Hello there!

wak.joe · Since 08 Sep 2008 3 Posts New Member

My name's Joe Wakefield, and I typo'd my user name! Woot!

I've been flying kites for a long time, and am just deciding about going further. I'm good with "Stunt" kites, and smaller (Six to eight foot) foil kites, two lines. Also an experienced skateboard/snowboarder, as well as BMX Dirt! But I'm old now (21. But hey, I have a two and a half year old!)

And I'm here to ask you guys where to start. What's the absolute dirt cheapest I can drag my ass down the beach, or across a river or lake? Very Happy

Thanks for the help. I'm sure I'll post questions to your answers, don't worry.

Windian · Since 28 Apr 2008 901 Posts Newport, OR NEWPORT OG

Used gear off the internet is the way to go for cheap gear.

Ikitesurf.com

has got just a ridiculous amount of gear for sale. Just remember that SAFETY is paramount in this sport. Kites have no mercy and it is your job to control them!!

DROCK999 · Since 31 May 2007 852 Posts Left Coast Opinionated

wak.joe · Since 08 Sep 2008 3 Posts New Member

I know it, but I can only afford what I can afford.

And something is better than nothing, that's for sure!

And thanks for the link to ikitesurf. Very Happy

Spike · Since 13 May 2007 1414 Posts Alameda Spelling Expert

Diggy · Since 25 Nov 2006 342 Posts Gorge to Coast Obsessed

Check the classifieds on this site. There are some 07 kites for sale in the $300 to $500 range which are great deals.

http://www.nwkite.com/forums/t-10443.html

http://www.nwkite.com/forums/t-10498.html

http://www.nwkite.com/forums/t-10492.html

I've tried the cheapest route and ended up with unfriendly junk or gear that was already worn. When I bought my first newer kite I immediatly improved my progression.

Get a trainer kite if you don't already have one. Get a DVD. Get a wetsuit and harness. Get a lesson. Then get your kite.

Anyway, just my opinion based on my experience.

Welcome to NW Kite.

Pepi · Mon Sep 08, 08 8:11 pm

Hi Joe:

Spike and Diggy both speak the gospel truth.

1) Get a Trainer kite, either 2m2 or 3m2 (3's are best, but more expensive) and a beginner video (or download a trainer kite video off the internet).
2) Take a lesson. The trainer kite practice will totally pay off in helping you to get on the water faster via your first lesson. Then ask your instructor questions about what equipment you are using (style of kite and safety system), why you are using it, and what he/she recommends for you (after you have completed your lesson).

What is important in step 2 is that it gives you the opportunity to learn about what type of kite you will want to use, and what safety system you will feel most safe with.(we usually recommend finding a kite that is the same brand, or has a similar safety system as what you learned on, so as to ensure that you will know how to handle your safety and self rescue when all alone on the beach).

We've seen a good deal of customers try to teach themselves via the cheap used kite route, without taking lessons or practicing with a trainer kite. Those people either end up totally destroying their kite on the sandbar, losing it via an improper safety system, or in the rare case, get injured (or injure someone else) and have a near-death experience which results in their decision to never try kiting again.

Modern kiteboard equipment (made in the last 2 years) has made a dramatic progression in enabling a broader range of people to learn to kiteboard with little to no drama. This is important to note if you have been sitting on the sidelines waiting to learn until now. The reason kiteboarding is easier to learn is the newer kite/bar designs, and the vast improvment in kite control systems and safety mechanisms.

The NW kite community wants you to become a new kiteboarder, not a new problem on the beach or another person who decides to quit because kiting is too technical or too expensive. Be smart, use the NW kite forum to your advantage, and get into kiting the right way.

BTW -
Spike and Diggy are both recent additions to our kite community (kiting only 1-2 years), learned both the right way and the hard way, and both are now kick-ass kiters who speak from proper experience.

We're glad your joining our sport and welcome to the forum Joe!

Thanks
Pepi

wak.joe · Since 08 Sep 2008 3 Posts New Member

Not real sure on the budget, pretty low. I planned to buy things in pieces. 300 here, three hundred there. But I'm setting this up for next summer, so I've got all winter to gear up. Plus a tax return! So I should be good to go. Very Happy

As for being a danger, I completely understand the "Rules of the Road". Trainer kites flying down wind (Except on Sauvie island, where they are preferred upwind).
Just want to say that I promise I'm not jumping head first; Ya' won't get any trouble from me!

With that said, I've had a little bit of fun on a mountain board and one of my two string kites on a friends farm-land (Read; Open clean-cut grass). But it was only an eight foot wing span, didn't get up and go like I'd really like to be able to.

Are there certain brands of kite to stay away from? For instance - With stunt kites, Prism, although they make a fine kite, use odd-ball sizes in the polls. So when one breaks, you're out of luck for the most part. But another brand, you can just run to a kite shop over on the coast and cut a poll real fast.

westender · Since 09 Aug 2008 41 Posts Portland/Stevenson

Are you near the Gorge? One of the best deals on lessons in the Gorge, is the "Ground School" at Big Winds. Plus they sell most of the rental gear at the end of the season (now) for good prices. I don't think you're going to get a decent gear set up for less than $600. That's about what I've got into it and my kite's a 07 Naish.

pdxmonkeyboy · Mon Sep 08, 08 9:48 pm

I would think that you are going to need around 2k when its all said and done. 2 kites, board, harness, wet suit, lessons, and lots of gas.

It adds up quick. You can find gear for really cheap but there is a reason that it is really cheap..cause it sucks. Sure you can probably get a slingshot torque and a pickle fork board for $300 but you are going to find yourself struggling and struggling and struggling to learn.

In terms of kites, just get any major brand of bow kite made in 06 or newer and you'll be fine.

I've got two kites that are great for a beginner but I can't sell them to someone who hasn't had any lessons.

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2027 Posts Windward

dude i just sold a 06 waroo 7 meter for a $150 eBay
not exactly primo

but an easy to get into $ wise
most boards are worth about $150

get in the water stay off the beach.
downwind of everyone else

It IS a struggle and you will have less up and going time
than taking lessons beforehand
But if you find some pals to go with you can help each other.

sounds like plenty of advice on the SANDBAR
Very Happy

hamlindp · Tue Sep 09, 08 7:28 am

I've got some great used kites for sale!!!!! (see nickname thread)

hamlindp · Tue Sep 09, 08 7:33 am

Get together with Matt and his Rope Swing and have a dangle-fest! Shocked

(How's that Question

, pdxmonkeyboy Very Happy

)(Good one, huh?)

Mike Hawk · Tue Sep 09, 08 8:21 am **Get Met It Pays**

Of Course I am assuming you already have Health Insurance.

http://www.metlife.com/General/0,4773,18663,00.html?WT.srch=1&WT.mc_id=cs3403

Just in case you didn't already insure your life for your 2.5 yo...

tstansbury · Since 06 Jun 2006 649 Posts Rowena and P.C Addicted

sounds like you are past the trainer kite phase. You need an 06 or newer kite start with a 9 or 10 ($250 and up) you could get a old board 140ish twin tip for ($100) and up and then you need at least one lesson. If you go this minimal route take it very slow at first stay away from crowds and tricky launches triple check your line setup and make sure you have someone who knows what they are doing launching you at first.

Joshiebaby · Since 14 Oct 2007 569 Posts Vancouver, WA Addicted

hamlindp · Wed Sep 10, 08 7:07 am