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Hello Adrian,
I’ve been windsurfing for many years and have decided to take up Kitesurfing. Obviously my plan is to take lessons as you and everybody else recommends, however, I’ve been watching videos on YouTube about kitesurfing for beginners etc and I was wondering if before taking the lessons I can learn how to handle the kite on the beach on my own. Once I feel I can handle the kite fairly well I would take the lessons. I’m planning on getting a small real kite, 6-7 M, (not a trainer kite) to learn how to handle the kite on the beach. I would like to know what do you think about that.
Your reply will be highly appreciated.
Thank you so much,
Adolph
Hi Adolph,
Thanks for checking out my site. To be honest I wouldn’t recommend it. Even a small kite can be pretty lethal if you get the launch wrong. And a big part of the first lesson is how to use the safety systems.
And it really won’t take you more than an hour or so to get the hang of flying the kite safely if you get instruction first, so you won’t really benefit much by trying to do it without lessons.
Most kite schools will offer a “taster session” to let you decide if it’s for you, but under supervision.
If you haven’t got access to a kite school then I would get hold of a trainer kite, up to about 3m. That will allow you to get a good idea of how the power zones work, but will be a lot safer for you and other beach users.
I was a windsurfer before I took up kitesurfing, and whilst the board skills help a lot, flying a kite is very different…you can’t just let go of a kite when it goes wrong!
I appreciate your enthusiasm though! And please let me know if there’s anything else I can help with.
Cheers
Adrian
Hello Adrian,
Thank you so much for your quick reply. I will definitely follow you advice. I read your articles about the boards and kites for beginners you think are best, however, I don’t know what board and kite sizes I should get. Could you please advise on that. I’m 5”5’ (167 cm) and weight 130 lbs (59 Kg). I’m located in Naples Fl, USA where the average wind speed is about 10-15 mph with occasional gusts in the mid 20s.
Once again, thank you so much for your valuable advise.
Best regards,
Adolph
A
Hi again Adolph,
That’s a great decision! If the wind is within that range you should be okay with one kite to begin with. 10 mph is at the very low end of when you can kite on a twin-tip so I would aim to get out in winds of 15mph plus. At your size and weight a 10 or 11m kite would cover it.
As far as board size goes, it will depend on how well you manage to get going in your lessons. If you get to the stage of water-starting okay and riding along then you could get less of a beginner board, that will work as you progress. You could look at something between 138-142 cm. The bigger end of the range will work better in lighter winds too.
A lot of the decision on size of boards and kites also depends on ability rather than just your size and weight.
It’s probably best to wait until you’ve had your lessons before buying though. You’ll get a good idea of what boards and kites work for you from your lessons, and the instructor will advise you too. It could save you buying the wrong sized equipment and then having to replace it.
I hope this helps, but if you’re looking at buying before your lessons, let me know and how much you’re looking to spend and I’m happy to see what I can find on the market.
Have fun!
Hello Adrian,
Thank you so much for your reply. I’ll be taking lessons during this week so I anticipate I will be buying my equipment as soon as possible and hopefully next week at the latest. We’re in our windy season supposedly. I’m thinking about investing around U$1200-1300. I know that amount would not get me new stuff but it would probably help me get a decent used gear including the board, Kite an control bar I hope. I’m willing to go a little bit beyond that budget if a really good deal comes across.
Once again thank you so much for your help and advice,
Greetings,
Adolph
Hi Adolph,
I have to say I’m excited for you!
That budget should get you some decent secondhand gear. Do you need a harness too? Bear in mind that a winsurfing harness isn’t suitable for kiting.
I’ll have a look over the next couple of days and will make some suggestions.
Cheers
Adrian
Hey Adrian,
Thank you so much again! Yes, I’ll be needing a harness as well. I’ll be looking forward to knowing about your findings and suggestions. I really appreciate you taking the time to reply and giving advise.
Cheers,
Adolph
Hey Adrian,
Sorry to bother you again but I found this listings on IKitsurf.com and would like to know what do you think about them. I’m leaning towards the Cabrinha Switchblade (12M) since you stated that particular kite would be your first option for beginners.
Link: http://c.ikitesurf.com/classifieds?search=search&type=4&location=all&c_states=all&price=all&brand=Cabrinha&year=3296&size=12&sortby=date&views=all&page=1&orderby=dsc&expires=0&favourite=0&wanted=0&terms=all&deleted=0&reported=0
I’m talking about the first two classifieds on the list.
Thank you so much for your help!
Best regards,
Adolph
Hi Adolph,
They’re both good deals, especially as they include the bar. 12m would be fine in winds up to about 20 mph but might be a bit overpowered above that, so you might eventually need a smaller kite as well, maybe a 9m.
The benefit of buying new is obviously that you should get warranty with it and you know there won’t be any wear or damage.
Let me know what you decide on.
Cheers
Adrian
Hey Adrian,
How about this deal?
https://c.ikitesurf.com/classifieds/56288
Thank you,
Adolph
Hi Adolph,
Sorry about the delay getting back to you – we’re 5 or 6 hours ahead here in the UK. That seems like a pretty good deal, but you’d need to check what size the board and harness are.
Adrian
Hi Adrian,
Thank you so much for your reply!
The reason for me to take up kitesurfing is to have an alternative for when I cannot windsurf, which it would be on those days when the wind is below about 18-20 mph since my 7.0M sail and my 95l board would put me on the plane at that wind speed. I think that the 11-12M kite and a board of 138-142 cm (as you suggested) will help me be on the water when the wind is below 20 mph, which I’m sure will be the most days so I anticipate to be kitesurfing quite a bit. What do yo think?
I personally want to thank you on behave of my fellow beginners for everything you’re doing for us with your website, comments, suggestions and valuable advice with nothing to get in return but our sincere and forever gratitude.
I surely will keep you posted as to what I decided on as well as how my kitesurfing experience is going.
Best regards,
Adolph
Hi Adolph,
That’s what I thought when I took up kitesurfing – But I never windsurfed again and finally sold my windsurfing gear after 5 years!
So yes, I reckon you will be kitesurfing quite a bit?! 12m should be perfect and the Switchblade is very forgiving.
And thanks for your very kind comments – It’s amazing to get such positive feedback.
I’m happy to help anyone who wants to take up this amazing sport so it’s great to know you find my articles helpful.
I make no secret of the fact that I do earn a small commission through affiliate links (at no extra cost to the buyer) if somebody clicks a link on the site and then makes a purchase, but I’d rather help someone to buy the right gear regardless of whether they buy through one of my links.
But when you come to buy any other kit or if you just need advice please come back and check out my articles again.
If you hit the “follow” button you’ll get an email notification when I publish new posts. I’ve just started a series of technique articles and will be building these up over the coming weeks. I think you’ll find them helpful.
And it would be great to hear how you’re getting on so do let me know.
Have kiting fun in sunny Florida (envious)!
All the best
Adrian