| Once you've completed you first kite lesson, your | | | | advise during your kite lesson about what size this |
| thoughts will very quickly turn towards buying your | | | | should be. Buying your larger kite first will mean that |
| first set of equipment. But how much will you have | | | | the winds you go out in will be lighter, less gusty and |
| to spend and what is a good price for a beginner to | | | | the water state more pleasant so improving your |
| spend to ensure you get good kit that doesn't cost | | | | chances of learning successfully. |
| the earth? | | | | For a board the general rule is go big, get something |
| As a beginner I would recommend you buy second | | | | at least 140cm in length and look to spend no more |
| hand kit. This has 2 advantages. Firstly it keeps your | | | | than about 250 on your first board. If your going |
| costs down and secondly as a beginner it is likely that | | | | to be wearing a board leash please, please wear at |
| you're going to be giving your kit a fair bit of abuse | | | | least a helmet if not an impact vest as well...boards |
| as you go through the process of perfecting your | | | | have sharp bits!! |
| technique. It hurts you (emotionally!) a lot less to be | | | | The harness is the bit of kit I would recommend |
| bouncing a second hand kite off the beach than it | | | | buying new. You harness is your contact point with |
| does to watch your shiny, new 1000 kite | | | | the kite and a well fitting harness can mean the |
| disappear under a wave! | | | | difference between a great session and the most |
| Kit costs vary greatly but as an average I would | | | | uncomfortable experience of your life. The choice |
| recommend buying second hand you would be | | | | between seat and waist harness is a personal one, |
| looking to spend between 350 and 500 on | | | | try both during your kite lesson if you can so you |
| your first kite. Normally as a kitesurfer you will have | | | | can see the difference yourself. A good harness will |
| at least 2 kites, one for light wind and one for | | | | cost between 100 - 150 . |
| stronger wind. Buy your lightwind kite first, as for | | | | |