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First I would like to say „Hello“ to this forum and its members. I am new to the sport, feel already addicted, read a lot here and I am just about to buy my first equipment...
It would be great if some of you could give my some advice based on their experience to make the decision a bit easier for me.
The spot I wanna kite-surf has usually a wind-range of 10 – 25 knots. I am learning about the wind atm and some days I realize lots of wind gusts, but other days it is rather constant. Talking to sailors they also mentioned that the mountains in the back have a great influence to the wind. I also went to the “Safety Topic Sticky” on this forum, to learn more and more...
I am an experienced surfer but on this spot surfing is not possible. The sea is rather flat. At least there are no big waves.
Now to the equipment. I already have a beginner Board. Cabrinah Prodigy 2008 148x40, which I believe will be a good choice for a beginner free-riding the sea around here. I also choose a seat harness, because I believe that I probably gonna stay hocked most of the times.
For the kite and bar, which I haven't purchased so far I am looking at the 2010- 13 Cabrinha Switchblades in 12m or a Best Kahoona in 12m. Probably will go for the Cab. Also the Cab Convert 12 is on my list. Later I think about to add a 9m.
For the bar I am bit unsure as I will probably will get bar and kite separate. ATM I see some good deals on 2014 Cab X-1 bars, which are new and 60% off. I know I can fly the ICS Cabs with this bar but it seems like they handle different.
Would you say it is a good choice for a beginner to go with a 2010 -13 ICS Switchy and combine it with a 2014 Cab X-1 bar ? (Or should I stick to ICS bars, especially since I am a beginner. Setup etc.) I actually already ordered a 2014 cab bar, since it was very well priced and new lines seem to be the choice and not to save money. Should I cancel if I want to fly with an ICS Cab and buy an ICS bar instead?
Are there any other kites that I should keep an eye on and would suit the conditions I want to ride as a beginner ? Btw I am around 175 lb
Now the last question, but probably most important question. I understand there are quite some risks in kiting and all say that this is not a sport you can learn watching some videos. Unfortunately I will not have much of choice than learning this sport by myself as there is nobody around that could show or even teach me. Next kite school is far away and would take me a lot of plannings and time to make a one week stay possible. Having a family does not make it easier. Last not least, I will also probably be alone to self launch and self land the kite. So I am a bit of a pioneer but have the advantage of having some materials with safety that hopefully will work when needed. I also plan to do my fist steps in the lightest wind possible. And yes, once I go on the water I have to ride alone (unless you guys plan to visit me). Would you say that is all close to “suicide” ?
Would you say, kite-boarding is „impossible“ to teach/ learn yourself ? I already know most will ;-(
...same for self launching/ landing as it seems to be possible only for experienced riders and than also depend a lot on the material?
Is a trainer kite a „must have“ before I even want to play with a serious 12m weapon ? Again, no schools or “teachers” around...
I have a feeling that most of those last questions, my common sense already gives the right answers (....and maybe I have to skip this fascinating sport. Even my homespot seems to be perfect for it
)
Still I am very interested in your recommendations and thoughts. Thank You.
(Lots of thing in questions in a first post, I know... Please apologize...)