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Equipment you need to Kiteboard safely

The Australian Kitesurf Academy HB Kite guide overivew.
Choosing the right gear. Kites, Boards, Bars, Harness, safety equipment.
Kites.
1999 production of the C-kite. 2005 production of the Bow kite. Now we have SLE and Hybrids, whats the difference and what will suit your style and ability.

Here at the A.K.A. HB we teach and use Naish kites. All brand new 2009 & 2010 stock. wow what a great kite.
 
C-Kites
All inflatable kites made before the 2006 models were all C-kites. C-Kites are shaped like a "C" in the sky and do not have any bridels or pulley attachment point on the kite. The also tend to have a square tip witha hard carbon rod in the end for fast turning. These are the tried and tested kites and anyone who kited before 2005 would have use one of these kites and they are still great today to learn on. However, C-kites can have a limited depower ability when compared to the new bow style kites and can be more challanging to relaunch.
 
Bow Kites
Bows are usually flatter than C-kites and are supported by bridle lines. (looks like a toenail in the sky). Bows typically feature better low end and high end wind ranges when compared to C-kites and have great depower ability. All bow kites are flown on 4 lines (except ozone which has a 5 line anti inversion line). They are very stable on the sky and they relaunch very easy. Bow kites use pulleys on the control bar, on the kite's bridle, or both. This can cause higher bar pressure in some models and the loss of a solid feeling connection to the kite.
 
SLE Kites
SLE, Supported Leading Edge kite is basically a modified bow. Any kite that features a bridle could be called an SLE, even bows. Most manufactures that market their kites as SLE's are saying that their kites use a but differ in some way from a standard bow kite.There is a difference from brand to brand with SLE kites they do not all behave the same in the sky.
 
Hybrid Kites
Hybrid kites are difficult to describe as a group, as the kites that fall into this category can be very different from each other. A Hybrid is not a bow, SLE or C-kite but a combination of the benefits and performance of at least two.Some are like bow kites with a simplified bridles or fifth line connection, and some are like bridled C-kites. Some hybrids are great for beginners and some are more suited for experianced riders. You best bet is to go to your local shop and ask to try out all styles before you buy.
 
Boards
How do i pick the right one? There are so many factors to consider when buying a board, will i ride the waves or flat water, is the wind stong or light, do i want to do kiteloops and sliders. A lot of people like to over simplify boards by claiming that because a board has a lot of flex it will perform like this and because of the deep concave it will do that. All of the different features of the board will work together to perform. You can not just look at one element to determine how a board will ride. Aspects that make a big difference in kite boards. Board shape, edge shape, flex, torsion, fin position, rocker, outline and material.
 
Beginner, you can easily narrow these possibilities down to a few choices of different brands. For the money you will pay for a new board get one you will grow into, 135cm to 160cm and 40cm to 44cm wide. Around 140cm is best for beginners, if you get a shorter board you will find it hard to get up on the board from the water start position. Too larger board you will get up quickly and become overpowered fast. Your board should have four fins, two at each end and to be the same size, small. If you stick a big old surf style fin in the board you will not be able to slide turn and the front willdip in when your riding flat off your edge. Once you progress try a smaller board 125 to 135 cm for better jumps and faster turns in high wind situations. Other boards like directional or surf style are harder to control when first learning. Wait till you can go out and come back to the same spot before you try these styles. Ask your mate if you can try his or see if your local shop has one to try before you buy.
 
Foot straps, need to be comfortable, there are many types and the new models have great straps, soft and fluffly. Have your staps loose so you can eject from the board quickly, you do not want to land on the edge or the fin from a jump. Do not use the heal straps unless you are comfortable that when you crash you will twist your knee or ankel.
 
 
Board leash, never use a leash. Think about it, when you crash or get smashed through the water what is six foot behind you on elastic. Learn how to body drag well, it will save your life one day.
 
Helmets. Wear a helmet, this will protect you from the board, bar, sand and rocks. Gath make great ones for the water and some of the good snow helmets can be worn. Check out the Ozone page for there stock, you will have to try a few on to get the right fit. I have seen many incidents and half of them did not wear a helmet. If its not cool or looks gay, who cares, safety first. We will make you wear a helmet in our lessons then the choice will be your own. Have medical insurance always helps in the USA.
 
Harness
What kind of harness should i use? There are two main harness type, waist and seat. A waist harness fits snug around your waist by velcro and the hook, this style will creep up your body resulting the bar and hook position around your chest. Great for the 15 year old with a V shaped body.  A seat harness has a low hook position and lowers your center of gravity, and apply direct power through your legs to the board, also having leg straps to hold the harness in a low position. This is the choice for beginners to intermediate riders. You will never grow out of your seat harness, when it blows over 30mph i use my seat as the waist harness after two jumps will be under my arm pits. not good. They also have hybrid style in shorts with straps for your legs but do not have the bulk of the seat. Go and try them out in your local shop. Dakine Fusion would be a great start and dont forget the bar pad for your belly.