Buying Your First Kitesurfing Setup: New vs Used - Price - Buying Tips (Part two)

In part 2 of buying for the first kite surfing setup, we cover buying new vs used kite equipment and what should you look for. How new should your gear be, what type of cost can you expect, how to buy good used gear, and some other tips for getting your first kit! You can check out more videos on our website flukeskitesurfing.com/ as well as our learn to kite course for in-depth kitesurfing training for people getting into the kiting and would like all the knowledge to progress flukeskitesurfing.com/kite-co...
When it comes to buying your kite gear, the main thing is that you buy the gear that is right for you, that's the right type, size, etc to make sure you can have the maximum fun and also avoid any accidents that are caused by equipment, newer gear is always going to be the best of you have the money. It is new, and you can trust it more in both flying and staying in one piece., what you don't want to do is buy 10-year-old gear that is cheap, but also could be dangerous based on the construction materials/methods or wear. Always google any gear models you want to buy before you decide. that way you will have a better understanding of what kites, boards, harnesses will suit you. Hope it helps and leave any questions in the comments for Buying Your First Kitesurfing Setup
Advance Your Kite Knowledge Here: flukeskitesurfing.com/

[@benjaminhawthorne1969]

I'm new to the sport and hope to get out to Montrose Beach on Lake Michigan, in Chicago this summer. Thank you for this excellent video! I took 2 pages of notes and feel confident walking into a shop or even buying (my kite) from a private seller. Thank you & fair winds mate!😎

[@stevecrabb1]

Great no nonsense advice. Thank you. Really good channel you guys have created. Super helpful.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Thanks Steve! Glad they are helping mate

[@gregmaguire8790]

Thank mate, great advice

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Happy to help mate!

[@marcelosalussolia5349]

Excellent tips mate !! Thanks a lot 🍻

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Happy to help!

[@ApurvGujar]

What a great video. Thank you. 🙂

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

You are welcome! Glad it helped

[@JamesLamb]

My first board was used, but really nice. As a beginner, I often couldn't get back to it in the waves. Someone brought it to shore for me and it was stolen from a relatively crowded beach. I replaced it with another used board - this one less shiny and hopefully less prone to getting stolen..

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Oh that sucks! Don't expect that too much with kiting... yeah hopefully this one is not so enticing haha

[@skywarrior1122]

Great info for getting started. Wish this had been available when i got going. Good content bro 👊🏽

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Thanks mate, yeah me too.. when I started I got all the wrong advice.. the guy sold me a C kite with no safety system.. lol. so we are trying to get some sound general advice out there :)

[@skywarrior1122]

@@FlukesKitesurfing yep that sounds about like my experience. I did it all wrong, bought a new high speed twin tip sized correctly but not really a beginner board which caused loads of frustration in the beginning. Glad to see this kind of concern addressed 🤙🏾

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

@@skywarrior1122 Totally :)

[@Showmetheevidence-]

My main reason for used kite is 1) crashing/abusing it is less of an issue and 2) still worried about losing kit in the ocean

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

for sure, great idea to use used gear while learning!

[@kevinbradley9601]

Good vid. Great deals to be had on used kites but really challenging for a beginner to weed thru all the junk. Also, Ikitesurf is filled with scammers. Good to have an experienced kiter help you out. But then again I had a buddy take lessons in Maui and they sold him an 8m c kite for his first kite. We live in Michigan with typical days 15-20 knots. So experience doesn't always equal good advice.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey Kevin, Yeah for sure. You don't know what you don't know and it make it hard to buy good used gear with no guide. Getting a mate to help or asking other kiters for a good model to buy goes a long way :)

[@ZanyWabbit]

Perfect timing for me this video Luke, doing a 3 day course on the 18th April onwards.. Thanks for the info :)

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Oh perfect! :)

[@adlbh]

Same here! 🤙

[@ZanyWabbit]

@@FlukesKitesurfing not perfect, had perfect spring weather.. hardly any wind so learnt all the basics and self save in the water.. just never got to use the kite with the board as no wind.. so no kitesurfing for me until next year when I go again 😪

[@gustavomello6667]

so much good information

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Perfect :) Good to hear!

[@nicolasboudet9302]

I was very happy to get used kites as first gears, considering the large number of crashes, on waves, shore break, return to vegetation on lake... They were repaired until I stopped crashing them (or very rarely), then I decided to purchase some brand new ones ... I kept most of the old ones to follow the learning curve of my wife, or my friends. After just 5/6 lessons, people know how kite works, but are mostly very far to avoid kite crashes, especially with more tricky conditions as light or gusts wind. Indeed you need to be cautious when purshasing used gear, pay attention to keep them in good condition, but I would say that it also depend of the frequency of use of certain size: in my spots, small size are only useful on 5/10% of my sessions, so purchasing brand new for that is just waste of money, but not having the right size when wonderful big wind is coming is just pity (assuming you are skilled enough to go this day) Same if you are far from sea, and just do 4 or 5 sessions by year...

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey Nicolas, yes that's the best way I agree :). Best to destroy some used gear when learning then get yourself some new stuff when ready!

[@filipswiercz6305]

Thank U

[@Ryy22]

Hey Luke, Maybe you could do a video about how to ride powered and bodystance, like powering up/creating line tension for a jump which is very different (more of a squat position as opposed to front foot straightened and nose of the board out of the water?). Maybe also a video about how to ride well in very choppy messy conditions (i saw your video on how to ride in gusty, but it doesnt cover bodystance or kite position). Would be amazing to take a gopro out on the water with a mouth mount to see what youre exactly doing with your knees/hips and kite/bar position. You could voice over later in post production on what it is your doing, we could learn allot! Just some ideas for future content!

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey thanks for the suggestions RY, yeah, that's a cool idea to do some voice overs to explain parts. Thanks

[@adlbh]

After a lot of research and bargains.... I am about to get my first beginner package.... Rally GT 14m + Bar + IOn Harness + Cabrinha Board + floating vest + pump $2400 USD. No BS equipments ... All brand new! I think I will enjoy it.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Awesome! I'm sure you will too mate! have fun out there!

[@davidfournier3355]

Nice Job! So far how do you like your setup, I too am looking to purchase a beginner package as well.

[@adlbh]

@@davidfournier3355 I ended up buying second hand and I still have the same equipment. With so many options in the market right now, you can make a good package yourself without breaking the bank. 🏄🤙

[@skywarrior1122]

Hey bro nice content! Hugely valuable for those just getting started. I've been at it a bit and now wanting to get into a strapless surf board. I was hoping you would talk about the truncated one shown in this vlog and possibly decent starter directional boards for that progression.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Awesome! yeah we have a video coming soon talking about what to ride so i think that will help :)

[@skywarrior1122]

@@FlukesKitesurfing perfect thanks man. Keep up the awesome content. GREAT Channel !

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

@@skywarrior1122 Thanks mate!

[@camcammy4753]

I personally think a new bar is the most important. Board used is totally fine, and I’m happy buying a 1 year old kite for half off.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

yeah thats a good strategy Cam :)

[@janantons6930]

Buying Kitestuff in the Off-Season would be another Tipp. People often sell Stuff to buy Season Gear and Shops want to clear the Warehouse

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Yeah for sure! Prices seem to rise when the wind starts haha :)

[@wallypootr]

how about how do you figure out the control bar size,S/M vs M/L? Is there an advantage of one for control / stability vs agility? Or is this really about your should width or something like this? Thanks.

[@fullmetalbg]

Hi Fluke, I got some experience in wakeboarding and i am looking at expanding to kitesurfing aswell. Your vids are an amazing help - keep it going! Can you point me to some entry-level kites and boards (specific brands models would be great) because the local shop is not that trustworthy. I'm around 80kg so based on your advice i am looking at a 9 or 10m kite.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Great to hear mate! yeah watch this video and "part one" but yeah, a 10M might be a good place to start depending on the wind in your area. Lots of good gear out there, we ride Ocean Rodeo and love it.

[@hohovaheid]

Fluke, thanks for all these video clips. I learn a lot, and I wish to meet you face to face shortly and have the pleasure of kiting with you. Hossein

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Perfect! Yes if you see my on the beach be sure to come say hi! :)

[@basedpatriotLT]

Love the tips. Although some people ride only 10 hours in a season, some ride 200 hours (or rental kites). Would the price drop by 30% after one year in both these scenarios? Regarding older than 4 years kites being crappy. Crappy for those who tried current kites, but maybe perfect for a newbie that does not have a comparison? Imagine you go back with time machine in 2016 and try that 2016 kite. You would think that is best tech ever and would have a blast riding. Would not a newbie feel the same, trying 2016 kite in 2022? As he does not know how better newer kites feel.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey M, yeah as you say the amount of hours is important,. a less ridden kite is worth more for sure. That's why sometimes you have to be careful with ex rentals as they can sometimes have a lot of hours (sometimes not in non-typical sizes) the thing about riding a 2016 kite is not about not knowing what you are missing out on, its more about the reliability of the gear. the kite is less likely to have an issue, more likely to fly more efficiently etc. My first kite was 2009. I used it, loved it. They work... but I can tell you over the years my current kite is nothing like that 2009 kite. Sure they both fly, but the new one I can trust, the old one would do all sorts of crazy things like a flip upside down and fall out of the sky. All of that said, 2016 is likely to be fine, and likely well priced, it is also good as your first kite so you can crash it without caring about it as much. Not sure where you are located but, a 2016 Ocean rodeo prodigy kite I would confidently say you can fly with no issues. Id happily teach someone on women of them... But that is because I know the brand and model and know that kite is good. All brands likely have kites like that... it's just a matter of knowing what ones are good. Hope that helps

[@aviohana7432]

Good tips. Thanks! Where are you guys based at?

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Canada and Australia

[@roberthernandez121]

Hello I have found a Core xr6 2 Professional Patches 600.00

[@teagan_bok_kiteboarding]

Hi Luke. Thanks for the tips. I was just wanting to know your opinion on a bladder repair. Is this something to avoid in a second hand kite even if it is professionally done. Thanks

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey Teagan, often it depends how severe it was. The risk is that it leaks air, but if it doesn't. then its probably fine. Providing it holds air, the bladder wont effect kite performance so in a lot of ways its better that the bladder was repaired, not the canopy. That said, if the badder was repaired, maybe the leading edge has a repair too.. and the severity of that might play a role in how the kite flies. Hope that helps :)

[@kevinbradley9601]

I've fixed a bunch of kites and in my experience most bladder leaks come from valves delaminating or from the one pump hoses. Both fixable to good as new. Some guys reglue valves with urethane glues(stormsure/gear aid) which is cheap. I prefer to buy stick on valves which can be pricey if needing multiple valves replaced ($15-20 each). I seldom see bladders leaking away from valves...certainly happens but i always look at the valves first.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

@@kevinbradley9601 awesome, thanks for the insight Kevin :)

[@teagan_bok_kiteboarding]

@@FlukesKitesurfing Great, thank you

[@teagan_bok_kiteboarding]

@@kevinbradley9601 Thank you

[@gulliverdalton8680]

I would say get expensive click style bar, new or newish. Spend the money there and save it on the kite. Any 4line free ride or wave kite (not race or wakestyle) upto 10 years old from the major brands should be fine but your probably going to need new bladders for it if it’s more than 5 yrs, even if it hasn’t been used. So check you can source new bladders and take that into account on price. Comfy harness or mail order a cheap one till you find a comfy one. Find someone with the patience and skills to teach u, so many people get spanked and give up because they do stupid stuff trying to learn themselves. Try learn with a buddy or make friends a a school group lesson. Having someone to take it in turns with learning helps heaps for the first month so they can help relaunch crashed/drowned kite and u only need one setup between 2. (Maybe two harnesses). If you want to learn something without a teacher and/or by yourself try wings.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

yeah surprising just how much difference a new rear line adjusted bar makes :)

[@sergheyzaporojanu6872]

Can you do a video on what to look on when you buy used equipment? To not find it broken on your first ride.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey, as in these videos, best to find something newish in good condition, Then you should be ok for a while :)

[@sergheyzaporojanu6872]

@@FlukesKitesurfing thanks a million! I thought would be nice to know which parts are most likely to get broken

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

@@sergheyzaporojanu6872 ok for sure, the things to look for are: it holds air. You don't want it to slowly deflate. That the lines are in good condition. Small holes in the canopy are easy to patch. Any hole or wear in the leading edge is much harder to fix. The amount of hours its had... they do get worn slowly by hours, so the same kite form a holiday kiter might be a good option to purchase from, rather than a school for instance. Hope that helps

[@sergheyzaporojanu6872]

@@FlukesKitesurfing wow! That's really valuable information! Thanks man!

[@ShannonHartnett-117]

I just picked up a 2015 ozone reo 12m kite all new bladders with original bar and lines for $500aud a 2 seasons used dakine renegade waist harness for $140aud and a 2014 naish hero 140x43 twintip for $200aud but turns out its a wave riding kite i didnt do my research first but from what i have heard the reo is a very versatile kite and can be used as a freeride or all rounder also im only a beginner myself with my first lesson completed so im unsure if i chose wrong or not i havent had the chance to go out and test the kite for myself just yet.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey yeah im sure it will be fine, as mentioned in the video a little older than i like to recommend, but if its well looked after then should still be good. Just take it for a fly in some light wind first to get used to it :)

[@ShannonHartnett-117]

@@FlukesKitesurfing yeah mate thanks for the bit of confidence boost I'll do just that get to know how it flies I'm already upto body dragging up and down wind in the first lesson. So I'll just keep at it to get some better kite control and use 1 hand like I was doing with the instructor at the end of my first lesson. I think ima just go without more lessons I have a decent idea now and youtube has been an amazing help with the preparation stuff i think I'll be able to manage getting up on the board by myself if I just keep at it and I know learning to edge upwind early is a good thing to do early on for further progression and it will help me become a more confident kiter much quicker.

[@Derekbitt1]

I don’t live near a kiteboarding retail location. My home spot is in the Caribbean with no gear retailer. Do you have a recommendation how to buy the “fitted” gear without driving 9 hours to cape hatteras South Carolina ( closest retail store).

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Yeah you can buy everything online...the main thing really is the harness. Maybe ask someone at the beach to try on theirs and then buy that one... Or just get a good brand and get one with lots of padding, in a flexible shell for your first one. I love carbon hard shell from Ride engine but you do need to try it on first i think to make sure you like it and it fits your back, so for instance the ride engine Momentum Harness would be a great first harness you can buy online and be pretty confident you will like it.) For the board and kite, just look up the recommended sizes for you and in typical wind in your area. Hope that helps :)

[@Derekbitt1]

@@FlukesKitesurfing thank you for taking the time. I really appreciate it

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

@@Derekbitt1 for sure!

[@juleslondon]

How about the wet suit? How much for that?

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

If you need a wetsuit the prices vary a lot based on quality, it would be a good idea to google wetsuits in your area :)

[@moneyeye24]

Can an intermediate kite surfer go alone for onshore wind?

[@moneyeye24]

Dear Flukes kitesurfing, thx for giving a heart, what is your answer? Did you read my question before giving me the heart?

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey MoneyEye, kiting alone is always a bit of risk just in case something unexpected happens... You would need to be very comfortable with your ability to look after yourself in that event. Things like self rescue, self landing etc. that said. i kite by myself all the time. I always have, even since a beginner as there simply where not that many people around kiting. So, many days I would head to the beach, and of course, it's windy, no one there, i'm still going out. :) Just be sure that the environment is good, cross onshore would be preferred, and you know you can look after yourself if needed. Thanks

[@moneyeye24]

@@FlukesKitesurfing thank you very much and your videos are very good.

[@simeonreynaud7352]

I was looking in to it, until the price. Fuck that I would rather get a couple of boats.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Go for it!

[@Chris_Young]

New models fly better but older kites don't just STOP flying. Ridiculous. Use equipment is fine to learn on for a year or two.

[@JamesLamb]

It's not that they stop flying, it's that design improves and the older model may not be as easy for a beginner to handle.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

No one says they stop flying mate :) but as a general rule, better to be less than 4 years old to keep up with development of the equipment.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

@@JamesLamb 100% :)

[@IceAce1]

I don't think "100%" is true anymore. Kite design still progressed fast a decade ago, yes. But it is far more matured now. IMHO actuality is more important with new variants, e.g. foil boards or even strapless board design (but both are not for water sport 'beginners' really), or for safety (new -standardised- quick releases, *new lines*). My 2 cent re 100% :) I don't want to detriment on your super helpful video!! Also think your quoted four years is a good period for hobbyist rough measure - keeping in mind you want to use it longer than your first full season.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

@@IceAce1 thanks for the input mate and in some ways I agree, however just last year an international safety standard for quick release mechanism was introduced forcing companies to abide by minimum standards that they did not have to do before.. Also the Aluula composite has created another jump in kite performance last year. kites that used to drop out of the sky now float and you can regain control of the kite, it is also far more predictable positioning when flying making piloting much easier.. So yes, I agree that not all kites are developing as much as a decade ago, but things are still progressing quickly, and I think it will continue that way as brands continue to innovate. I guess the main point is, of course you can fly older kites, you and I would be able to fly older gear no problems because we have the experience to identify any issues and deal with them... but this video isn't about "can you fly old gear" it's recommendations for people "buying their first kite setup." and for that, I stand by my recommendations :)

[@max555555555555555]

„Approxamatly“? really?

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

ah damn it hahah...

[@MisterSkeptic]

Hi Luke, I am an intermediate kiter but have been using rental equipment up to now. What size kite would you recommend for a 1st and then a 2nd kite purchase. Also, can you use the same bar and lines for all kite sizes and makes ?

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey! Great to hear you're getting into it! Normally I recommend 10M for most people, but it varies a lot on rider size and typical conditions in your local area. It is possible to use different brands, a lot are compatible but not all. an important thing to look for is that both have equal 4 line lengths in the bar, and that the kites original bar was also that way, then they typically will work but i'd recommend you do research into the specific gear to make sure you wont have any issues :)