Essentially anyone who wants to!  Men and women are sort of equal in this sport - flying a kite depends on body weight, kite size and wind strength. Thus a smaller person can get just as much a thrill, just with a smaller kite.

Power Kiting can be dangerous, so you need to know your own limitations (kite size, wind strength), and be able to assess your strength and endurance. Whilst you are learning go out with someone experienced. Learn in gentle winds ie 10 mph, take it easy! Remember to consider other people, they don't understand kites and will do silly things around you. Lecture over......here's the info

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.

As well as a kite you will need lines and handles. You may decide to start with 2 lines and padded handles, or you could go for 4 lines and quad handles. Generally if you plan to fly a kite larger than 3m you will need to use 4 lines (2 control lines and 2 brake lines) the brake lines will help you control the kite.

Lines come in different strengths and lengths. It is better to ask the advice of the kite shop when considering line strength, the bigger the kite, the bigger the wind, the stronger the lines need to be - do not be tempted to buy lighter lines because they are cheaper (they will break). The longer the lines the slower the kite becomes. A kite on 20m lines in a high wind will act like a demented rabbit on speed, the same kite on 35m lines will be quite slow and sluggish (or you may prefer the word - controllable rather than sluggish!).

You could opt for a control bar in place of handles, you could use a harness and strop if you plan to be out with a large kite - but these are considerations for the future.

Once you have your kite, lines and handles you can set off to your flying space. The beach is a good place to go or a field. Ensure there are no overhead electric lines, and allow yourself plently of room. Don't go on to a busy beach, walk away from the hoards and find yourself a spot where you are not likely to encroach on others enjoying their recreation. Be considerate to beach walkers, especially whilst you are learning. Beware of dogs - some like to run around underneath the kite, others just like to pee against it on the ground (you have been warned).

For your first outing take a friend to help you launch and land the kite (commonly referred to as your kite monkey).

Try to ensure your first outing is in light winds, anything up to 10-12 mph is ldeal for your first mission.

Here are some FAQ's to help you start

kites are not toys
how to pack your kite
new lines

Most of all, be safe, have fun!