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Newbie looking for recommendation

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Created by Teosparko > 9 months ago, 2 Nov 2018
Teosparko
2 posts
2 Nov 2018 11:40AM
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Hi Guys, I have just started kitsurfing, I did 6 lesson last march/april and now I am going to buy the gear to do some practice.

I am 172cm height and 74kg.
I am looking at two kites, one is an IKON PEAK 9MT quite new, the other is a KAHOONA 7MT 2011. What do you think of these?

Also, I've looked at two boards:
1- 2011 airush switch 150cm
2- aboard x-series 134x39.5

Do you think are ok to start with? For a beginner a big board is better, right? I am waiting your recommendation.

Cheers.










PrfctChaos
WA, 82 posts
2 Nov 2018 1:19PM
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Please save up and buy proper gear. Kites <3years old.
Everything in above post is junk. (And this is coming from someone that rode Kahoonas for 4 years and absolutely loved them), but by now they are junk and not worth saving.

Teosparko
2 posts
2 Nov 2018 5:57PM
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120$ is too much for that kahoonas gear? I am learning so I will smash the kite multiple times.

cauncy
WA, 8407 posts
2 Nov 2018 7:22PM
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T he peak is a decent kite, basically an airush lithium, good stable beginner to intermediate kite, you dont need a board yet, you havnt got enough kite skills , the better your kite skills are the easier it is to adress the board later, does the peak have bar n lines? also where are you based, if in perth get the sail doctor to do a pre purchase inspection and line tune, that way youll have confidence in your equipment,you dont need the latest greatest to get going, it just needs to be an appropriate model and size with decent safety system and decent water relaunch, the money your thinking of spending on the board would be better spent on quality one on one tuition, then get confident with your kite and add the board later as reqd, it doesnt need to be more complicated than that

KiteBud
WA, 1515 posts
3 Nov 2018 10:15AM
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Select to expand quote
Teosparko said..
120$ is too much for that kahoonas gear? I am learning so I will smash the kite multiple times.


Teosparko, an older and weaker kite will break in half as soon as you have your first hard crash. Believe me, I've done this mistake twice when I was learning and purchased very cheap second hand gear. New kites are much stronger and won't break as easily.

There are so many things you need to inspect before buying a second hand kite and bar. There is absolutely no way anyone can tell you whether these are a good buy or not simply from the pictures you provided. You need to inspect the canopy, bridles, check all valves for leaks, inspect each line for fraying and knots, check the safety system and check for line tuning, etc.

It's like posting a picture of a second hand car under $1K on a forum and asking if it's a good buy. there is no way to tell until someone competent does a thorough inspection.

The first board (150cm) is a bit too big for you an a very old school shape, not the best choice. The second board would be OK but a bit small for your very first board, you should look for something a bit bigger.

Apart from that, follow Cauncy's advice

Christian

marno
WA, 218 posts
4 Nov 2018 1:23PM
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The kahoona will sit far back in the wind window, will make it hard for you to stay upwind as a beginner..

Gateman
QLD, 409 posts
4 Nov 2018 4:08PM
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Hey Teosoarko, I'm also 172cm but only 62kg, my main board is s 135x40 Cab Ace and I'm comfortable in lighter wind but can still hold my edge when it gets to the upper limits of my kite or during gusty conditions. Having said that, I've been kiting a while (but not often) and it's all about technique. I'd think a 136x41 (not too much rocker) or something close to it would balance the learning phase and allow progression for you. Kite size would depend on where you live and what wind strength you're planning on kiting in. QLD I use a 9 & 12m but they would be smaller in WA.
Follow what Christian said, you'd be better off buying a 4line trainer kite with bar and working on kite control than buying a much older full size kite thinking you're going to trash it anyway. A good local instructor would be able to advise on the right size or sizes for your area and may even give the kite a once over before you buy it. If you don't know what you're looking at, you could be pre paying for a wonderful hospital experience.

krivo
QLD, 13 posts
5 Nov 2018 7:25PM
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Don't bother with the blue board, its complete junk and would only slow you down and you will then have to throw it away in the bin (where this board should be already, or in the kitesurf museum)
The white board should work fine for you and nothing is wrong with it by the looks - if its a good price why not.

The Kahoona was a decent beginner kite back in the days but its hard to tell the condition from just a photo its most likely had lots of use and would not last more than a few session up to maximum a season if you are lucky.

Not too familiar with the IKON peak kite to comment.

Depends on the budget of course but apart from the board I would wait for a better gear to pop up online, and there is LOTS of great second hand gear out there for silly prices.

PM me if you need more advise on other options.

psychojoe
WA, 1804 posts
15 Nov 2018 1:10PM
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As a newbie you should be buying your gear from a local shop, getting local professional advice and nowhere else.
But now for some bad advice, buy the Ikon Peak, they're an awesome kite. And buy the Airush Switch, I had one, they're great, sure it's a bit on the big side but you're probably going to lose it anyway.



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"Newbie looking for recommendation" started by Teosparko