Broneah Kiteboarding – We Build Kiteboarders – kitesurfing, kiteboard, kitesurf, lessons, camp
Author: Matt and Keegan Myers
Published: Feb/March 2005 issue of Kiteboarding Magazine, www.kiteboardingmag.com
Before you slide your hand across that ding-free, shiny new board you just bought, make sure you’re getting your money’s worth. How? Ask the right questions. Here are four you need to ask before buying your next piece of equipment.
Is this the right-size kite or board for me to use?
Riding the wrong-size equipment is not only frustrating, but also prolongs the learning process. Make your first gear purchase a foundation you can expand upon. The typical 180-pound rider just starting out should look for a 12-meter kite or smaller, and a board over 150 cm (larger riders look for a bigger board, not a larger kite). With those, a 16- and a 9-meter kite are perfect complements, as well as shorter 120 to 138 cm wake, surf or directional-style boards.
If I break the kite will you be able to repair it for me?
If your first session involved kite-looping a tree, you want to be sure the kite can be fixed. Airtime (airtimekite.com) recently released its Pro Support Plan with one year of Òno questions asked complete kite repair coverage. Also, if your local shop can’t recommend a kite repair person, check kite-x.com. This nationwide service can get you and your kite back in the water within two days.
Can I demo the kite?
To learn what kite will work best for you, check with your local kiteboarding shop to see if they offer “try before your buy” or “demo days.” Ask the salespeople if they’ve ridden the gear, and find out if you can test the gear before you buy. Kites are a fragile item and typically cannot be returned as new after usage.
Can I use this kite on the snow as well as on the water?
With the growth of kite snowboarding, many people buy foil kites during the winter and then realize in the spring that they want the benefits of a leading-edge inflatable kite for the water. Look for a kite with a relaunch feature, durable construction and easy inflation that will work well in all seasons.
