Gear FAQs

After the lesson shall I buy a kite or rent? Before buying gear, most people do our supervised rentals so they can get the feel of different kites bars and boards. It’s a chance to try before you buy. After rentals you can make a good informed decision. While the rentals are quite affordable people get anxious to buy their own kite. It feels like graduation day when you get your own gear. We love that day.

Buying used: Gear on eBay or Craigslist cheap because it's outdated, bad sizes, or damaged.  If you don't know the proper gear to purchase, then get used gear from your school as they will be able to get you set up right. Check first to see what we have on hand at SoCal Kitesurfing that may be perfect for you. Visit Bart’s Garage to see used gear on hand.

Buying new on kite websites: There are some deals to be had if you really know your stuff, but mostly the web closeouts are something they could not sell. Bad sizes, bad designs, etc. Buyer beware. We can get you the good prices but on the good gear, not the leftovers.

Support your local kitesurfing school and shop! Our resources and instructors are designed to support you! If you have any questions prior, or during your lesson, simply ask your instructor for help.  Our instructors can tell you what to buy for your ability, weight, and area of kiting. We offer deals and discounts on new gear cooperation with Rob from No Limit Kiteboarding. Rob gives great service and advice with lots of options. See and touch before you buy. Rob can get deals on new kites of any brand or model you might see.

Students and Alumni: If you want to trade in and upgrade or if you want a complete package email me and we will get you on the right gear at the best possible price.  We have rentals and demos you can try before you buy!

How much is a kite setup?  You will need a kite, bag, bar, and lines (also known as being "kite complete"), plus a harness, leash, and board complete with pads, straps, fins, and handle. Think also wetsuit, vest, and helmet. For used gear a complete setup can cost around $1,000. Kitesurfing technology is always evolving, but the big changes are back in 2006-2008 so older gear is not a bad thing. The price will be double or more for new gear. We offer deals to our students so please do inquire before you buy anything. Kites will last a long time, so try to spend as much as you can afford.  Remember, we offer gear rentals if you prefer to not purchase these items or wish to try before you buy.

Which kite should I choose: entry level or performance? Entry level kites will be cheaper. They also have a better relaunch, more depower, shorter lines, and stiffer leading edge.  If you are new to kitesurfing, keep in mind that you will not be at an "expert" level for a while. 

Which brand is best? There are over 50 brands of kites, and they all have their small differences. We suggest investing in a major brand name. Kites are specific now so for example an beginner will want an all around kite not a wave kite or one for unhooked. Ask your instructor.

Should I get a cheap kite at first?  Not really. Spend as much as you can so you have a good kite to start. If you take lessons, you will learn how to be in control of your kite. Thus, this will limit the need of having kite wear and damage. Do it right from the start with lessons! 

How much are kite repairs? Small holes do not affect the kite's performance, and a cheap stick-on bike patch can stop these small holes from spreading. For bigger damage to your kite, we suggest getting a professional repair. we highly recommend John Fitzgerald, 714-329-0772.

What board and kite size for is right for me? Bigger kites will give you more time riding but too big is hard to handle and depower.  A medium-size kite is the best for beginners. For the wind at our area 12 meter kite is a normal size for 180 pound kiter while 9 meters is suggested for a 120 pound kiter. A bigger board is better for learning. After you gain more experience, you can get a second smaller board and keep the bigger board for light-wind days. If you buy your gear from us you can trade in your gear when you are ready for a smaller board or more advanced kite and we will swap you. Knowing that we can swap gear at any time takes the worry out of buying.

Do I need more than one kite or board? The minimum ‘quiver’ is one kite and one board and there will be times its not the right setup but some do this, in fact we often rent kites to those who don’t have the right size. On the opposite end, with no budget limits there is the 3 kite 2 board quiver. Keep in mind the board is cheaper than the kite, so one kite and 2 boards is less than 2 kites and one board. So from that aspect one kite and 2 boards has merit. Also keep in mind that as a beginner you will really need only a big board for a while you can get a smaller board later.  Also sometimes our students trade in the big board for a small board when they are ready so they don’t have to spend any more money on a second board, we can always use the big ones in the school. You can use the same bar on 2 kites, on the other hand a spare bar is useful, bars are $300 or more. The bar and lines is the thing that wears the most. If you estimate $1000 per kite and $400 per board that can help you see what direction to go. If you do 2 kites, one bar, and one bigger board you are looking about $3000 new or newer and used can be $1500-2000. Consider these things and let us know which way the wind is blowing you, we can help you find what you need.

 Should I use a waist or seat harness? You will want a seat harness at first. Waist harnesses will ride up to your chest and make it hard to depower as the bar is too far away. If you buy a seat harness from us we can always take it back in trade for a waist harness when you are ready. Figure about $100-300 for a harness.

Have more questions?  Email us and we will gladly help you!