We are new to kite surfing...any advice?

[spinkways]

Hi Guys

We have just bought a 14m naish kite + kit.

We are total newbys and a tad scared

Any advice about how to get started or tips for wen your doing it.

We are at Bulcock Beach Caloundra, Australia.

Cheers

The Spinkways

[BizB]

1) Fear is healthy
2) Take lessons
C) I don't always use numbered lists
4) Take lessons
V) Take lessons

That should cover the advice. Enjoy the stoke.

[kiterfighter]

Plan now to upgrade to a Bow kite, preferably a non Best one..

It will make learning much much easier and safer.

Best kites tend to explode and invert.

Take lessons, take lessons, take lessons. All competent instructors are using Bow designs now.

[Kurt]

Hi There

I am in Brisbane but grew up in Caloundra and kite there quite often.
First and formost - have lessons if you haven't already done so.
See Luke at Kiteaction or Dave from Kitethrills.

My advice would then be to head over to the blue hole (sand banks near northern tip of bribie) and learn together over there in the shallows.
Stay out of the main channel and bar until you are at at least intermediate level as it can be quite dangerous for a few reasons, tide, waves, wildlife!

Also probably a good idea to join AKSA which hgives you some insurance for yourself - about $60 a year.

Caloundra is my favourite place to kite!

And, for the record, don't read too much into anything on this and other forums - the placed is riddled with complete Guys (ie kitefighter above). If you need any more advice send me a pm or head over to my website and contact me from there.

Good luck.

[deltawake]

GET LESSONS!!! Ask your instructor on what gear you should use for your local conditions and don't listen to the gear pimps on the forums.

[mobettah]

Welcome to the sport. It's a blast! I started in May 2006 and like others have said find someone who gives lessons - it will help you progress much faster! Also it will help you be safe and not hurt yourself or others. Find other kiters in your area and have a chat with them. Most folks are very willing to help out newbies that listen.
But get those lessons first!

[ruffridah89]

Great to hear the exitment of newbies.
Advice: Get adequate lessons.
your welcome,
Danny

[laz]

get lessons and then any bow kite or even a hybrid kite just somethign you can easily depower and relaunch and dont get anything bigger than 16 meters. if you live in a high wind area a 9 or 11 will do. if youre in a light wind area then a 12 or 15 ill probably do for atleast at first then once you know you like you could get another kite.

just ask your instructer they'll tell u everything u need to know.

[twins]

Something that not everyone mentions, if you have the opportunity to visit a cable park or some wakeboarding, I think it improves your board skills dramatically when starting. Like that you can focus on the kite better.

And obviously take lessons. If you ask me you already made a mistake buying a 14m "naish" kite, bit generic, hope you did your homework. Being scared prevents you from being stupid... that is a good thing, don't let your fears hold you back though...

Good luck....

and ho hoho merry christmas

[tiger20]

Kiting is like golf. You need balls.