Equipment Advice

From our years of experience we've found that it's best to follow certain practices when purchasing gear. The following is a list of things to be aware of so that you don't waste your hard earned money!

1. Don't be tempted by "a really good deal" on used kites/bars.

Buying used gear can be a disaster! However, if you know exactly what you want (and have flown the model of kite before) and you know the person who is selling the gear or it is practically new, then you might actually find "a good deal". If you are a beginner kiteboarder, your best bet is to enroll in a lesson program with a school that teaches on the kites that you are interested in purchasing. Since all the manufacterer's safety systems are different, this is a great way to shorten your learning curve. New Wind Kiteschools teach using Best Kiteboarding's Waroo kites, we find them to be super safe and user friendly and are by far the "Best" value!

2. Do your research to determine what size kites to buy.

Before purchasing, talk to the riders at your home beach to find out what size kites they mostly ride. If you are pioneering new territory, try to find some weather data with archived wind speeds to get an idea of average conditions there. A good place to learn about windspeeds throughout North America is www.i-kitesurf.com. Most folks own 2 - 3 kites in sizes to cover the full range of wind conditions, that way your precious recreation time won't be wasted by sitting on the beach watching because you don't have the right size kite! The wind ranges for the kites we sell are listed at the top of the long description page for each kite, plus we have size recommendations in the description as well.

3. Demo the kite before buying if possible.

Just like buying a car, it's best to test drive the kite you are interested in purchasing. Since everyone is different and prefers different performance characteristics in their kites, don't be tempted to buy a new brand or style of kite just because the magazines or some guy at the beach says it's great. See for yourself by contacting a dealer to set up a demo. We offer demo kites 7 days a week! Just give us a call ahead of time to set it up. Demos are offered to advanced riders only (must be able to stay upwind and have a crash free session). There is no charge for a demo and we consider a demo to be a short 20 - 30 minute session to get a feel for the kite. If you are having the time of your life and don't want to end your session so soon, then just roll it over into a rental ($60) half of which can be credited towards the purchase of your new kite. We require a credit card deposit and a signed waiver for a demo or rental.

4. Buy from a reputable dealer.

If you're spending lots of money on gear, it would make sense that your purchase should include service. You might save a few dollars by buying from the guy selling out of the back of his van but when the time comes to contact him for warranty parts and service...good luck! Our goal at New Wind is to provide you with the added value of the best service possible. Should one of your stut bladders spring a leak or you break a bridle, we'll see to it that you get back out on the water as soon as possible! We stock all kinds of parts and have the know-how to properly install them. Plus, should you have any questions about your gear and how it works we are just a phone call away and are a small enough company that we'll remember who you are.

5. Take excellent care of your gear.

Kites are delicate flying machines and are subject to ripping or line breakage. Save yourself a nasty swim by making sure that your gear is in stellar condition before launching. Check your canopy for pinholes regularly and patch them immediately. Inspect your lines and bridles and replace if they are showing visible signs of wear. After a session roll and stow your kite out of the sun, UV damage can add up quickly and may result in a mid-flight blowup! Take great care when rigging/derigging that your kite is not resting on sharp items and don't let it flap uncontrollably while pumping. And never, ever stand on your kite to hold it down! (Yes, people have been known to do this).