Hi there folks,
Just getting into kitesurfing after taking a couple of lessons here in Auckland but finding it difficult to get decent reviews on all the kites and kite sizes out there... would appreciate some info on kites people are using, sizes, appropriate wind ranges for the size, good and bad things about each kite.

Also is there anyone out there using an Aero 2 18m2 and how suitable is this for a beginner (6ft 100kg)??

Cheers & look forward to hearing some info

The Face...

a good rule of thumb when assessing your first kite size is 1 sq metre for each 7kg of body weight - puts you at a 14m ish - your second kite will normally be 4 sq metres bigger, so the 18m should be your next purchase when you know what you are doing, and can handle more power. bear in mind that as a beginner you will be riding underpowered compared to the more experienced riders you see out and about

check out the european / usa mags for kite review - Kite World are usually not bad - the Aero II has been very well received by the industry and will not be a bad purchase - any mid-aspect kite with all the safety devices that are now available will be a suitable first kite for you - you will learn to fly whatever you buy, so don't stress too much about the decision - just get out there and get on with some kiting!

there are heaps of good second hand kites that people are trying to get rid of at the moment. put a post that you want a kite and see whats offered. $600 - $800 for last years kites is average. then just put it on this site for peoples opinions and no doubt someone will praise it and others will slag.

kiteforum.com has reviews so does kite-surf.com.

send me a private message and I'll give you some contacts.

marnis

Hey man howz it? Where boutz in AK are you based... north?, east?, west? south?

For kite type you're after a med aspect kite.. the AERO II isn't a true beginners kite.. it's more a high performance kite that is well bahaved.

My 20m AERO is a very stable kite but probably a little big for a true beginner... a very good summer kite though. The new version of the AERO is the Naish Boxer... maybe you should try and get a 14m version of these.

If your stuck for places to kite I'm sure we can help u out...

Thanks for the advice Blown Away -
I am based in Orakei but have only had the kite out a few times at Pt Chev and Orewa tryin to get a feel for the kite and gettin a couple of lessons... problem is tryin to get other beginners to pair up with to get out on the water, so in limbo at moment as I have only been in the country for a few months and need some back up on the water especially to begin with - lessons are good but tough on the bank balance... if you know what I mean

Hopefully speak soon...

Cheers

Dave

Orakei... is that near St Heliers, Glendowie way?... hey man in westerlies I head out to Pine Harbour. It's a great spot... slightly gusty but not too bad and brilliant water conditions, shallow, safe and uncrowded. It's located way out east past Howick and Whitford just before you get to Beachlands. I go out there quite often and are allways keen on other people coming along as it's not a well known spot. If you want to kite with someone... i'm allways keen as long as i'm not working.





http://www.geocities.com/blownawaykitesurfing

ph 027 665 0054

Sounds good - Orakei is near Mission bay but too crowded to get a kite out - likely to take someone's head off if you go out here. Would love to head down your direction to pair up sometime for a session - how long you been kiting anyway? Would be great to pick up a few tips...

i'll give you a ring sometime soon if you dont mind to arrange it... hopefully in the next few weeks would be good

Cheers

Chat soon

Dave

I've been kiting for nearly 3 years and would love to go kiitng with you and show you the best spots to kite and give ya some advice. Yes the waterfront is VERY crowded but is great in strong NW with a bit of rain to keep the crowds indoors.


Mark T

you should probably think about finding a softcock sport like windsurfing if you ask stupid shit like this

Very good Kitequeen!!

Thats good advice - taken on board... how about you keeping your thoughts to yourself when you think about thinking in future... wouldnt want you burn yourself out

:twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

kiteking obviously hasn't windsurfed in 45 knots before.... :twisted: :twisted:

you'd be better served kickin some ass out there at Kina Rd in those 20ft waves than spouting all your drivel on this awesome forum... not that we have a problem with it... but i thought ya know that since it's crankin outside that you'd be too busy at the beach.

we all start somewhere and i don't see any "softcock" remarks on this thread... well apart from yours of course :wink:

Hey Dave I have Thursday and Friday off so i'll meet ya at Pine Harbour on the 1st if it's happenin.... otherwise i'm just gonna do my usual lookin around to see what the wind and thermal is gonna do... however i'll ring U up 2 morrow mornin as i'm very keen on sessions at the moment. :twisted: