What size/type of kite should I buy if I only buy one?

WannabeKite · Since 17 May 2011 3 Posts Kook

I have another Newb question, and I realize I am getting ahead of myself since I haven't even taken lessons yet, but I was curious what size of kite I should buy that would be a good all around kite for a broad range of conditions(if such a kite even exhists?). I'm 5 foot 9 inches and weigh about 165 lbs. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I've read that a 10 or 12 meter Bow kite is an ideal kite for a beginner/intermediate kiteboarder. I've been reading a lot about kiteboarding and I think I have a basic understanding of the difference between a C kite and a Bow kite, and it seems like Bow kites are much more popular for beginners and that C kites are used much more by those who started kiting prior to the introduction of bow kites or for those who want a more specialized kite? It is even more complicated to me because I'm hearing now that there are also "hybrid" kites, which I'm assuming are a kind of crossover between a C and a bow, but I'm not really sure.

Anyways, I won't get ahead of myself and buy a kite or board until after I am taking lessons, but I have been casually looking at the classifieds of used kites on nwkite.com, and for many of them I don't even know if it's a C kite or a Bow kite. How can you tell? I know I know, a C kite looks like a "C", but right now my novice brain thinks every kite looks pretty similar.

I have a feeling that the answers to some of my questions are going to be "Well it depends..." but if anybody wants to chime in and give a rundown and their personal input about kites, I'd appreciate it!

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

I'm sure others will follow up with more detail, but your going to need more than 1 kite. especially when you are learning your ability to handle a lot of wind range is going to be difficult.

Most NW riders have 3 or more kite sizes. I know some that can "make it work" with 2, but almost all are always talking about adding a size. I've also seen people who have small quivers try to "make it work" in high winds when its really dangerous to be on a large kite.

For a super minimal quiver I'd recommend a 9-12 or a 8-10, or 8-12 setup. Better would be 7-9-11 or 8-10-12 or some variation on those.

Oh yeah and most of what you will read about wind range on kites is for folks that are in places that get half as much wind as we do. We have high winds in the NW and thats why its important to have small kites to cover the range.

Its safer, you will learn faster, and you will get skunked less often. Let us know how your lessons go!

Cheers,
-Phil

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

Oh yeah and if you are wondering about C vs. Bow, C kites have no bridles and are more of a "C" shape in the air, whereas bow kites are more flat and have bridles.

You should definitely start out on a bow / sle / flat style kite. The seller of the kite should tell you the difference.

ldhr · Since 21 Jul 2009 1489 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

C kites are for advanced riders. Not great for learning or progressing.
get a kite that's 2008 or newer.
get a kite with one-pump. avoid used kites where you need to pump up bladders seperately.
recomended kites for learning and progressing: these are bow or delta kites: (stable, swept back wings, easy relaunch).
Cabrinha Crossbow.
Best Waroo.
F-One Bandit.
North Rebel.
Get a 9 or 10m for your first kite.

ldhr · Since 21 Jul 2009 1489 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

Slingshot Rally 10m if you can find one in your budget.
Slingshot RPM - 10m.

DMac · Since 14 Jun 2009 142 Posts Stoked

Take some lessons. talk to your instructor. AFTER you have taken some lessons and are proficient at self rescue and have had a chance to try out some different gear, buy two kites (used 2009 or newer) and a board (used). kite size probably 7 & 10m approx. buy the best quality gear that you can afford. buy a NEW harness and helmet. The brand of kite won't matter too much, if you are in the Gorge slingshot, north, naish, cabrinha, best are all good choices. you will use these to learn on and beat the crap out of them while learning. Then after a season you will know what you are doing and what you want and have some kiter friends and can treat yourself to new gear.

HRnico · Since 22 Mar 2008 262 Posts Da Hood Obsessed

What time of day and where will you do most of your kiting? When I was learning, I rode alot after work, and still do. For the 5:30 to 7:30 session in The Hood I use an old 07 13m Waroo (bought new in spring 2008). It was cheap and has held up to countless sessions. I have not done a thing to it, but fly it. I still use it! In the first 2 seasons I used it more than the 7m and 9m combined. Was the kite that made it happen for me. If you only have one kite, it will limit your riding. However you can move up and down the river or adjust your ride time of day to find the wind for the kite. most days

holly · Since 09 Jul 2006 440 Posts Hood River Obsessed

back when i started i was givin the best advise on size.. "the perfect 10" and that what i had for two years. one kite.. pretty much made it work in most conditions. take some lessons, and think about the environment you are willing to kite in. if you cant decide between a 7 or a 10 think about the amount of wind you would need to kite with those kites. the smaller the kite the more wind, and as a beginner you prob wont want to kite in 7m conditions it just too windy. I would also just go and see for your self spend a few days watching kiters and the difference between a good 7m day compared to a good 10m day. totally different!

kochease · Since 03 Jul 2008 760 Posts In Ft. Stevens, OR Opinionated

I agree with Holly. as a beginner 7m wind will be tough to handle. Alot depends on the winds in your area you will kite the most. For coastal riding I use a 10m and 12m most the time unless riding a surfboard but you wont be doing that. i would say a 10m kite is a good overall size for you for summer in hood river, Astoria coast and my favorite spot Jones Beach. But I weigh 200lbs. Even a 9m might be a good choice if you have winds in the 22-30mph range consistantly.

I have had several students survive very well on just one 10m or 12m kite. End of the season they ended up buying a smaller kite when the closeout prices hit.

Having 2 boards can equal 2 kites also. If you find a cheap big board, it can be used on lighter wind days and then a small board for when its windier.

There are alot of great kite packages available locally and some included lessons.
If you decide to buy used maybe your instructor can help you out with that. I always give my students advice when their buying used gear even if its not from me. I just try to do whats best for my student. If buying used I recommend 09 and newier.

MarkWorth · Since 02 May 2011 149 Posts Hood River Stoked

At 160 lb I am using a 7m and a 10m only. I use a surf board most of the time but shift to a twin tip if I am overpowered. I stopped buying 12 M kites because the wind in the gorge will not stay in the 15 -18 mph range. Every time I pumped up the 12 the wind would increase to good 10m riding or quit.

rich · Since 30 Nov 2005 306 Posts portland Obsessed

first year i rode was a 'new baby' year, not a lot of extra dough. bought a 9m and drove to the wind appropriate for the range on the kite, sat out days the kite was not enough (in rare cases too much). Agree w/ PKH fershur, nothing like the right kite for the wind, wind ranges are cool but charts and diagrams related to ranges dont tell the story. a 7m or 9m i'd guess would get you ragin' in the gorge, but I'm dumb and have been that way for a long time...........get better advice. Also, if you have to go the used route try to get someone who knows 'whuddup' to help you out. dont be the new dude w/ the old fuel. Im sure you'll pick up on what that means soon enuff

lekaks · Since 02 Apr 2008 151 Posts Hood River, OR Stoked

Owning one kite would be like owning one shoe. You can make it work I guess, but two is better.

If you want to have fun, remain stoked and avoid any condition specific aggrivation, I would suggest buying atleast two bridled kites manufactured no earlier than 2009.

You can use the same bar with both kites so the second kite is almost half price. Hanginig out at the beaches and getting a feel for what's going on is a great idea. Good luck. Safety is the focus.