Equipment Recommendation

[VSC]

I just took my first lesson in while on vaction. I am hooked. I want to buy equipment before my next lesson in order to get comfortable with the gear before I venture out on my own. I want to go with a two kite quiver to begin with (something around 12 meter first then something around 8 meter later). I am about 185lbs. I would appreciate any recommendations on the following:

Option 1:
2012 11 m Slingshot Z kite
2012 144cm Ignition board

Option 2:
2012 12 meter Ocean Rodeo Rise
2012 140cm Mako Board

Option 3:
2011 13m Slingshot Key HD
2011 Liquid Force DLX

Option 4:
2012 11.5m Best Kahoona
2012 Best Spark v3

Option 5:
2011 Cabrinha Switchblade IDS 11 M Kite
2010 Cabrinha Rival Kiteboard 145x44cm

Option 6:
keep my eyes open for used gear

Thanks for the feedback.

V-

[Brian]

dude, option 6 for sure. The odds are very high you will destroy your first kites. the size 9 & 12 are a great start.

[PMCD]

dude, option 6 for sure. The odds are very high you will destroy your first kites. the size 9 & 12 are a great start.

+1

[stringy]

too many choices...
I would also consider slightly used gear.
when learning, you're gonna beat the crap out of your gear.
it really sucks to trash a new kite.
keep an eye out for some used kites, maybe a couple of years old.
keep in mind that the local shops will also have slightly used gear at affordable prices.
this is sometimes a good option because it allows you to purchase on a credit card, its gone through an inspection, etc.

[jason]

Also with Summer approaching: if you're planning on Squamish or the Gorge, then 9m is essential, but I would consider getting a larger kite if you're planning on kiting around here.

If you're planning on mostly Jetty this summer then getting a 10-12m first then a 14-16m light wind kite for the summer would be ideal, then getting a smaller kite like a 7-9m for the winter at the end of the season.

1 kite quiver = 12m
2 kite quiver = 9 + 13m

[VSC]

Thanks for all the advice. I just purchased a used quiver with board and accessories. A 2011 13.5 Kahoona Kite and a 2010 9m Waroo Kite.

I had my first lesson a week ago--I had a few good down wind rights. I want to take one more before I head out on my own. I am also still looking for a good CGA life vest if anyone has any ideas.

V-

[jason]

That's going to be a great quiver for you.

[stringy]

Thanks for all the advice. I just purchased a used quiver with board and accessories. A 2011 13.5 Kahoona Kite and a 2010 9m Waroo Kite.

I had my first lesson a week ago--I had a few good down wind rights. I want to take one more before I head out on my own. I am also still looking for a good CGA life vest if anyone has any ideas.

V-

v you're going about it the right way! good job on the lessons.
if you're in the seattle area, checkout urban surf, I know they have a couple of different options for vests and they can probably explain the differences of all of them better than I can.

[theory]

great 1st quiver. The 13.5 will get you going on light wind Jettty days for sure!

[kite4fun]

You might want to consider a closed cell foil like the Neo. I personal haven't flow one but I hear it's much more durable than a leading edge inflatable because there aren’t any air chambers to get holes in.