Thursday, June 9, 2011

Tips on buying used kites

 - Steve Sipes, Level 2 PASA kiteboard instructor, Kiss The Sky Kiteboarding

Buying a kite is a big decision and kiteboarding is not a cheap sport. However, considering the fact that wind is free, you can ride every day the wind is blowing, and a GOOD kite will last for years (my favorite kite is on it's 6th year now), then buying a kite is a pretty good investment! There are a lot of good reasons to buy new kites, one of the most important being the inclusion of a warranty (generally the first year of ownership - covering leaks, fabric rips, line-breakage, etc.). However, many beginning kiters want to make a smaller investment up-front on their first kite, and in this economy, it may be the best option for many riders.

There are many good kite companies out there and there are a lot of places to look, like iKitesurf.com or craigslist.org. What I'd like to give you is a few simple tips for buying used kites:

1) Ask a lot of questions. Do a search on reviews of the gear in question. Ask other kiters. Ask us here at KissTheSkyKiteboarding.com. Ask the seller why he is selling it. When I bought my first used kite, the seller loved his kites, but he could not continue the sport due to injuries. But assuming he is still riding, understand that the seller is selling it for a reason. So do some research. Some kites are prone to leaks, some are more susceptible to general wear and tear. Don't believe everything you read on a manufacturer's website. You can find more useful information on kite forums from actual kiters!

2) LOOK at the kite! If the seller is local, go see it. If not, check out the photos, OR request photos. Look for obvious signs of repairs (photo #1), fraying lines, or thinning sun-worn material (photo #2) These are signs that tell you the kite may be a break-down waiting to happen, or if you decide to buy, you can certainly use these as bargaining chips.

#1. A patch-job to repair a rip in the canopy.     
    
   
 










#2. Thin- sun-worn material, which can tear easily.


     












Lastly, what else is the seller including? A control bar with lines is a necessary component of the kite set-up, and sold separately could cost anywhere from $150 - 450, depending on the brand. Other extras may include a pump ($20 at WalMart - $50 from Slingshot), and also a kite leash ($30 - 50). These extras add up, so consider them in the value of the asking price. (Note: if a seller says they are selling the kite "complete" - it means the control bar is a part of the sale, but always ask to be sure.)

If you decide to buy new gear, we at Kiss The Sky Kiteboarding send kiters to Sarasota Wind And Water, (SarasotaWindAndWater.com) The shop, located in Sarasota, FL, sells Cabrinha brand kites and gear. Remember that 6 year old kite I am still using? ... it's a Cabrinha! You can call them at 941-379-4222. Or visit them on the web at:  http://www.sarasotawindandwater.com/SarasotaWindandWater.html