jakespinder wrote:I just hope that they don't try to sell these C-Kites to a beginner. Because the beginner will either get hurt or quit the sport because of frustration.
Jake, Not entirely true, but I see what you are getting at. Yes, Bow/Delta shaped kites are, in general, easier to launch/re-launch and control. However, to both Steve's and Leo's point: Its not impossible to learn on a C kite, though, not ideal but everyone is different in terms of their ability to fly and control a kite. Regardless of your experience with Cloud 9, prob not the best idea to trash the local kite shop on the local kite forum. I only recommended Cloud 9/Steve because I (and many others most likely) had a good experience, thought they gave good insight, and gave me a good deal (10-15% cheaper than any price I found online). You obviously didn't have the same experience and that's fine, but next time simply just don't take the advice and shop for your kites elsewhere. I think you realize that now and this should be a closed issue as we all just want to have fun!
Now, back to your original question on if a 17m kite should be the "biggest" kite you will need in Utah. The answer is yes (as long as you are 160-185lbs geared up). Anything bigger would most likely be diminishing returns. If you are under 160 geared up, you may get by with a 15m. However, others can probably provide more insight on this as I have yet to ride in the summer thermals in Utah, but from all the forums and advice I sought, 17m seems like a must if you want to get riding the most days possible in the thermals. Now, these kites are not cheap... plan on $2k complete new (meaning bar included). Also, Im going to stress, again, my point of being proficient at upwind riding. You will for sure want to practice this in a flat water, shallow location. Ive been a beginner getting dragged downwind in deep water without being able to re-launch: NOT FUN! You also want to get used to the "gusts" of Utah. Especially if you plan on cracking out a 17m. You may be able to get by with the 13m kite you are borrowing (and... a REALLY nice friend to let a beginner have free reign on his gear) but you will get skunked on some days when the other guys are taking laps on their 17s. I learned in the Caribbean which is more of a steady wind speed, fluctuating a couple knots. Way different here as I learned last weekend. Was blowing 13-15kts then gusting up to 20+kts. You need to really understand when these gusts hit and depower yourself. Thus, you for sure want a kite that has HIGH AND EASY DEPOWER. The Cabrinha Switchblade is a master at this. Ozone Catalyst as well. This is just one beginner talking to another. This sport gets very addicting very fast, and thus, VERY Expensive. You not only need a couple of kites, but a couple of boards, a harness, cold water gear, etc. So get ready for it. That's why Steve is generally on our good side: He gives great prices compared to market. Also, Adding a couple board styles / styles to your collection will certainly help you max out the wind range of your kite. Boards are generally less expensive and its easier to buy a used board as what you see is what you get. A used kite, like your buddy warned you, is a crap shoot. You have no idea how many patches are on that bladder or what shape its in.
Ok Im winded... Hope this helps. Good luck.