Sorry, you're right about my profile, I'm about 70Kgs, 1,75m. I don't plan to use this kite in my country, because at Black Sea we have winds around 10 -15 knots, for example this summer i'll go to Lefkada were i heard winds blow at 15-25 knots.
Also VAT is included in the prices i've mentioned and an 2014 kite would reach prices of around 1500 EUR without the bar. Please note that the prices above include the bar which is also pretty expensive.
WHOA!
a 12m kite for a 70 kg rider in 15-25 knots? You are going to be seriously overpowered, especially if you choose a high aspect ratio kite (Nitro/NRG/etc.)
For 15-25 knots, you should be looking at like a 8m or 9m kite tops (for 20 knots avg). 154 lbs is really light to be using a 12m kite in those winds (thats what I use and I weigh 110-115kg) and the higher aspect ratio kites kick like an extra meter or two in addition to needing more work to maneuver around. So forget the Nitros and NRGs imo. As a beginner, taking on that kind of relative horsepower in those winds is going to get you lofted with some serious velocity attached lol. Think superman attached to your kite
THat 12m will serve you well in 12 knot winds. Below that its hard to kite no matter what size kite you buy, I would suggest a large board if you want a kite for local use. I would strongly recommend you go with one of the entry level kites (Envy, Vector, Element, etc.) and drop the size if you are buying this for 15-25 knots. For your home country at 10-15 knots, the 12m would work although if you went with something like a 9m you could instead just buy a big lightwind board for home use and a smaller board for your trip (you could prob just rent a board for your trips, a better solution imo) with the same kite all around. For your size, lots of boards can serve as a lightwind option, thinking a Slingshot Glide. THe flotation of the longer sizes will let you get away with a small kite in 10-15 knot winds.
You can get a 2014 Envy with bar and pump for $1,500 shipped (no taxes) in the US. If you have anyone making a trip out here they could pick it up for you pretty easily. ALternatively, do a training trip and get some free lessons - the lower cost, no VAT, and the free lessons will make the financials work. I would not encourage you to attempt to learn without formal lessons - use a trainer kite for a few days then go for pro lessons somewhere with decent instruction.
You can do your trip without gear as most schools will have gear in your size; will give you a chance to test out multiple brands too so you know which one you like best. So DO NOT feel pressured to buy right away, you could just use the schools gear for your trip. The industry will be going on sale the next couple of months as windy season in much of the USA is coming to an end, offering better prices on 2014 models.
So: For local use, the 12m will work with a standard board. A smaller kite, like a 9m, could be made to work with a large lightwind board.
For your trip, a smaller kite is what you want. Either buy a smaller board or better yet, just rent boards at your destination. WHen you first start out, you use different styles and sizes of boards than what you will want long term anyways. Traveling with a board is usually a pain in the neck, the rest is more travel friendly. Finally, tt is commonplace for schools to provide gear for early stage beginners - do your numerous and ugly crashes on THEIR gear not yours. Even if its just for a day or two, do Day 1 and Day 2 on their kites and let them eat the damage. Trust me, its baked into their prices whether you use their gear or not.
