Hey guys, this looks like a good site to be involved with. I just got to thinking that I want in on the sport. Ive been boarding for ten years, but never with a kite. I live in Boise, Idaho. I dont know that I want to buy a trainer kite before I get an intermediate kite. What do you think? What size and kind should I get to get started that I wont "grow out of" too quick? Are skyfoils good? I am ready to buy and need some advice. Also, what all do you need? Kite, harness, ???. Im bitin at the bit to go. Let me know, thanks for taking the time.
NICK

If you do buy a trainer, buy one from ebay. I paid 146 or something for my 3m trainer, and they go for about 60-80 on ebay. With a trainer, you won't need a harness, and it'll give you the kite to learn how they fly, but without the power to get yourself in trouble(I'm referring to T-Foils, but they don't reverse launch, so when you crash it, you have to go re-set it up).

Otherwise, I'd say seek instruction, they'll have their own gear you can use while learning, and (as bad as it sounds, but I know from experience) if you happen to mess up and break something(equipment-wise), the instructor will most likely understand that you're learning, and they understand the risk of letting someone whos learning use their equipment. I.E. if something breaks, it's not nearly as big a deal as if it had been your new $1000 kite, they've probably got equipment they're ready to have repaired (or have had repaired) if something goes wrong.

Ok. So I guess I will go with a trainer first. Are there any instructional classes or people that do that teach around here? (Boise, Idaho). Are there any brands to stay away from or that you reccomend to go with? Or any good sites that are geared toward new people and advice? Man, I hate being new! Thanks man, any other advice from anyone and everyone would be greatly appreciated.
NICK

look at the HowTo link at the top of this page. Also check out kitemare.com, they've got a lot of information.

You happen to live 1 hour from one of the best snowkite destinations in the country. I own and operate a backcountry kite lodge that opened up in Fairfield, ID about 2 weeks ago. Go to http://www.snowkiteidaho.com or http://www.snowkitesoldier.com for information about the gold mine your sitting on. Or give me a call and we can get you started on the right foot. 208-484-1620