ABSOLUTE BEGINNER

Hi - My name is Mark and I want to get into kite surfing - having scanned a few sites I thought it best to come here and ask a few questions:

1 Apart from a board and kite, what 'fittings' will i need?

2 I'm 15 stone -does this influence board/kite choice - if so what sizes/volumes or whatever do i need to consider?

3 Can the sport be safely self taught using books and videos etc?

4 What is the best cheap rig I could buy for a quick learning beginner

5 Are there any urls that can furnish this type of info?

6 Any decent venues in Ireland?

7 anything else you think I need to know?

Thank you

Hello Mark, You'll need a lot more than just a board and kite, think of a wetsuite, a trapeze, safetyaccessoire such as lifejacket (small one). At the beginning a 2mtr directional board would suite you. Kite depends on windconditions, take at least 7mtr2 for 3Bft. No, you should take a beginnerscourse with one of the kitesurfschools... Cheap rig? Peter Lynn Basic board and Waterfoil 5,7 (allthough Kitesurfers Aqua 6 or 9 will do a slightly better job www.ks4u.com / A-qua ) If you can read the Dutch language, try vlieger.pagina.nl , 'course there are a lot of links on kitesurfing... Also look on the maps of the waterways.. you'll need shallow water, max hipdeep...

Wanna know more? Write me in personal... greetzzz ans succes... Martin

Hi, i would advise you a bigger kite. I can only surf at 3Bft if the kite has at least 9m If you want a cheap but easy handling kite, that may usable too, if youll become advanced, use the big(1120) ARC by Peter Lynn! bye,

Hi!

...or try to get a Kitesurfer XXL (7m) or XXXL (9m?) from Quadrifoil (www.ks4u.com) which are on sale now because next year they will come with a new series. They give you higher performance than the aqua but are (as I heard) a slightly more difficult to fly (no problem if you're used to other power kites yet).

Good Winds

Kitesurfing is a dangerous sport!

Read http://www.kitesurfingschool.org before doing anything else

Hi Hung, you need a wetsuit and a harness. I also use neoprene gloves and hoes. Mabe you need a helmet or you need good luck...

Hi, You can learn the sport by yourself, I did too, but it is much more dangerous to do so. Try to learn by yourself but never try kiting alone!!! You will need help from someone to start kite or rescue you! Anyway, a good kite is the arc by peter lynn. If you remember the cost of the equipment, why do you want to save maybe 300 $US for the one week kiteschool? A day in hospital comes close to that!