| THE RIGHT KITE
The difficult thing about starting to kite fly is knowing
what power kite to get. The sport is relatively new and as
such you can't just turn up somewhere and hope to hire equipment.
You need to have your own, or better still be able to borrow
some from your mates. You can't really beat, borrowing kites
to try out, and hopefully you will get a lesson as well. There
is nothing more dangerous than a beginner kiter trying to
fly a kite to large in too high a wind.
There are plenty of kites around which are good to start
out with - here are a few suggestions at the budget end of the market.
Flexifoil - stacker6, proteam8, super10 these are
entry level 2 line kites
Beamer/HQ 1.4m to 3m
A small Ozone Little Devil (4 lines by design but can
be flown 2 lined) or the 2 lined Ozone Imp
A small Flexifoil Bullet 2m or 3m (4 lines by design
but can be flown 2 lined)
Rhombus Firebee 1m -3m (4 lines by design but can be
flown 2 lined)
PKD Buster 4 line kite, very stable, good value for
money
The main problem with buying a small kite to learn on, is
that you will very quickly outgrow it and want something bigger
and better (and so you are set on the very slippery road of
spending all your spare cash on kites.)
The internet is the cheapest way to buy a kite, but you will
need to do some research first. There are a few very good
internet kite shops who will talk to you over email or the
phone to assess which is the best kite to buy. But, of course,
once it arrives in the post you are on your own.
Another way to buy is to go to your local kite shop, here
you can chat face to face, the shop owner may then set your
kite up for you, and offer you a lesson (some are free others
you have to pay for.) Many shop owners are keen kite flyers
themselves will may offer to tell you where a local meet is,
for you to turn up to, and try other peoples kites before
buying your own.
The most important thing is research, get to know your subject,
then chat to other kite fliers, and try to try before you
buy! Use internet forums to meet other kite fliers, arrange
to meet, and then try other peoples kites. This way you first
flight will be under controlled conditions.
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