awesome...it's definitely good to know what you're doing before you get out...
a pretty decent site that i've found is
http://www.abc-of-kitesurfing.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I love reading up on kites, techniques, etc...
Just click on "info" & you'll find info on kites, needed gear, safety, wind, etc...
...but quite possibly the best is the home page "free online lesson" where our animated friend (i keep wanting to name him, but the name's not really coming to me yet...) gives a pretty decent how-to on the basics that you would learn at your first lesson. He has such a radiance about him! Maybe it's the way he says, "I'll teach you online!" ...such fresh enthusiasm!
lol
also check these youtube links out...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcPgf61YLsc" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; (part one)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7yg2jVl ... re=related" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; (part two)
...sweet & homemade, but good info before a first paid lesson
As far as kites, you may want to check out the March issue of "kiteboarding" where you'll find an overview of 27 new kites. This will allow you to compare new technology with all of the information that you find on the web. Plus, this is a great magazine to have around, anyway.
Brand preference is sometimes like music preference...it depends on the kind of person/rider you are, and the culture that you may or may not be feeling...a good place to start are the reviews on this site.
: )
smiles and delight to you
glad ur here
here we go.......