Hey everyone!
I'm new to the board and looking forward to hearing what you have to say about kiting. I spent most of my weekends out at Kite Island on Minnetonka on my Skimbat this winter and need the scoop on kiting. I'm needing to buy and am being told to find out the best stuff for Minnesota winter kiting. I need the whole setup and will be getting back into town from Germany in a few weeks, ready to buy and get going on lessons for the water. Any help would be greatly appreciated as far as brands, sizes, the right gear, etc.!! Thanks a lot!
JIM GARRIGAN
What to buy?
Moderator: MK
Ok, here's a beginner trying to give advice to someone starting up, but here goes. 
From my experience the first time on the water, you would want a smaller inflatable kite depending on the wind. Probably 12m or 10m. The North Rhino sounds like a good place to start. Pretty low aspect ratio for good stability in our gusty winds. I would also recommend a big board. I have a Wipika Eclipse 169cm that worked wonders to get me going. From the previous chat about leashes, I am leaning towards recommending a leash for the board and some good head gear. I would say that you might also need a life vest. It's great to keep me out of the water while I'm fishing for my board when I fall in.
I got all my gear from Larry at Scuba Center (http://www.scubacenter.com), Slingshot Fuel 14m, North Rhino 10m and Wipika board. I had some experience with kites on the snow, so I went for a bigger kite.
Like you suggested, I think that a lesson is an excellent idea. I took one before touching a kite in the winter, then another one before I get in the water this spring. My first kiting lesson was with Tighe. His contact info is on the home page of this site.
Hope that helps
Denis
From my experience the first time on the water, you would want a smaller inflatable kite depending on the wind. Probably 12m or 10m. The North Rhino sounds like a good place to start. Pretty low aspect ratio for good stability in our gusty winds. I would also recommend a big board. I have a Wipika Eclipse 169cm that worked wonders to get me going. From the previous chat about leashes, I am leaning towards recommending a leash for the board and some good head gear. I would say that you might also need a life vest. It's great to keep me out of the water while I'm fishing for my board when I fall in.
I got all my gear from Larry at Scuba Center (http://www.scubacenter.com), Slingshot Fuel 14m, North Rhino 10m and Wipika board. I had some experience with kites on the snow, so I went for a bigger kite.
Like you suggested, I think that a lesson is an excellent idea. I took one before touching a kite in the winter, then another one before I get in the water this spring. My first kiting lesson was with Tighe. His contact info is on the home page of this site.
Hope that helps
Denis
I have a 14 meter naish r3, the wingtips have been cut and carbon battens added so it flys better, this has been a great kite for me as far as learning and progressing, easy relaunch ing and flying. its wind range has been 10-20 for me.
email me at kobes19@yahoo.com or call me at 218-755-2450 if interested.
email me at kobes19@yahoo.com or call me at 218-755-2450 if interested.