Equipment for new kiters
Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 7:25 pmIt is time once again to discuss the best equipment for starting out on the water. I recognize that some of you are on a tight budget, so I will list new and used options. There are a ton of kites and boards out there, some equipment is well-suited to Utah riding, some is not.
New
Kites: 16M & 12M bow or SLE kites if you weigh over 170 LBS. If you are really light you might get away with a 12 and a 9. Most of the local riders are on Ozone Instincts or Best Waroos. That is because we have local reps for both kites so you can try before you buy. I have tried both and I can tell you that both kites are excellent.
Used - try to buy last years model Waroo or Instinct if at all possible. Next best option is a kite fitted with a 5th line like an 05 Slingshot Fuel or Best Yarga. DO NOT BUY KITES AND BARS BUILT BEFORE 2004. The control bars are junk as the safety systems have been dramatically improved. The older kites are slower, have less depower, and do not turn as quickly. The new bow or SLE style kites will get you up and riding. You will be going upwind sooner, jumping sooner, and basically feeling like a rock star sooner. The older kites lengthen the learning curve and take the patience of Job. The newer kites have far more depower which helps in the gusty wind we have at most inland lakes.
Boards: The wind in Utah tends to be light and inconsistent, so we ride big boards at least some of the time. When the wind is strong and consistent, advanced riders will trade for a smaller board, but we all use big, flat, fast boards. Good options are a Slingshot Glide or Misfit. Or a Spleene Door or Session.
Used - think big (over 150 cm) and flat, don't worry you can always use a big board around here.
Harness: Most riders prefer a waist harness, I prefer the prolimit. Integrated vest/waist harnesses are nice as well. I have one from Dakine that I like.
Wear a helmet - you can get a ProTec for $40 at Marine Products. I don't know why all of the riders don't wear one. We have had one fatality and one life-changing head injury. I am not sure if the helmet would have saved the first kiter, but it almost assuredly would have prevented serious injury in the case of the second kiter.
When you are at the beach, don't be afraid to introduce yourself, ask questions. The local kiters are friendly, knowledgeable, and they want to see you ride safely as well.
New
Kites: 16M & 12M bow or SLE kites if you weigh over 170 LBS. If you are really light you might get away with a 12 and a 9. Most of the local riders are on Ozone Instincts or Best Waroos. That is because we have local reps for both kites so you can try before you buy. I have tried both and I can tell you that both kites are excellent.
Used - try to buy last years model Waroo or Instinct if at all possible. Next best option is a kite fitted with a 5th line like an 05 Slingshot Fuel or Best Yarga. DO NOT BUY KITES AND BARS BUILT BEFORE 2004. The control bars are junk as the safety systems have been dramatically improved. The older kites are slower, have less depower, and do not turn as quickly. The new bow or SLE style kites will get you up and riding. You will be going upwind sooner, jumping sooner, and basically feeling like a rock star sooner. The older kites lengthen the learning curve and take the patience of Job. The newer kites have far more depower which helps in the gusty wind we have at most inland lakes.
Boards: The wind in Utah tends to be light and inconsistent, so we ride big boards at least some of the time. When the wind is strong and consistent, advanced riders will trade for a smaller board, but we all use big, flat, fast boards. Good options are a Slingshot Glide or Misfit. Or a Spleene Door or Session.
Used - think big (over 150 cm) and flat, don't worry you can always use a big board around here.
Harness: Most riders prefer a waist harness, I prefer the prolimit. Integrated vest/waist harnesses are nice as well. I have one from Dakine that I like.
Wear a helmet - you can get a ProTec for $40 at Marine Products. I don't know why all of the riders don't wear one. We have had one fatality and one life-changing head injury. I am not sure if the helmet would have saved the first kiter, but it almost assuredly would have prevented serious injury in the case of the second kiter.
When you are at the beach, don't be afraid to introduce yourself, ask questions. The local kiters are friendly, knowledgeable, and they want to see you ride safely as well.