How much have you spent so far into kiteboarding?

[Bulldog]

The other reason to not buy new kites is that you can demo everything and get real feedback from people flying the new kites, instead of reading reviews by sponsored riders and other people with conflicts of interest when the new gear comes out. Some kites end up having real durability problems that take a couple of months to appear.

[fearlu]

For me, the true economic costs of this sport (like others I've/we've been hooked on) lie not in the gear acquisition/maintenance, but in the LOST REVENUE due to PARTICIPATION. (The problem is, whenever I call the boss for time off, I say "Hell yes, you can go kiting, for tomorrow you may die!")
:axe:

BTW, some financial pundits are predicting serious interest rate improvements later this year for mortgages. So, while rates are temporarily not so favorable I shall kite, okay?
:-$

I can't wait for the new 2011 kites!
:mrgreen:

[windhorny]

Of course in your situation Paul you have possibly the best kite ever made. An 06 vegas! So its easy

[zbrooks]

i am brand new to the sport and you guys are scaring me a little. i bought a 04' 16m fone off of ebay with everything, lines bar harness etc. for $400. i suck at it since i have no lessons or help and im using a wakeboard but it is really fun and i dont plan on spending over 1,000 this year.

[jjm]

...and i dont plan on spending over 1,000 this year.

I think we've all said that one ;)

[bounceback]

it's like balance the national budget; it's the same pool of money, it just gets reallocated from social programs (party fund) to defense (new gear for safety reasons!!!). every now and then, one may need to raise additional revenues (get another job) or go into deficit (borrow from your significant other). yeah it may get political at the home front, but that is just how it goes. ;-)

[bobbyboom]

WJB, nice on the 08 Rebels. I get my hands on one to demo soon. I can't wait. The 07 Rebel has been heaven. This is only my second year kiting, and although the kites cost a lot I like having newish gear. Why, to recoup some of the cost for sure. I ride almost every day and I want to keep my gear solid and "fresh." For that reason I think I'm in around the 6k mark, but with recouping and reinvesting it's not that big of a hit.

Kite a lot and maybe you can get a sponsor. That will help with the cost. Otherwise, enjoy the sport. It's by far the funnest sport I've ever done and one that I can do almost every day too, unlike snowboarding which ALWAYS costs more than expects; i.e. lift tickets, room and board, my time driving, etc.

-Bobby

[CdoG]

i like the way boddy thinks...
i carry back ups...
kites, and bars and boards that is..
i think i got 11k just in my closit
after i ride a kite i like...i dont sell it !
and if a kite or board lifts my soul..
i put it in my hall of FUN..
i hang it on my wall ,for all to see .

[windhorny]

Charlie, you should open a museum. "And if you look in here you will see one of the first Wipika's ever made." "Were going to the garage now, this is where the mid vintage era kites are stored due to a nice mild ambient temperature." "This kite was actually flown by Pete Cabrinha himself." etc.

Could pay for new kites that way.

[adamrod]

i actually don't view see kite depreciation being that bad.

MSRP: $1500
Price after 1 year: $500

now how many of the BAK regulars who get brand new kites right when they are available really pay MSRP? I'm sure the percentages are different so I won't quote numbers, but most of the veteran riders out there are on pro-form, and get a pretty significant discount. Factor that in, and the yearly cost of getting 3 new kites every year and then selling them afterward is probably closer to $500.


either way, it's a small price to pay for happiness.