Newbie kiteboarding setup

[vins1127]

Hey guys,

I just finished up on 10 hours of lessons in MX, and am looking to purchase my first setup to begin practicing on my own. I plan to go out only in my local area with flat water conditions, and lighter winds - 10-18 knots. I am around 220lbs and 6'4. Can someone recommend a board I can buy to start to progress with. The board I used during my lessons was 165 which seemed too big for me.

I was looking at the Shinn KG 146, would this be a good board for me in the beginning stages? or would I need something larger? maybe 150?
http://www.airpadrekiteboarding.com/kit ... 5-king-gee

Also, a friend is looking to sell me his Flysurfer 15m Speed kite, i think its a few years old but in like new condition. Would this be a good beginner kite?
Any opinions would be much appreciated.
Thank you, & Regards.
Vin

[sweisburd]

It sounds perfect IMO!

[Herman]

I ride at your weight. I would definitely go for the 146x46. The only reason to go 150x50 would be if your aim was to squeeze out the most light wind sessions.

Ground handling of foil and relaunch or self rescue of foil maybe a little more complex but perfectly doable, but once you have that sorted you will have a really good set up for those conditions imho. Although, If your beaches are wet or you have a lot of rain I would not choose a foil. Also if you expect to drop the kite regularly do not choose the foil.

[HALF]

10 knots, 146 board, 220lbs, and 15m foil kite => really hard to ride at all

you will need to improve one of the following:
160+ board
or
lose 50 pounds
or
18-21m kite
or
wait for at least 3-4 knots more


On your upper range (18 knots) it will be perfect, you can even go up to 20-22 knots when you feel confident.
It is not only the board size but also the shape and weight that affect a lot the rideability and comfort, i would strongly suggest you to look at the Flydoor 6(159x45), this was the board that allowed me to kite during 85% of my light wind days.

[Havre]

Personal preference kind of thing, but 10 knots on a TT is zzzzzzz regardless. I wouldn't buy TT equipment based on kiting in 10 knots.

Board seems very reasonable to me. I have never used foil kites so can't really comment other than on general knowledge. I would guess in somewhere around 14 knots you can start to have fun and that this setup makes quite a lot of sense. With my 17m (tube) and a smaller board that is more or less the case.

Limited downside going bigger on the board if it is only for flat conditions though. I wouldn't bother, but that is because I just don't enjoy kiting when I got no power.

[Herman]

Half makes a good point. On reflection 10 -18knts is a pretty low wind range and I would modify my post as follows:

My nearest equivalent is a 143x48 with a 16.5 LEI and I am really only starting to have fun from above15-16knts (I keep a session log including local weather station details).

The 146 will give you a good intro to jumping and would still compliment to the addition of a freerace or foilboard at a later date. But it might not be the best choice if you miss out on too many light wind days.

(Oversized boards often become unmanageable due to water state rather than shear wind speed, and this can be influential)

[RustyChain]

Buy a big board and a small board.

I would stick with a lei.

[grigorib]

Riding 10 knots is a good challenge. As mentioned above a large door board would be your best call and I'd pick Flysurfer door above all doors anytime. In 16+ knots, the moment you see white caps you would be overpowered on it and that's when 144x45 would come handy. At your weight and with 15m kite you should be able to push 144x45 pretty low. Again, I'd recommend Flysurfer board and you have a dealer/importer in VA which is pretty near to you.

[PeaBody]

I plan to go out only in my local area with flat water conditions, and lighter winds - 10-18 knots.

So are you saying this is the average wind in your local area, or just the days when you will try?

[vins1127]

Thanks for the advice guys, much appreciated.

10-18knts seems to be average. I don't plan to go out in heavier conditions until I get more proficient.