Need a little help guys.
My dads starting out in kitesurfing this summer, as I have only done one season so far I thought I would get the experts to comment on this.
He's 54, 76kg, 183cm, active, has windsurfed a little.
Basically I need you to list the prefect beginners kit for him-everything from harness to kite to accesories. Hes pretty safety concious, so impact vest, helmet etc would be included.
Theres no budget-I just want the top gear for him. Also where do you think the best place for him to have lessons at is? (He lives just in front of Pinnaroo Point so Im assuming somewhere close to there.)
Welcome retailers comments as well.
Thanks.
Go and see AKS at Scarbora, they will sort you out with gear and run lessons at Pinnarroo point.
Yeah as Juicerider said come see us at AKS, 256 Westcoast highway, scarborough we can talk through your fathers requirements, and what he does and doesn't really need.
We also operate the kite school at Pinnaroo Point, give Darren a call at the shop on (08) 9245 3884.
Not sound repetitive, but call AKS, they are the best around to discuss gear, they have plenty of options in gear (new and second hand), offer great after sales service and provide the most comprehensive lessons around. They make a great cup of coffee too...he he.
Thanks guys, was after more of "your" opionion though. Just want to get some collective thoughts on this.
Got this in my E-mails today, I recon you get your dad on to this for starters unbeatable value
buyblindsonline.com.au
Dont listen to the above, just get sum lessons witht the school that teaches at pinnas as it's on your doorstep.mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Get Lots of advice, and you don't have to buy any gear till after you have had some lessons.
Make sure you get all the skills to save yourself, and get good safety awareness.
Always remember, the kite is only worth X$$'s and a repair is only $150.00 or more, so don't be afraid to ditch it if things are going wrong, you health and well being will cost a lot more if you get pasted over a rock or something.
Also make sure you are very familiar with self launching.
Be careful about all the info on the Forums, sometimes its the same person under different usernames. Or it might just be some guy winding you up...
Buy a good harness.
2nd hand gear is good for the first 12 months anyway, you don't have to buy new gear.
Anything after 2009 has good safety systems on it.
You probably won't be able to tell the difference between a lot of kites until you get a bit of experience.
Stick with popular brands as the number of kites on the water will give you an indication of what other think or find easy to use, and also good name brands are easier to sell latter on.
Also if you and your dad stick to the same style of kites, you will be able to share your quiver, and possibly use interchangeable bars. I asume that you would be on a smaller kite than he, so you could have 7, 9, & 11 meter kites and share them.
Talk to a lot of different people at the set up areas. Usually people are happy to tell you what they like about their kite, and why they bought it or prefer it.
A good all round kite is better than one that has specific qualities. Cabrina Switchblade, Slingshot Rally, Nash Park, are some that spring to mind but theres more out there
The qualities you need to look for as a learner is a simple safety system, relaunch, easy handling, and not any really fast kites and good wind range.
Know the difference between a 4 line and a 5 line kite, and which will suit you better. North 5 line kites are very safe, or have absolute depower.
There are a lot of second hand boards out there.
Foot pads and straps can be a personal item, so try lots of them. The width of you board is important as well so consider that when you by it.
Your dad may want to check his fitness and core strength, (perfectlyfitonline.com) otherwise he might do himself some damage. Either way it won't hurt if you are fitter.
Tell him not to be intimidated by all the young guys and all their tricks, just to get out there and enjoy carving, he won't hurt himself much, and at his age he has earn't the right to decide whats cool for him and what's not.
There are a lot of people out there that are older than he, and are doing it well.
The following is one site with a lot of reviews, but you can always google any gear.http://www.sbckiteboard.com/2009_kite_reviews?news_id=753&uniqid=
PM Sent to Perth232!
Thanks everyone for your support and kind words. I'm most humbled 
DM
Repetitive I know, but if you get everyone's opinion you will just get confused. I can see PelicanPete is trying to be helpful, but for a biginner, the sport can be mind boggling. Your dad needs to concentrate on the physical basics of the sport and rely on your trusted local kite shop for good advice. He'll soon work out what's needed after a couple of lessons. Obviously I'm not from that area, but the thumbs up for AKS can't be ignored.
Thanks Pelican Pete. Really appreciate your time on that one. Will pay AKS a visit as well. Thanks again.
Select to expand quotediginoz said...
Dont listen to the above, just get sum lessons witht the school that teaches at pinnas as it's on your doorstep.mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
A trainer kite wont do any harm, get the early kite skills in while its quiet.
The school will give you the advice your after, weather you have lessons or not but you need to put some lessons on the top of your wish list.( you might have picked up some bad habbits you DONT want to pass onto your dad if your teaching more than the basics)
PS pinnas is also my local
PPS JASON U UP 4 SAT LOOKS BLOIE.
Dont listen to the above
Which one? because it is all good advice, and you just repeated what everyone said, you don't make any sense man.
just like to throw my 2 (AKS) cents in.
-darrens your best bet, not only cause he's close to you but mainly cause of his vast experience and yes its obvious he will stand to make a dollar from any sales BUT people recommend him for all the right reasons.
-he knows what he's talking about AND
-he wont tell you bullsh!t.
oh, and u might possibly be out the back one day when u crash and lose all the air outta your kite.
-this is when darren really shines!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
thanks again mate.
