The real cost of getting into kitesurfing🪁 in 2023💰

Kitesurfing prices are over the roof, and as an instructor, I see this as a barrier for many people to enter the sport. This video goes around this statement and gives you the best tips possible to start out! Lets see the real cost of getting into kitesurfing: Join me for a ride!
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If you are new here, welcome to the Epic Gust channel. Everything here is about kitesurfing, tips, lessons, spot reviews, and a whole lot more that relates to kitesurfing and traveling! My name is Zolty and I do kite coaching for 8 years now. I love to do it, and my main goal is to help you to progress, stay safe, or to get you to come and shred with me somewhere around the world.
Keen to have a lesson with me, or you have a kite related question? - drop me a mail [e-mail]

[@JohnEdwards-yo8vl]

Watching this from Holland. Fortunately we have a huge 2nd hand market and lots of rich people getting rid of their kites every year..

[@EpicGust]

This is so great! No wonder why so many kiters are from this small country! we need to get this message out more! How good it would be that most people will know and take advantage about this! Keep it real and enjoy the powerzone.

[@adamreynolds1291]

I need a 3m I don't care the shape as long as it will fly! I ain't RICH !!! ENEONE FEELING NICE???

[@rutgerdezeeuw]

me too! I fly a hardly used takoon 9 meter from 2016 and ride boards that are 10 years old and cost in between 25 and 50 euro's, yet I jump higher than 95%. Your gear must be reliable, but don't believe all the marketing hype out there.

[@lomaleks1332]

what site are you using for 2nd hand market? Thanks!

[@madsteeez]

@@lomaleks1332 eBay Kleinanzeigen

[@chrisstevens3776]

Watching from NZ. Been kiting for 4 years now. I bought all my gear second hand from the kite school. So far, 2 puncture repairs at about $100 each. I also bought a new bar and harness once I got more capable. I am jealous of those with new kites… and I would probably notice it. But I’d rather spend that money on trips than gear.

[@markhoughton5294]

Been kiting since 2003. Still flying kites I bought new in 2006, which were Waroo's. Also have North Neos from 2016 which I fly mostly now. All depends on wind. Have a Nobile 555 board as my main board that I bought in 2009. Watching in England. Kite mainly at Rhosneigr, though have kited in France, Spain, Portugal , Morocco, Greece, Sardinia, Egypt, Croatia and Turkey.

[@DavidLeggieri]

Kiting since 2008 i ve Seen the progression of material for a few years and i can say, yes kiteboarding is not a cheap sport but what the sport delivers is priceless ❤

[@vikingh3008]

I have to admit I’m addicted to buying new kite gear, my fear is that the wife will actually find out the real prices one day, not the ones I tell her 😂😂😂

[@EpicGust]

yay, your marriage is in danger! :D

[@wernerxldata]

Sounds like me when I was still riding motocross 😂😂 Still have a dirt bike by the way, just ditched the marriage 🎉

[@NickFoxQuixand]

A huge aspect of the crazy prices is the impact on the next generation. The next riders should be getting into this as teenagers, what teenager could afford kite gear these days? when I started in my early 20s a harness was £60 and a 1 year old second hand kite was £350 with bar. Now its double that and that has pushed a lot of the younger generation out. You only have to look at the marketing over the last few years to see that kite manufacturers are targeting more of the rich middle aged group that are less likely to be pulling low mobes and more interested in easy big air tricks.

[@nicolasboudet9302]

I recently see a beginner (who just spent one week on a very flat spot with nice wind and kind instructors) coming to my home spot with 2 brand new SLS Duotone Evo kites🤗 At his first launch one of them touched a bit the ground and exploded 😳!- dead😜, at least the bladder- The day after when preparing his second kite on an off side spot, without appropriate sanding, a gust took it and it flew to the middle of the lagoon, without any chance to be recovered without a boat…🥺 Spending so much money for new kites with so little experience, it is just very fortunate for brands and shops… Thanks for their good advices!😂

[@EpicGust]

ah yeah. I tried an sls evo in brazil it was awesome. then i met a guy who made a hole on his leading edge (big stitch needed) and all the repair shops refused to fix it as they had no material. i guess that will change with time, but imagine that you buy and sls go brazil and face this. 🤯

[@nicolasboudet9302]

@@EpicGust it is new material but also seems to be very fragile… at least not a kite for noobs, who will let it drop with force for any reason. If I compare with old kites the cost of any mistake will be far less and some were so ruggedized that they may last several generations of newbies…😜

[@EpicGust]

@@nicolasboudet9302 it is fragile. kites made to fly, ultralight kites fly better! but they not necessary handle crashes better. or even just a tiny cut and boom. the problem appears. To be honest, it is weird. I seen SLS just have a medium crash and fall apart, and I seen SLS having a mental front crash on a 95kg dude in over 30 knots and it came back like nothing happened. Anyway until you crash a lot, maybe dont buy them unless your pocket is deep enough :)

[@Showmetheevidence-]

Kiting has a big problem to solve… new gear costs a ton, schools won’t rent kit when you’re a very new kiter (which I understand). But that means anyone with just a few hours under their belt is stuck - so do some lessons, then either stop & never kite again, or look at a pretty big cost to get going (even with used gear). Newbie kiting in South Africa 🇿🇦

[@silviup]

I'm from Romania but watching from Tenerife and I got into kiting last year, bought all new full gear (2 kites 9 and 12 - 2022, bar, board from Eleveight, harness) for 2600eur and I think I'm pretty happy with the deal.

[@EpicGust]

sounds like an excellent deal! Eleveight has great toys too! Enjoy it mate!

[@O1D4]

Got some great Eleveight deals also and finally replaced my entire ca. 2010 setup with brand new 2022/2023 gear. 3 kites, bar, board all for ~2800eur!@@EpicGust

[@michasowik1819]

Nice touch with "zee Germans" from The Snatch - classic! :D

[@EpicGust]

:)))) i glad there is someone who values those gems too!

[@dragonfist]

Greetings from Bulgaria! I always wait to find the biggest discount, when I started liquidforce kite brand was selling over due to closure so I got NEW kites at the price of old ones - you only need to be patient and wait 9 months like I did :D

[@sebastiaanvandervelden2024]

Awesome video! Thanks.

[@EpicGust]

My pleasure 🤙

[@__-1234]

When I started kitesurfing, first I took lessons with equipment included, so nothing to buy. And then when I got confident enough I started buying second hand stuff, and I actually most of my gear is still today second hand.... I won't be the world champion for sure so why should I need brand new stuff ?

[@EpicGust]

This is rather a review of the spike of prices that happening now due to many factors. I was the same. To be honest, i was broke when i got in to it, and i still had loads of fun (with mostly old kites).

[@__-1234]

@@EpicGust Exactly... If I make a review of my present gear, I think there is one kite and my harness that I bought brand new. All the rest, bar, board, and 3/4 of kites are second hand, and they all work fine. And my board is a special board made in small number by a shaper (super expensive brand new) which has a few scratches so I got it for the price of a low quality brand new board... Oh, and one point also: I find it perfectly feasible, using figure of 8 knots, to adapt the only bar I have to all the kites, which of course are not the same brand as the bar. No one so far has been able to explain me based on scientific arguments why one should have a bar that is the same brand as the kite, which is an argument I heard all over the place.

[@__-1234]

@@EpicGust And if I may add something else, for people who cherish nature as I'm sure kitesurfers do, it would make sense to buy second hand as much as possible. One brand new kiteboard is approx. 400kg CO2 release.

[@EpicGust]

@@__-1234 well the picture is not so clear. We human beings tend to focus on something seemingly big and forget the small that adds up. I believe even buying new gear every third - the fourth year is ok. These CO things come down way more to daily habits, what you buy, like pet bottles and how much you use your car on a short rides or instead of an umbrella, just for convenience, or what you choose to eat. I see often people saying what you said, and then their daily life is a pure CO2 release. I rather buy kites but don't drink coke. What do you think about this? Also - what do you think why is so high a CO2 release on a kite?

[@__-1234]

@@EpicGust Of course, but buying second hand is a good habit to take for everything. And kite gear, which is mostly made of oil as anything made of plastic, has a been carbon footprint when being produced. So I think that if the price of brand new kite gear has increased a lot recently, well, it's rather a good thing actually as it will encourage people to check the second hand market, get their gear repaired as much as possible and realize that a board with a few scratches rides just fine.

[@doughaman9634]

Your description of kitesurfers had me cracking up and spot on! My car is stickered up, I'm always checking 4 different wind apps, the Woo is always charged and my Core kite air freshener hangs from the rear view mirror! 🤙🤙🤙

[@EpicGust]

😂love it, live it! 🤙🤙

[@kitepirinha]

Great content and very nice spirit !

[@EpicGust]

Kitespirit! :) thanks 😘

[@AlainBoudard]

Awesome video, I ride in France since a loooong time and my acual kite gear is f-one from more than 10 years and if properly maintained it works just fine for me 😎🤩

[@Ryy22]

watching from Holland, warms my heart to see so many small dutch brands offering amazing value for quality. We Dutch care allot about quality and honestly its not that far off from bigger brands

[@JelmerAchterkamp]

Kan je er een paar noemen, ik ben net met lessen begonnen

[@Ryy22]

@@JelmerAchterkamp Fluid Sky, ventum, Harlem (die wel ietsje duurder)

[@MatPendle]

This is a great video 👍

[@EpicGust]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@zieglerai]

Brazilian currently in Finland. Going back to Brazil soon and continuing my kite course in Cumbuco. I'm not sure where I'm moving next, but I think the the wind will become something I'll be keeping in mind. For now, Australia is my goal!

[@jamessutton5546]

I brought second hand gear when I started because it was affordable but soon got annoyed with how often it needed repairs because I was rough on the gear and previous owners as well . As soon as I learnt to look after it properly I brought new now I know how my kites have been treated and I haven't needed to repair 1 in years 😀

[@EpicGust]

so ture that some times the new gear makes you care more! Imagine you would have treat that used kite too! YOu might still be on it! :)

[@blubb9004]

In short, you became german. Welcome to the family, son. :)))

[@leo_verrecchia]

Great video! I find it pretty silly when most people say its to expensive to kitesurf, considering you can buy second hand gear and get into it for pretty cheap. You can even sometimes hit up pro kiters in your country to buy there season old gear in great condition for great prices! Considering most people will spend over $1000 dollars every year or two to upgrade to the newest Iphone, they can't really claim kiting is too expensive then. Don't get me wrong, it can be, however other sports like motocross or snowboarding is a lot dearer.

[@EpicGust]

☝this is SO TRUE. You spend on what you want. Love your approach Leo! Thanks for the input!

[@szamanwlkp]

From Poland 🇵🇱 just started a kitesurfing from zero in Jastarnia Zatoka Pucka Bay. Ofcourse with the professional instructors from Let's Kite ! Fantastic experience and fantastic kitesurfing school. ❤😊

[@matthewsantillanes194]

Awesome

[@declancoady2549]

Viewing from north fuerteventura after a 5 day beginners course for less than 600 euro. Fine for what you get. Less than ideal conditions with flukey winds had to be spread over 2 weeks so yes, the Bahamas though initially costly, will guarantee the beginner high end tuition in ideal conditions in a much tighter time frame, when time for most is of the essence. Tons of 2nd hand gear out there for us beginners. A 5 year old complete setup for 800 to 1000. Spend the money on quality tuition. It is only dear once. Thanks for this great channel with excellent tips and genuine passion for the sport

[@EpicGust]

One thing - there is no such thing that ideal weather - there will be always smtng to complain about, just like when you go running, it migh be too cold, too warm too sunny, you will always find something. when it is windy you must go! winds are mostly not consistent, and the wider variety of winds you experience the more you learn and the better you become. after flukey winds, smoother winds will seem easier but just because your skill got better in the flukey. Bahamas- been there, well expenisveness is provided, quality is not always! It all comes down to the instructor , not to the school. but todays online world more than easy to find a decent one! Enjoy :)

[@pelealexandru]

Cool video! While it’s true that prices are crazy high, you can still buy brand new gear from premium brands with around 3k. You just need to look around for kite models that are 1-2y older than the latest release as they can get discounted up to 40% at most online retailers. For e.g I’ve just got two 2021 North Orbit Kites (12 and a 9), latest North bar and pump for 2.2k. Add in a board and a harness and I think it adds up just under 3k, everything new. If I were to browse the second hand market now, I’m sure I’d find a similar combo for a way higher asking price. So keep an eye on discounts as well. For most brands (except for maybe Duotone) you can expect significant discounts once they release a new model, which is basically every year.

[@EpicGust]

Very good tip, those clearouts always having good deals! I am not sure about warranty on those tho!

[@Witjes]

Ride the exact same gear as you...Perfect and still love it! All kites since 2009 is good in my view. Before that there were some safety concerns on the kites/bars. After 200 only minor changes to kites! Btw Ventum not the lightest kites but def most durable kites...and who needs lightweight anyway when you are on a twintip!

[@EpicGust]

Hey brother from another mother 😁 great stuff right I love it too. When j kite above 20kn I don't mind if it is having some durability by thicker material. SUN, wind and salt is eating everything.

[@bowmosexual]

like it, great watch :D bet you're a hoot to kite with hehe!!!

[@awsomegamer-100]

Watching from DFW, Texas

[@EpicGust]

Where is the best kiting in Texas?

[@alensrc.777]

Watching from Dubai, got my first gear in 2019. Now, I decided to just rent wherever I go as with renting I always get the newest gear and can change kite sizes. No hassle traveling also

[@TheBurtonian]

Watching from Sweden

[@vaudou74]

i got all my gear,kites,boards (2007/2010 boards,) good enough for me, 2010 kites , same, main one was starting to die tho) stolen and i m currently buying 2nd hand kites,boards,gears.....too expensive to get new things but the shorty combi or the full neoprene for winter...i got 2023 kites at -50% (foil kites for snowkite +kitesurf), found the same old board for cheap as i had in 2007, way enough for me , my lightwind directionnal board (8 knts+) dont exist anymore and no equivalent so far....gonna be a pain as i ride mainly in 8-15knts (may be time to follow the foilboard craze).... so far: 2023 15m foil kites + bar (kitesurf/snowkite) : 1500 (15m do 85% of my cessions) 2018 12m foil kite +bar : 350 (old generation , i got mainly sub 8/27knts max wind here), more often for snowkite but can be used on water in medieum wind. had a 10m but wasnt using it much.... regular board: 150€ (133/38, oldschool narrow board, new ones are wider.....i have enough power in the kite to compensate) lightwind board: aiming for some used door or no voul directionnal: 300€ harness: waist one for kitesurf 60€, seat one for snowkite: 60€ (waist harness tends to slide on synthetic thermal layers) shorty 3/2: new (hoping for a discount) full 5/5 or 5/4 combi: new ( alps water lakes in sping are cold...) discount at the end of the winter? , gloves/boots: 100€ (discount?) never kited in foreign countries...so no clue how to testify my level....is there some IKO (or equivalent) proof or exam to pass?

[@JenoLeventeHorvath]

Thanks for the German, Netherland market you can grab used but good condition equipments for great price. My last grab is a Slingshot SST 6m2 (2019) with two small patches for only 220 EUR (yes two hundred and twenty). All my friends told me once I sent the pictures about the kite: If you don't buy it I will and then I resell it for 350 EUR. When it arrived it was just like on the picture. And there are the small brands also like RL board, Kite Attitude.

[@EpicGust]

Lucky you! I am glad you get that deal, help others to know this , by telling them how affordable kiting is, compared to many other technical sports!

[@witsandkite5222]

I like! you do save money when taking a good kite course. There you eventually also learn how to treat your gear...like a German :P

[@mikkihintikka7273]

watching from Finland and i must beat that price!

[@callmemaybe8807]

I started with just one brand new 2020 10M switchblade (that I bought in 2021) for 1300$ + brand new 500$ crazyfly acton board + brand new $550 duotone click bar + brand new $270 ion harness. So it is possible to start with all-new gear (not current year) for ~$2600 + $1300 in classes make it ~$4000 If you buy second hand equipment you can get started for half of that. And if a friend teaches you and you get away with no classes then you can probably start with $1000 or less.

[@ivanixdevon7526]

Most water sports gear gets expensive fast, kites, wind surf rigs, surfboards, SUPs, wing surfing, surfing with foils, etc. An alternative may be to invest in DIY tools and skills, like sewing, sewing machine, 3d printer, pvc tube construction, fiberglass, etc.

[@vinny61389]

There’s a lot that goes into getting started (safety being the biggest priority), but I agree; with some patience in the used market and a little luck you can get into this sport for ~1000. Still expensive but as far as sports go, it’s not too bad. Sifting through the used market is best done with someone more experienced if you’re the newbie. It’s very easy to make mistakes or get overwhelmed if you don’t know what you are looking for.

[@EpicGust]

Think about it if you want to get in to skiing (seasonal tech sport) it will be so much more. Or biking. Or or the list goes on Kitesurf is pretty affordable!

[@magistradox39]

Yes. I do Snowboarding. Hotels are pricy. A season ticket is cheap compared to all the rest.

[@quisttttt]

Agreed!

[@EpicGust]

☝️🤙🏼

[@wernerxldata]

I’m from Holland, I bought some stuff secondhand and some cheap previous season GA kites brand new. It’s actually not that hard to be able to check secondhand equipment if it’s still good quality. Fortunately almost anything can be fixed these days.

[@OumiKapilaMusic]

That’s great news about the older kites as I’ve just ripped mine in half :( but what about the valves? I talked to a kite doctor today who mentioned that the valves tend to be the problem on older second hand kites, even if canopy is good…

[@XE-4]

Watching from Sydney, Australia. All beginners should get second hand gear that they can trash, and lessons so they trash their gear (and their body) less. You can get on the water for under $2,500 AUD excluding wetsuit. 1. First, spend $100 on a two line kite and teach yourself how to fly figure eights until you can fly it for at least five minutes without crashing. Maybe even tie both lines to a stick to learn how a control bar feels. You'll probably quadruple the value from your future beginner kiteboarding lessons by flying a two line stunt kite first. 2. Then, spend $400 for around two hours of lessons. See if you even like kiting. Learn good, safe habits. 3. When you're ready, but soon after your lesson, spend $1,200 on a five year old kite and bar, $400 for a board and $400 for a waist harness so you can keep practicing what you learnt while it's fresh in your mind. Note - avoid seat harnesses IMO. Your butt is your brake when learning. If the speed feels too much then get your butt close to the water to control your speed and edging. Seat harnesses make this tricky because you're fighting the kite's pull to drop your butt lower). 4. If you stick with the sport for a full year, week in, week out, including the offseason (wind permitting) then buy better gear for year two and sell your (now) thirdhand gear for close to what you bought it for. Or if you're not using your gear week in, week out, then keep using the current gear for another year and re-evaluate for the third year.

[@capitankitesurf6541]

good video bro

[@EpicGust]

thanks Capitan!

[@nelsondln]

Maui🤙 unfortunately as a poor man i have become addicted to kiting. Definitely lots of deals on the internet on new kites that are a year or more older. Kites dont last long in Maui with strong UV from the sun, so i recommend getting new or almost new kites. Itll last a year at most with daily use. Everything else i get used.

[@federicobenettolo370]

watching this from north of Italy!

[@EpicGust]

yo man! anytime on lake como ?

[@federicobenettolo370]

@@EpicGust I’ve only been once. But I would like to come back!

[@NeoVdV]

Same goes for Wingfoiling !!!

[@braamster1]

Hi, really enjoy your videos! Also ride Ventum, they are great! Just a question : also thinking about a Leuiwe shotgun, you ride a 136, how much do you weigh, I am 179cm and 78, 79 kg. 136 or 138!!

[@EpicGust]

Thanks Braam! You are on the right track! I would suggest the bigger board definitely! Also depends what wind speed. If you ride mostly onder 20 knots or even the lover side below 15knots, you can go up to 142 - wont hurt! If you ride mostly over 15, and even around 25 knots go for the 138,! If you order through my link you will get a super cool board sock for free. bit.ly/lieuwe Start through this link, put in the basket the boardsock, and at checkout it will turn to free! Welcome in the family! :)

[@brijnich]

Got into kiting in 2004 my first quiver was Best 3 for 2 that you also got the bar with , that 3 kite quiver with bars was the same price as a single kite no bar. Prices are mental, now I just shop the previous years or two kites. If I counted the marketing bill of how more upwind a kite or board would get me I’d be kiting backwards

[@EpicGust]

I reckon often inflation is in the game too... but yeah it is nutzz!

[@xponti71]

Kitesurf in Perth. Got a 12m 2015 and 10m 2016 Switchblade for AUD$500 each. Then a second hand board for around $400. It is possible to get in cheaper than new. My kites are still going strong and I will upgrade to other second hand kites when these get too old.

[@EpicGust]

Bargain! yet that board have to be at least carbon for that price, or something high end!

[@janvanbunningen6468]

Just bought a Naish Dash 7 that was used 2-3 time, basically brand new, for €350 in the Netherlands :)

[@EpicGust]

Bargain! Kiting is actually cheaper now 🤘

[@tiesto213]

Started kitesurfing in 2005. Every now and then I buy a really old kite from those early days if i come across it. (oldest one in the quiver at the moment is a 10m cabrinha nitro from 2003) Just so you know, I DO NOT RECCOMEND buying a kite older than 10 years. After this time, glue will start separating between the bladders and valves and repairing those is simply not worth it in my opinion. I have performed the repair multiple times now but for someone beginning in the sport its not a fun way to start out.

[@joseflipke7957]

Shame you didnt share this earlier. Miss my kidney!

[@EpicGust]

thats all good, beer kicks in faster with only one kidney :))

[@martinminar1949]

USA, Washington dc. I bought 3 used kites 2015, board and bar for $750. Than bought 2 new kites and found out they fly more, or less the same as old ones. I think for $1500 you can get everything you need in good condition. Used wetsuit on ebay $ 45.

[@EpicGust]

Very good deal, thanks for the input!

[@ManGo-mu5rd]

Good to know thanks taking notes here. If you don't mind breaking down the $1500 into parts, it would be really great 👍

[@markusbroyles1884]

The sport of Kitesurfing is not for everyone ~ You can get really hurt. Most people have some profound wipeouts. I'm a really good surfer so I needed a LOT of EXTRA LESSONS ~ Wake boarders have an easier adaptation because the power is away from the action like kiting. I'm 72 now and I put it off for 15 years until the equipment became used and cheap. Also the safety equipment has improved so very much now. I used to live on the Big Island Hawaii but there is no good place to learn there compared to Maui and farther off. YES I moved to North Carolina and that's when my kiting really got much more frequent. The all sand bottom shallow anckle to knee deep water is ideal for beginners. Guys GAVE ME THEIR older model kites ~ BUT I had to abide by the rules and learn and then keep away from them for safety. EQUIPMENT KNOWLEDGE is very important and you can get really screwed by obsolete equipment. That stuff should not be resold ever as it's not safe. I broke two ribs and got several friction burns and plenty of road razzberies in the beginning and I saw and heard about much worse accidents and I saw some really stupid stuff happening when NOOBS tried to teach themselves without an instructor. It wasn't pretty and it was not just dangerous for them but for everyone in the area. Water temperature, Location, Instructor, equipment, wind direction, tide flow and waves all combine to create ideal or NO GO conditions. Having a lot of people involved at the local beach is great. Romantic ideas of long downwinders and great leaps should be benched for some years but get started and never quit. Best sport ever ~ From a lifetime surfer and ocean devotee ~ don't wait too long as I almost did. The sport has matured now a lot and there are great places to ride that are unused. LISTEN TO THE TOP GUYS !! Do what these guys say and learn as much as you can on YOU TUBE ~ This guy is a very good one to follow ~ Aloha !

[@EpicGust]

I am so glad you did not wait any more and you made it, this a something to try and get hooked as early as possible - sport is! Interesting what you say about how dangerous the sport itself. And on some levels, you are right. Noobs self teaching is never beautiful - mostly cos they look for fast success and patience is generally not something we exercise these days. Let me challenge your belief with an example - driving a car. Seems safe right? Well yeah in the right hands, most cars are safe, but in the wrong hands, with little to no instructions, with a heavy machine, you can do a lot of damage to others. Probably flying an airplane is much safer cos the pilot cant just go and play by itself too early - like we can with a car! Kiting is no different - schools are selling courses of 3 days that is promising independency. And that is simply not the case. However if you are disciplined, you learn form a good source and you keep progressing in a safe tempo, you will be fine, always. I teach this sport nearly a decade and seen only a handful of accidents, all of those related to human fault, and could be avioded early on, with the proper reflex building, and slow steps. Comaring it to skiing, or biking, it is so much safer in my eyes, cos kiting ideally not involving any solid objects around the rider when riding on a higher speed. Fall, realize it, accept it, let the bar go - and voila, you have a mild wipeout. IF those reflexes are built in your practice early on, you will be safe, always.

[@markusbroyles1884]

@@EpicGust It's a whole new planet with a new language and it's a new ocean tribe ~ YES !!! I am now one of you and I say that pre counciling would be great as there are so many fantasies with the imagination running wild over this sport. LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION and CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL TEACHERS ARE A MUST ! Foiling and kiting are such new ways to see the beach is so true ALOHA !!

[@zj2443]

good example of the market today. Wish you had included pricing for the low end New gear, not just high end and used gear. However, it can be read between the lines fairly well. A good example in California is I purchased a 10+ year old used kite set up from 2012, last year. I paid $500 for kite, bar, harness, pump and a board. the bladder and valves were original, and when I went to fly it the first time almost all the valves fell apart and the kite deflated before I could finish setup. So, yes older kites will have old valves. Furthermore, I sent my kite into a repair guy and he inspected the bladders and said they were as good as NEW! so he replaced all the valves which cost me $120 and now my ~12 year old kite is basically as good as new. for a total of $620 I have a complete kiteboard setup. this is the market in California. used gear is the best way to start.

[@EpicGust]

Good prices, and if you cant afford anything better this is a great way to start!

[@user-qk2tc1cv2o]

Watching from Kenya, I'm sending my 4 kites for 150$ each, slingshot fuel and north dyno

[@matthewparkerkites]

Watching from South Africa, been kiting for about 2 months and holy it was a turn off at the start when seeing those prices😂

[@EpicGust]

Yeah, but still worth it 😹

[@onthepath501]

From Destin FL

[@Babolatplayer]

Im a student from Germany... Its a big struggle but ebay is the place to be. My main kite is gaastra toxic from 2014 and I think its a decent kite. But im dreaming a lot about new stuff of course 😂

[@EpicGust]

We all do! :)

[@blubb9004]

Fühl ich, ich hab als Student immer zugeschaut und es gar nich erst versucht, leider, wegen des vielen Geldes. Da waren mir die Möglichkeiten des Gebrauchtmarktes aber auch noch nicht so bewusst. Und ganz ehrlich, es kommt sowieso zu 90% auf dich an, deine Technik + Athletik + Wissen +Erfahrung. Bis das ausgereizt ist und dein Equip ein Hindernis darstellt, verdienste eh genug Kohle, dass du dir jeden Aluula-Ferrari kaufen kannst, wenn du willst.

[@Babolatplayer]

@@blubb9004 ja ist zwar nervig aber dann freut man sich irgendwann umso mehr wenn man sich mal nen richtigen Kite kaufen kann und bis dahin ist es sowieso besser mit altem Material zu üben💪🏻

[@blubb9004]

@@Babolatplayer Stimmt, das kommt noch hinzu, als Anfänger haut man den Schirm schon noch mal mit Schmackes aufs Wasser, das muss man ja auch nicht unbedingt mit dem teuren neuen Kram machen mMn.

[@nathftn]

I personnaly switched to vantage kites. High end kite and low price thanks to their sale strategy. You'll notice they don't work with any shops... guess the reason !

[@ShannonHartnett-117]

Watching from bundaberg qld australia 🇦🇺 we got a great kite spot here at elliot heads beach you should check out one day if your ever in the location, i ended up buying my gear for around $1300 au dollars, second hand used, got a 2015 12m ozone reo kite with original bar in good condition a tiny bit of fade but barely noticeable and 2014 naish hero 140x43 all rounder twintip board, a mystic kite pump extreme with the 6 inflation adapters, and a 2 seasons old daikine renegade waist harness, short and long leashes.

[@lentefrente]

Microphone volume is too low. Very hard to listen

[@EpicGust]

thanks for the input, i am really picky of my vid quality and edit, and i really trying to improve every aspect possible. sound is a main thing for sure. so just revatched this on a simple laptop speakers, on 40% volume. it can be better for sure, but i heard every word. music should be less loud at some places for sure. i will pay attention. thanks again!

[@shoesfx]

People adapting incorrect consumer behavior, therefore prices will keep raise up. For instance when someone purchases every year new kites it's propably because there's a market to sell his gear from previously year. So unless people stop purchasing used kites, then new kites will be be stocked forcing companies to drop prices.

[@EpicGust]

thats a very nice input! i am glad so many different views are emerging here! thank you!

[@shoesfx]

@@EpicGust The major issue is that manufactors and retailers seek to increase annual value price while consumers search for other means obtaining at lower prices (discount, kite school etc). So even by purchasing a product on discount or used item the price goes up every year no matter what. If one Kite's value then years ago or so was estimated at 1.000€, kiters bought it around 500-700€ (depending who you were friends with) Problem is that it went out of hand and they are turning the sport into a luxury hobby were only rich people can support

[@scottklandl488]

Looking for an 06 16m waroo? Anyone class class Anyone?

[@somethowawayhandle]

where in the world are you getting a 2000 EUR board?!

[@EpicGust]

It is there , core carved something imperator. Kitemana or any other places. Look it up. Should have gold inserts 😂

[@somethowawayhandle]

@@EpicGust I agree with the gold inserts! Would be great to see a comparison of "lower" end board in the $500 range compared to the "higher" end boards in the $2000 range.

[@EpicGust]

@@somethowawayhandle yeah it is a board no magic here, a shape that works and many other brands has the almost identical shapes. Guess what 😉

[@andreaspoke8273]

I can’t recommend this. My first kite was second hand ozone edge. Promised not leaking but all valves broken so garbage. 2. kite ozone catalyst 2.hand looks same new but leaking all the time have to buy 2 bladder sets +300€. 3. kite zian kima bladder seam not good welded, valve cap broken, brand disappear, no sparepart. 4. kite new Airush Ultra last 1,5 years 200 Sessions in Thailand than canopy UV damage rip like paper. I have a Airush Lithium 2016 still good canopy but also all valves broken. So for me a kite last only 2 years if you use it often in tropical region.

[@EpicGust]

I bet if you go to a windy spot for a week, there is no wind for 6 days either 😇 Jokes aside this is extremely unfortunate. Sorry for that, Andreas. Yet i can tell you as an instructor, we open brand new kites for school once a season and the above-mentioned problems can happen with new gear as well. We had leaking valves, even canopy holes from bran new kites (wont mention the brand) IF you are on a spot where they have kite repair all these are easy peasy - lemon squuezy! I had an older kite, all the valves went loose, 60usd and the next day was all good - the kite works till today! some of your statements are not true - Zian I had them, brand did not disappear, but went bankrupt, yet they were in service for years after to help with stuff. Bottom line, i see you think you have to buy new spare parts each time. you can fix those sealings (or the repair shops) actually pretty easily! Anyway, I wish you better luck in the future!

[@elliotbawden7205]

What is the actual cost to build 1 kite or 100 kites. The labor and material cost and how long it takes to build a kite of say 12m? I am willing to bet they are paying Chinese people 15 cents an hour to build the kite or boards.

[@EpicGust]

Not every kite made in a sweatshop!I hope...

[@elliotbawden7205]

@@EpicGust sure

[@Dowell318]

Those prices he quoted, simply are not accurate. I bought my entire kit a few weeks ago for $2,250, and it included a 17 m kite, 150 cm board, pump, harness, control bar and bag, all Cabrinha brand. Just, not true. Sorry.

[@tenalock]

I was asked at the beach recently "Is kiteboarding really easy or something, because everyone doing it seems really old." lolol Average age of a kiteboarder is up by about 30 years since 2000. $$$

[@andreasmeerkamp8627]

The 𝗟𝗶𝗲𝘂𝘄𝗲 board are pretty expensive, doesn't really make sense

[@mikeyamerican]

The Bahamas!!!

[@HFDPringle]

Croatia

[@beatakrzeminska2940]

Poland

[@ezekielmancienne9219]

Seychelles

[@Vladishit_Putler]

I bought an Ebay kite for £120, board for £50, Bar for £50....

[@adriantorroella-cruz1371]

Miami Beach

[@EpicGust]

Cheers from Lake Como!

[@hinz1]

Anyone who buys stuff new is fricking crazy. Just bought a few old kites and some boards for about $500 to try it on local lake this summer. Would have spend maybe 5-10k, if I had bought everything new. Same with my machine shop and electronics lab, both in the $millions range when new but 30-50years later, you sometimes can buy stuff for less than a cent per new $ price.

[@EpicGust]

Or they have the money and they do not buy used stuff anyway. I tend to look on used market in every case first. this gives a good idea about many things - how many people want to get rid of it, or how accessible the replacements are..

[@marcosrotllan]

2 new rs eleveight kites, 2500e.no brainer

[@ridewithandrei]

gear snobs are everywhere, just get something decent that you can afford and have fun, massive used market.

[@DR_1S]

From 🇵🇱

[@tamuranando7466]

Brasil

[@adamreynolds1291]

California, riverside California hay man no one does it hear

[@EpicGust]

Riverside m^`~;-uckah! Is that only me who started to sing the song? :D

[@elliotbawden7205]

Screw branson, he just mows the lawn. Man claims he was one of first to invent kiteboarding

[@nikitayaskevich813]

Kite is so cheap! It’s costs only 2k€ to buy 8y.o gear, cool

[@justinsmith4562]

$1000 for a bar is stupid

[@gusbisbal9803]

The biggest cost is the time it takes to get good enough to enjoy it. The cost of second hand gear is cheaper than ANY over seas holiday that most people can afford. Stop complaining. Do your sport and stop making out that you have to buy gear every year... 99% of kiters don't do that.

[@EpicGust]

HEy Gus, not sure who your comment is talking to but if you have watched the video you you know that there is no complaints here. only big chances, open doors, and eventually a conclusion : kitesurfing is cheaper than ever. How long takes to get good enough? That is a very good question! Well in the right hands, not too long, but if you look at this time as a costly time, that's bad. I self taught and took me years to get it. Loved it. One must enjoy the road! All the best!

[@netanel456456]

The prices you show in the video are way too high and not correct. Begginers dont start with two kites. You just give alot of incorrect information. Old kites wasting alot of windy days while you waiting for repairs and usualy adults dont have alot of time to waste.... 2nd hand kite for not begginers its for people that dont want to progress only. One years old kite doesnt give you the preformance of a new kite and pro riders know it very well. begginers cant feel the differents betweet old kites and new but it affect their progress. .

[@EpicGust]

I can be offended, but having 10 years behind me teaching full-time and knowing the market inside out, I can not take this personally. Two kites are necessary most of the time unless you want to spend 40-60% of kiteable wind on the beach. The prices were taken from the day of the making of video, from major kite distributer platforms. With respect!

[@pelealexandru]

@@EpicGust i liked the video but picking the alula kites and the imperator board for the new gear price estimate is a bit misleading for people that are not familiar with the industry developments. these are really state of the art items that are not optimized for cost and not really targeted for a new rider, hence they are 2-3x more expensive than the average new kite or board. respect and keep making great content 😀

[@EpicGust]

@@pelealexandru from steep to cheap! :) I see plenty new rider buying SLS per se, cos they been offered that in the shop as best. That is not that far from this price. thanks for the nice words, i am on it!!:)

[@cosmicgyoza1898]

With 2000$ you can get very good quality equipment. 2 second hand wings 1200 $(model from 2020), board 200$, second hand bar and harness 300$, wetsuit 200$, impact vest 100$.