You'll need a Kite, a Board, a Harness, possibly a wetsuit and of course determination! It is highly recommended you have lessons when you're first starting out.

Can I buy gear second hand?

Due to the high cost of some items, second hand is definitely an option. However, be sure to get very recent gear as major technical and safety advances have been made in the last couple of years and older gear has become obsolete and even dangerous. Given the massive rise in popularity over recent years new gear has become more affordable than ever, in some cases even cheaper than second hand! Buying new you can guarantee the latest features and technology and you won't stumble across a rip/scratch/crack when you first take it out.

What type of board do I need?

There are two basic types of kiteboard: twin-tip and directional. Twin-tip boards, like the name suggests, are designed to go both ways. They are generally lighter and shaped more like a wakeboard. They excel in flatter water and a ideal for freestyle tricks. Directional boards are only designed to go one way. They are shaped more like a surfboard and excel in more powerful waves. They are not suited for big airs. Boards can be ridden with or without straps for your feet. It is highly recommended to ride with straps for safety and performance reasons.

What size board do I need?

Kiteboards are all about surface area. This dictates your contact with the water and ultimately your performance. Heavier and larger riders will need a board with greater surface area, either wider or longer or both. We would recommend a beginner weighing in at 75kg should start with a board around 135cm by 40cm. Other factors such as shape and profile will effect your ideal board size too. Boards with straighter rails are better for riding upwind. A fuller tail results in more pop but decreases big wave performance. At the end of the day it comes down to you and what you want to get out of your board.

What size kite do I need?

It is highly recommended you consult a qualified instructor before purchasing your first kite. They will be able to assess your ability as well as height, weight and style. It is also important to choose the right kite for the location where you will be using it. As a general guide a kite of between 9-12m would be more than ample for a beginner. 2 and 4 line kites are common, with 2 being more simple and easy to use. However, a 4 line kite offers greater performance, and given the rapid progression (and high cost) it would be perfectly reasonable to have a 4 line as your first kite.

Carbon Fibre vs Fibreglass

Carbon Fibre is lightweight and very stiff. It offers incredible performance advantages. It does however come at a cost: both financially and durability. Carbon boards and fins are recommended only for comp riders who need the very best in performance and don't need their board to last forever.