2 line or 4 line kite to start with?

[Blashy]

High, 1st post. I've done a search on this forum and I'm sure it must have been asked before but I can't find any posts on it.

I'm taking up kitesurfing in June and I've read the pros and cons of 2 and 4 line but I'm still wondering what would be better for a beginer?

As well from the videos I watch it seems most people use 2 line kites instead of 4 lines, is it because if you intend to do tricks this is better?

I live in a light wind area (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada).

Thanks.

[edmis]

if you have to buy a kite, then there is no need for 2 liner. you will have to convert it anyway very soon. i see no reason why 2 liner could be more suitable for beginner. with 4 liner you get depower opton which is really helpfull when you learn. i you have unstable wind conditions, 4 liner is the only option. what really matters is water-relauchability so you go for lower aspect kites.


edmis

[Blashy]

We have unstable winds in our area.

It is a light wind area but you get burst of different speeds.

Water relaunch is a must, I just have to keep searching to find out what would be a good purchase. I also intend to use it in the winter. Probably some inflatable...

[edmis]

ram-air is a good option. you can have one kite for most winds, seasons , terrains. check out flysurfer kites, very good kites.

edmis

[Steve]

Don't send the poor guy out on a ram air as a beginner! They are great kites for lots of people, but few would ever suggest learning with one.

[Blashy]

I keep hearing some bad stuff about RAM air, some good as well but I don't hear as much bad comments about other kites.

Inflatable will probably be my purchase.

[5score]

My answer:

"Fly whatever your instructor gives you."

After a few hours with a good instructor, you should be able to buy a 4-line intermediate performance kite that you can use forever instead of a small beginner kite you'll quickly grow out of. It will cost less in the long run. Plus, you'll learn faster, be safer, and your fellow kiters will thank you.

[Cape Cod Kite Chick]

My answer:

"Fly whatever your instructor gives you."

ABSOLUTELY!! If you've never even flown one or the other to have some idea what you want to buy, YOU SHOULD BE TAKING A LESSON! $300+ for a few hrs of lessons is a much better investment than buying a beginner rig for much more and out growing it as soon as you start progressing. Plus you are much less likely to get seriously hurt.

[Blashy]

I'm taking a 9 hour course, gear included.

Hopefully that'll be enough to get me confortable with a 4 line kite.

[Hogworts]

Go the four line, Just knowing you can de-power when learning, in my opinion is a nice comfort, I learnt on a two string Inflatable experiencing a couple of scary moments, initally your wind judgement is not normally that good so having the depower option helps