Best place for a beginner to buy gear?

[cb]

Hi - I'm brand new to all this and looking for advice about where in Marin or SF to buy some beginner's gear. I've been checking craigslist and the classifieds here. Is there a particular store that balances out the best selection/quality/price/buyer guidance?

Thanks much!

[wjb]

Don't buy anything until you have had lessons. You will have a better idea of what you actually want afterwards. Live2kite is Sausalito. Check them out.

[dakine1]

My Trailer @ Sherman....

ED/DEB OUT 8)

[josha]

for new gear, kite-line.com and calikites.com are both good, but i would highly recommend gokitesurf.com. they have amazing service, and you wouldn't even know that they're not a local shop. they deal on gear, and with free shipping on orders over 200 + no tax, their prices are great. don't worry about warranty issues, either--they can take care of any problems you have that are covered under warranty.

also, check out the classifieds here and on ikitesurf. when you're just starting, you're probably better off saving some $ by buying used.

[super_monkey]

From my trunk :), I have a 2k6 rhino 9m ($275) and 14m ($325) + the bar ($100). Both kites are in great condition, the bar has been used all last season and it shows. I also have a 2k5 17m Windwing Rage2 that I would be more than happy to part with for say 150 bucks. That one is also in really good shape and you can use the North bar with it.

$850 for three kites in such great condition can't be beat.

[mike_s]

2k5 17m Windwing Rage2

can't believe you'd get rid of old faithful ;-)

[super_monkey]

yeah, I promised myself I wouldn't cry :)

[KillaHz]

Hey, check out some schools in the area and then take lessons with the school that suits you. You will likely get a feel for whatever the school teaches you on and can usually get a deal from the school on new gear after you take a lesson. I know www.wowkite.com has a program like this and I would bet a few others do as well.

[Live2KITE]

If you are in Marin or San Francisco then you are only 5-10 minutes from our shop.
We offer packages for all levels and we have tremendous selection of products.
We are in Sausalito - 449 Coloma St., just a block from West Marine.

See you soon.
Evan
415.722.7884

[Boardsports]

As a school, we always suggest waiting to take lessons before you buy gear. A number of schools, including ours, give you a large percentage of your money back from the lesson if you buy gear. Also, we always encourage people to buy locally. Support your local shops.

Most of us who own local shops will be able to provide you stellar service, competitive prices (sometimes even lower than on-line retailers) and discounts on future gear. Supporting local shops also means that you have a place to go when you need a small spare part, like fins, fin screws, extra line, etc. when you're at the beach and something breaks. Waiting for spare parts can be a drag.

Finally, lots of shops offer, new, closeout and even used/demo equipment. The most important thing is to find a shop that you like and than provides you the best advice, support and serve around. Of course prices are important too. Don't assume that on-line is necessarily cheaper.
There are some great shops in and around the bay area. Our shops offer equipment (new, closeout and used) in both San Francisco and Alameda. You can also find shops in Marin, the east bay, the peninsula and in the Delta

If you buy used, make sure you have someone knowledgable help you buy the appropriate gear. We, as a shop, also have a list of kiters we personally know who are selling used gear that is appropriate for starting out. We are happy to provide you with there names/numbers as well as describe the pros and cons of new vs used equipment.

Feel free to call or email us with questions about gear or lessons. We'd be happy to help you.

-Rebecca
Boardsports School & Retail
415.385.1224
San Francisco, Alameda