bow and 100% depower kites as did many other people. The only reason I'm mentioning this is that it may be very different to the kite you did lessons on.
Good luck
I know Kitepower, a site sponsor here, sells handles (not sure if they have ones to fit a Stonker however).
Are there any shops in the CBD? I'm new to this whole Mexico place...
yeah, your assumptions are right on the money. Its a C rather than the bow i learnt on. Its a 2005 with the Recon system (4 line with "tap out" depower, colapsing rear edge) I'm going to take the gear along to my next lesson (last for a while hopefully) and get em to run thru the differences in handling the kites.
On a seperate note, i'm a bit surprised that self launch/landing has not been covered AT ALL in the 3 lessons i've had so far. I would have thought getting the kite in the air and back down, safely was more important than getting on the board, but not even a mention of it...
I have a spare liquid force handle. Send me the distance between your handle holes and if its the same size I'll send it on to you free of charge, I'm not using it, it came with my straps and pads.
ditto on that.
I have a few various handles - if saffer can't help I'll post you one for nicks - just need the insert spacing and screw type (usually 1/4BSW or Metric M6) and your address
you dont need a handle... if you can find one for free than only just might it be worth putting on otherwise save your money + plenty of people will be able to offer free ones... i keep mine for when i want to sell the board though
you don't 'need' one but they are nice to have - especially when you are learning
Piece of electrical conduit
tennis racquet grip tape
Heat conduit with heat gun, bend into desired shape, drill some holes, wrap the grip tape around handle - sorted!
Mcgyver one as has been posted, get a free one or order one online here.https://www.kitepower.com.au/catalog/category_354_Fins__Handles.html
In 3 lessons you should have been shown how to at least connect the lines correctly and how to launch.
If you have not, maybe you find another instructor.
Often instructors will not show you self landing unless you ask, but it should be covered, as its obviously a needed skill at times.
Be careful with the Recon system its not ideal, and retains too much power when the wind is strong, leading to you being pulled downwind rapidly. Its difficult to recon the recon in strong winds too, so relaunching after deploying it can be impossible or too sketchy.
Convert the kite to 4 lines with a sliding bar/flag to one line system, or scrap the kite.!!
Cya and
Goodwinds
Steve
OK, I think the McGuyver idea's the winner, tho i don't remeber him ever carrying the conduit, only rope, matches and a knife? 
stuff payin that much for a piece of plastic.
On the lessons, yeah, i can set it up, fly it and crash it. As for getting it in the air, only ever held the kite once it's up, or I have relaunched off water. I've seen them do launch on the beach, but thats about it. Your probably right, i've never actually asked them to show me. Guess what the first thing I ask will be on Saturday?
I'll have to see about the Recon bit. Some things are best left untouched till I know more what i'm doing. I prefer the idea of the flagging style leash. I doubt it'll see "strong winds" for a while, least till i'm thinking of upgrading to a newer kite.
stuff payin that much for a piece of plastic.
