Picking a starter kite

skimboardlife · Since 06 Sep 2011 17 Posts

Im just starting out kiteboarding and bought an old slingshot 4line to play with on the beach but now I'm looking to get a kite for the water. I found a 06 Naish Torch 12m never used comes with bar and line for 350. Would this be decent kite to learn with, I'm 200lbs with that makes a difference, I live in Astoria, OR so I'll being going to the fort stevens and jones beach Thanks for any advice you can give.

beech · Since 21 Aug 2010 486 Posts Longview, WA Obsessed

get ahold of kochease at air pirates and take some lessons. he'll help you with what to buy too.

Nak · Tue Apr 17, 12 1:33 am

Learning on an '06 C-kite? No, that's not a good idea at all. Sure, it's possible; a lot of us learned on kites like that. But it's a LOT more dangerous and will be a lot more difficult and time consuming. Back in '06 and earlier people died all the time in this sport...

Pick up an '08 or later SLE or Bow. Lot's of them in the classified in the $350 price range. Get a lesson first. There's two reasons we don't have near as many deaths in kiteboarding today: Better equipment and everyone gets lessons first.

blancoh2o · Since 15 Mar 2005 1154 Posts Oregon Phishy

sirmichaelo · Since 26 Mar 2010 353 Posts Maui Obsessed

Start with a regular triangle and then you can move your way up to 'The Cyclops'.

But whatever you do, don't start with an '06 of any kind.

hoodkiter · Since 10 Jul 2010 95 Posts Hood River, OR

I would highly recommend the Airush Lithium for a beginner. Here's why:

1. It re-launches itself. If you dump it, just hold the bar sideways and it goes back up.

2. It has excellent range. You only need about 2 for a quiver. that saves you about a $1200 on a third kite.

3. it is still fun even when you get better. don't get a "beginner" kite. you'll soon want something faster/more efficient when you start riding upwind, jumping etc.

Some similar kites include:
-Airush ONE
-Liquid Force Envy
-North Evo

Any low aspect ratio "Delta" kite is good, but the best one by far is the Airush Lithium.
Not convinced? check out what SBC kiteboard magazine had to say about it:
http://www.sbckiteboard.com/2012-kite-reviews-display?news_id=1854

If you want to check it out, i'd recommend stopping by Second Wind Sports in Hood River. They carry the Lithium (and the LF Envy to compare it to)

http://www.2ndwind-sports.com/

Bettyboarder · Tue Apr 17, 12 7:41 pm

$350 for that kite is too much. We dont compare kites on this site cause it causes too much drama. Look for something like 09 or newer for sure

hoodkiter · Since 10 Jul 2010 95 Posts Hood River, OR

we don't compare kites on this site? this is a kiteboarding forum i thought. forums are supposed to be filled with conversation. Drama is the essence of conversation.

TheKerrKid · Since 02 Jul 2009 226 Posts Stoked

mschulz · Since 29 May 2007 530 Posts Reno, NV Addicted

alleycat · Since 29 Jun 2006 176 Posts Portland Stoked

Get a few Slingshot Revs, they are cheap on the NWkite forum and are awesome for learning as they relaunch super easy and can take a pounding

It's is still a mystery to my why Slingshot stopped making them...Pretty much every manufacturer makes a model that is a clone to the REV.....but I guess that would be something to discuss somewhere else..

Just my two cents.