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Been mulling over the internet seeking the ideal trainer kite for the 9 and 8 year old daughters. They have flown a 1 m two line foil trainer for a couple years and I think they are ready to hit kite island this winter on some light wind days since they have had a couple season of downhill skiing. I'm struggling with the right kite for the job here and have read up on the 2 line Sensei Rookie, 3 line Rush III Pro and the 4 line 2M Ocean Rodeo SLE inflatable trainer.
Anyone been in a similar situation with their children? Would appreciate any advice you might have on selecting a model that is first and foremost SAFE but also provides enough power to get the a true kite feel. Ultimate goal is getting them on the water once they've had a year or two of snow-kiting. BTW - weight is between 40 and 50 lbs...and growing Comments/Advice welcome (thanks).
If your ultimate goal is to eventually get them to water but have them ride on snow for a few seasons, I would recommend a 4 mtr sheetable kite. It will get them to learn the sheeting and understand what it does then along the way as they are snowkiting introduce them to the LEI kite and they can get familiar with a inflatable.
the small sheetable foil is slower than a LEI so it will be safer for them to learn on, it will not move as fast and snappy thru the wind window so less chance of getting yanked around while learning to kite. Its a really good idea you have about getting a LEI trainer because it will familiarize them with a inflatable system and learn the same technique's they will be learning on water. now don't get me wrong a small 2mtr kite is easier and simple but they will learn more with a sheetable small kite, and there's some really nice ones out there obviously the Ozones are awesome Im sure Steve or Jeremy would let you demo one, I have a 4 mtr Airush Outback you can demo for awhile and see if you like it.
I found that the best addition to my daughters enjoyment and speed learning was the addition of a harness. Prior to that she couldn't hold much power with her hands.
We use the Slingshot B3 and B4 foils, with relaunch. They relaunch easy. Shut off quickly if the QR is pulled and are quite stable. There are a lot of foils like these. We used to have a small inflatable OR but it was so fast it made it unstable. I think there is a 3m Waroo available. A small four line kite might be nice.
Nice to see the interest in getting your kids in. I've also been using the B series with my daughters. I'm not quite ready to set them loose but sure is fun getting them ready on skis in the winter and wakeboarding.
The foils do fly slower and I would caution you on the 4M or higher since we'll get adults kiting in a day on them.
I've heard you can shorten the line lengths and suppose that is a good option to consider.
Comments/Advice welcome (thanks).