Hi guys,

I am just starting out. I am located in Nelson (which seems to be a great spot to learn) and want to get my first equipment. I dont know other surfers yet, so I hope you guys can give me some advice. I found stuff at trademe (since I cant really afford to buy new), but I dont know what's good for me. I want a 12m kite which is nice and easy to learn with and really good to relaunch from the water. No idea about the right size of the boar (I am about 90 kg). I found some stuff. Could you tell me if something of that is good for me or if not, what is a good cheap way to get started - maybe online ressources for 2nd hand gear?

Here the stuff I have seen:

Kites:
www.trademe.co.nz/Sports/Kites-kitesurfi...uction-264180935.htm
www.trademe.co.nz/Sports/Kites-kitesurfi...uction-264324592.htm

Boards:
www.trademe.co.nz/Sports/Kites-kitesurfi...uction-263879015.htm
www.trademe.co.nz/Sports/Kites-kitesurfi...uction-264731392.htm
www.trademe.co.nz/Sports/Kites-kitesurfi...uction-264023478.htm
www.trademe.co.nz/Sports/Kites-kitesurfi...uction-264024943.htm
www.trademe.co.nz/Sports/Kites-kitesurfi...uction-263696043.htm

Harness:
www.trademe.co.nz/Sports/Kites-kitesurfi...uction-263693138.htm

Thanks a lot for the help

Cheers
Mike

Hi Mike,

The second kite you have listed there is being sold by Shane, the owner of Kitesurf Nelson. (naishX2 is his Trademe profile)

You could be best to stop by and see him, (the shop is by the beach at Tahunanui) and see what he can do for you. He might just have a traded in or ex-demo board that could be right with that kite. He is certainly who you NEED to talk to about lessons.

Cheers

Dave Kay

Hey Mike,

Def head in and see Shane at Kitesurf Nelson, he will be able to point you in the right direction for sure.

Heres another kite for you to consider.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=264665066

Would be great for learning and not much more than the two you were looking at.

best of luck choosing gear!

Cheers guys. I know Shane and had my first lesson with KitesurfNelson already. Just checking some equipment and I dont really want to bother him to give me tips for second hand stuff since after all he deals with equipment... he seems a cool guy and would probably even be cool with it but if you could give me some advice about a board, would be great

Out of those boards you have posted i would go for this one.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Sports/Kites-kitesurfing/Kitesurfing/auction-264023478.htm

Great board for a terrific price. And being underground that one was NZ made.

As for harnesses its hard to say. A harness that is perfect for one person might not be perfect fit for another, normally you try them on if you can.

Hi there - for your size, I'd recommend a 12m bow kite if you don't want to update as soon as you get going. Your board should be floaty to begin with - (I'm your size) - it is width that dictates floatiness, really. 40cm width + and 135-40 length would be my call - just makes it easier to get going. I'm sure Shane would be happy to give you genuine advice without having to buy stuff off him.
Good luck

cheers. I have found a nice board on trademe:
www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=264023478
That shoul do the trick. And you are right, I am in contact with Shane an he is a great help. I hope he gets a second hand kite in for me, otherwise I will probably buy a new one of him.

Hi Z

At 90kg that board is TINY for you, its the sort of size I might put a 50kg kid onto for his first board. There would barely be a day when you would be able to ride on 124x37 and have fun. You should be looking at some 135-140cm long and 40 to 44cm wide for your weight.

I have just listed two boards on TM that I have traded in this week, both would be a better buy for your first board:

www.trademe.co.nz/Sports/Kites-kitesurfi...uction-265043931.htm

www.trademe.co.nz/Sports/Kites-kitesurfi...uction-265044561.htm

Freight to Nelson is only $40 on top of the buy now.

Cheers

DK

I'm with DK on that call. I have been kiting for a while now and I use an Underground 135 x 42 in almost all conditions. The underground you are looking at would be WAY harder to learn on and too small for 95% of any sailing you'll do.

My apologies for that... i thought it was a 134 not a 124, they are right thats alot too small.. sorry for the confusion.

OK, I really should know more about that stuff, ay? I will try to get some literature about it.

Hey, DK (and you guys), which of DKs 2 bords is the right one for me?

www.trademe.co.nz/Sports/Kites-kitesurfi...uction-265043931.htm
www.trademe.co.nz/Sports/Kites-kitesurfi...uction-265044561.htm

Cheers
Mike

Hi Mike,

Both boards are great, but I'd put the Skywalker ahead of the Haze but only by a very small margin.

Cheers

DK

Hi All, and Hi Mike,

I am happy to give you all the advice you need Mike and anyone else when it comes to kitesurfing I could talk all day about it – but yes Mike I’m a very busy man in the shop and it’s not always easy getting me by myself, my apologies..

But I am a big believer in talking to as many riders as possible to get neutral advice, riders passion and the kitesurf STOKE!!
I want learners to succeed!!

For instance, Huntox’s kite on Trademe last week was supplied to me for one of my students, arrive today hopefully? Brokered and recommended by me, I didn’t make any money from this deal – it’s about getting the best for my students or friends. I want all learners to succeed and enjoy the sport. Which means getting the best gear possible for your budget.
Obviously as a retailer I would like to sell brand new gear, but this doesn’t always suit everyone’s budget or lifestyle.

Mike, You should be looking at some 132-140cm long and 40 to 44cm wide boards for your weight and a 4 line 12m SLE/Flat/Bow/Bridled kite, no more than a few years old – better stability, more power, more depower, easy water relaunch and will speed up the learning curve – getting you riding quicker and having fun..

The Naish Alliance I have on Trademe is a full-on 5line freestyle Hybrid C styled kite and I won’t be selling to you Mike, its more suited to a experienced freestyle rider.

Boards?? I have 2 x 132 Underground FLX 09 and 08, trade-ins which are in immaculate condition $600-$700

Both of DK’s board are good for you Mike, and price is great too.




Shane Anderson
Kite Surf Nelson

call free on 0800 kite nelson (0800 548 363)
Shop: 03 548 5958
8 The Sands, 623 Rocks Road, Tahunanui, Nelson 7011
www.kitesurfnelson.co.nz

I got the naish... just because I saw so many great reviews for it. Thanks, mate

Hey Shane, you are really everywhere, ay? doesnt matter who I talk to, he always knows and recommans you

I got a board now, so missing is a kite. As soon as you have something suitable second hand, I'll be in.

And dont get my asking around wrong: Off course you have to make profits (and you should do that also on second hand sales). We all have to live, I am doing business too. As soon as I become better with surfing (and have sold my house), I will be able to get nice shiny and new equipment (which I like too). It is just the starting phase where I thinking that second hand will be better since the stuff will probably get a fair amount of punishment due to lack of skill, right?

I am just saying that to point out that I think, your prices are fair and I respect your advice. Thanks for the tips and let me know when the wind is right for the next lesson or/and when a kite pops up which is good for me.

If anyone else has a 12 meter modern (easy to relaunch) kite suitable for a beginner, please let me know. I cant wait getting into that sport, man, I see the beach with all the kites from my living room window

Thanks all
Mike

Nice buy Mike, what year is it DK?