Buying First Kitesurf Kites: don't make the mistakes I made

So you're taking lessons and you're hooked on kiting, but you don't know when and if you should be buying your own gear. Everyone you ask gives you different advice, and none of it really ads up. My hope with this video is to give you some basic common sense guidance based on the mistakes that I made, that hopefully make your life easier. I cover what kites to buy, when to buy them, and what sizes. Remember, speak to your instructor and to experience locals to make sure that you get the right equipment for your kite spot, the local conditions, and your weight.

#kitesurfing #kiteboarding

Gear:

Camera - Panasonic GH5, Panasonic 100-300mm, GoPro 9, GoPro Max, DJI Mavic Air
Kites - Core Xlite 12m , Core Nexus 2 9m, Core XR4 15m, 12m, 9m, 7m, Sensor 3 Bar
Kiteboard - Core Fusion 138, Slingshot Celero Surfboard, Nobile NHP Split Twintip
Foil - Slingshot Hoverglide with Space Skate , Infinity 76, Apollo 60 wings
Foil Board - Slingshot Dwarfcraft 110cm, Nobile Infinity Split Foil
Gear - Ion Booster Vest, NP Helmet, Patagonia 3/2 wetsuit, Xcel 5/4 wetsuit, Solite Boots

[joshoverett]

Very good vid. I've been riding just since the start of 2021 and one point I'd add is that if you are over 90kgs or under 60 you should get 1 size bigger or smaller than the most popular quiver at your local spot. Assuming most people riding are 70 to 85kg of course. Also I bought all Evo's with the biggest being 13 and I almost regret it cause I think now in light wind you're best off getting a really big light wind kite like the Juice or Zephyr or just skipping the super light days. Not necessarily the best to buy all kites with the same exact model.

[davidgeffeney]

Ebay was awesome for used gear. Got 2 kites and everything else...looking forward to learning.

[GaetanoCrisci]

Good advices Evan! I would add Ozone Catalyst V3 and V4 are excellent beginner kites

[alexanderwheeler]

Im glad I learnt/come from a time where all that was available was a C kite. After all these years Ive gone back to a modern C. The Ozone amp is amazing. I would recommend it to anyone, beginning to advanced. They turn so fast and re launch really well, even in 5th line mode . Do it all kites will hold back your progression. Beginning kites are a waste of money and big air kites are to limiting. I think the right board is the gate way to better riding.

[ShivramAyyagari]

Evan, thanks for a succinct summary. I have been in a research tunnel the last ten days, and then you basically synthesised all of that into this 8 minute video :)
I did love the research, but glad to learn my takeaways were accurate from an experienced kiter.

[KiteSurfPuntaCanaSchool]

Great insight!!

I wish there were Kiteschools in the 90's )))

[Showmetheevidence-]

Where I live a 12 is considered huge 😂
Conditions do really matter. 5/7/9s are common here.

[vikingh]

Some good priced 2nd hand core xr7 at the moment as the xr8 just came out, definitely can’t go wrong buying one of them or even the previous generation the xr6

[ericmnr]

Most off the kites are good doesn't matter which that brand. Go for the better deal.

[Milkshakes-Den]

Cool video!
Looking into getting an upgrade for me kite myself, thanks.

Also 30000 views exactly!

[maximchow]

Would you usually bring your own kite or you rent one when you are traveling for surfing? If you bring your own one, would you bring the board together? And would it cost for the oversized check-in baggage with airlines? Thank you!

[Jadan]

You said Core XR is high aspect.
I thought that high aspect is long and thin, like the racing foil kites.
Please clarify, am I mistaken in my understanding of the term high aspect?

Switchblade, XR was mid-low aspect in my mind.

[wernercruywagen]

I've been kiting a few years. Loved my evos and then went to the sls version and found them too aggressive. I'm selling them and I'm torn between the nexus and the bandits. I tt, kitefoil and now trying to learn a surfboard. In saying that I know I will love the xr8 but I know they aren't good for drift when foiling or surfing. As a compromise I'm thinking getting a nexus 12 and 9 with and xr8 7m. It's really gusty where I live. Guernsey channel islands. I'd appreciate your input on what you think would be the best. I'm looking for something easier than the Evo SLS. So the options are. Fone bandit / core nexus / or split nexus xr8 mentioned above. All 12/9/7. Thanks so much.

[theJACKSON]

Do you reccomened a seated harness or waist and what line length would you suggest.

[JohnHughes-ff]

Great Video - Subscribed.
Coming from windsurfing, which gear, aside from the kites you named, would you suggest to start with.

I would buy first gear from last year on eBay

Thanks for the helpful content
BR John

[jcRaptor]

Thanks you for your nice Video and helpfull Tipps. But the background music in Video is much too loud.

[itisonlyaplant]

Cabrinha 12m switchblade. Solid first kite investment

[kevwheeling]

Good wind today field 2 let's go see your a local Long Island kiter suprised I don't recognize you from tobay

[raghuram]

Hi Evan, but isn't Slingshot Rally also a big-air freeride 5-strut kite? Curious why you would say that isn't a good choice while you ended up choosing the XR, which I understand, is in the same category.

[chrisduc]

For me the 5 strut kite was way to slow ….at the beginning…. Then I tryed a fast 3 strut kite . And since that day I have this model for 12years now . But it is all a personal thing. From the first lessons I was happy with a 3 strut until today 🤷🏽‍♂️not making advertising for brands ….