It’s not a cheap sport… but if you save some bucks that can be overcome. It’s the time and flexible schedule you really need to consider. You need to give up time & do so when the wind and conditions are right!!
Kiteboarding can be a time-consuming activity. Beginners often underestimate the fact that they must plan their schedule according to the wind forecast, which is only available three days in advance. This can be difficult to coordinate with family obligations, work shifts, and other activities such as horse riding. Additionally, if you don’t live within a reasonable distance (e.g., a 2-hour car drive) from a good kiteboarding spot, you may be limited to kiteboarding only during vacations. This can also be challenging to coordinate with your family’s plans.
For highschool/college age riders who cannot afford $4000 let alone $1000 worth of gear. I would recommend to buy used everything but a kite, and even that kite you can get a used version of that years model (or previous). Instructors and kiteshops will try to get you to buy there stuff in the guise of safety, but it's not necessary. Especially with a board (get a big one) and harness (anything that fits). Very few things go wrong with those pieces of equipment especially at low winds. Go ask your locals if they would sell you a kite and if it would be good for beginners. Get your friends to teach you. I had less then $500 to my bank account when I started, never took a lesson had my friend show me safety techniques and sent it on the water myself. If your really keen you can make it happen -- even without much money.
I recently bought my equipment (mix of new and used) and spent much more for it :D. Nevertheless, I bought 4 kites instead of one to cover all wind conditions and already had my harness and wetsuit. I also chose expensive, but reliable brand - F-One. In the beginning I thought I'm a bit crazy because of spending so much money for it, but once I got into the water, I knew it was worth it. 🙂
Welcome to kiteboarding Piotr! Yes, the price can seem pretty crazy but as you said, it was worth it once you got into the water. I often tell people once you start jumping high it feels like something maybe close to having superpowers.
i kept my boards (lightwind and average wind boards -2008-) for 10 years (until stolen), harnesses ( 2007 and 2012) dont wear down much, my main kite until stolen had 150 days out, mesh suit tend to last, neoprene ones ( cold area) not so much. used stuff works well , for the kite u can get one that has 1-2years and save a lot of money, boards u can buy whatever is out the last 8 years.(and u can get them cheap), i use the same kite/harness for snowkiting.
My experience would tell me to buy second hand equipment as you are going to trash it a bit while learning, especially the kite. Assist from that you need some time on the water to appreciate different types of kites before spending good money on them. As for lessons, 4-5 hours of instructions should be sufficient to know what not to do. The rest is just practice, practice, practice... Enjoy
You got to treat this like a 2nd high risk job you desperately need to pay the bills. Otherwise you’ll be mowing the lawn 5 years later bc you haven’t put the time in.
It’s not a cheap sport… but if you save some bucks that can be overcome.
It’s the time and flexible schedule you really need to consider. You need to give up time & do so when the wind and conditions are right!!
Kiteboarding can be a time-consuming activity. Beginners often underestimate the fact that they must plan their schedule according to the wind forecast, which is only available three days in advance. This can be difficult to coordinate with family obligations, work shifts, and other activities such as horse riding. Additionally, if you don’t live within a reasonable distance (e.g., a 2-hour car drive) from a good kiteboarding spot, you may be limited to kiteboarding only during vacations. This can also be challenging to coordinate with your family’s plans.
For highschool/college age riders who cannot afford $4000 let alone $1000 worth of gear. I would recommend to buy used everything but a kite, and even that kite you can get a used version of that years model (or previous). Instructors and kiteshops will try to get you to buy there stuff in the guise of safety, but it's not necessary. Especially with a board (get a big one) and harness (anything that fits). Very few things go wrong with those pieces of equipment especially at low winds. Go ask your locals if they would sell you a kite and if it would be good for beginners. Get your friends to teach you. I had less then $500 to my bank account when I started, never took a lesson had my friend show me safety techniques and sent it on the water myself. If your really keen you can make it happen -- even without much money.
I recently bought my equipment (mix of new and used) and spent much more for it :D. Nevertheless, I bought 4 kites instead of one to cover all wind conditions and already had my harness and wetsuit. I also chose expensive, but reliable brand - F-One. In the beginning I thought I'm a bit crazy because of spending so much money for it, but once I got into the water, I knew it was worth it. 🙂
Welcome to kiteboarding Piotr! Yes, the price can seem pretty crazy but as you said, it was worth it once you got into the water. I often tell people once you start jumping high it feels like something maybe close to having superpowers.
i kept my boards (lightwind and average wind boards -2008-) for 10 years (until stolen), harnesses ( 2007 and 2012) dont wear down much, my main kite until stolen had 150 days out, mesh suit tend to last, neoprene ones ( cold area) not so much. used stuff works well , for the kite u can get one that has 1-2years and save a lot of money, boards u can buy whatever is out the last 8 years.(and u can get them cheap), i use the same kite/harness for snowkiting.
My experience would tell me to buy second hand equipment as you are going to trash it a bit while learning, especially the kite. Assist from that you need some time on the water to appreciate different types of kites before spending good money on them. As for lessons, 4-5 hours of instructions should be sufficient to know what not to do. The rest is just practice, practice, practice... Enjoy
Had me @ Tom 8 years. Subscription eh!
Hello from Wasaga Beach Ontario. About to jump into the sport after recovery of 14 heart attacks !
It is possible to buy brand new Cabrinha kites of various sizes in Mui Ne, Vietnam for $350 -$400 usd ,kite only
Kite prices are not any cheaper there.
a lot easier and cheaper when you have some friends who kite
yes
You got to treat this like a 2nd high risk job you desperately need to pay the bills. Otherwise you’ll be mowing the lawn 5 years later bc you haven’t put the time in.
Buy some old gear and learn by yourself, $200-$500 ;-p