Why a trainer kite can be a important step:
• Controlling the kite is 80% of kiting, whether it be on snow with skis or snowboard, mountainboarding, grass-skiing, and of course 'kiteboarding' on the water (for which several hours should be logged with a kite on land before hitting the water.) You need to learn kite control before you can learn to ride skis of any type or any board successfully, whatever the surface.
• Kiteboarding kites by the way...are too large and dangerous to attempt to fly on land. Trainer kites are smaller renditions of the kiteboarding kites which allow you to safely learn kite control, & when it comes to kiteboarding, before a lesson, get your kite skills down, so during the lesson, you get the most for your money and can get into the water a lot sooner.
• A trainer is also great for having fun when there isn't quite enough wind to kiteboard, enabling you to practice more kite control and have fun while you wait for conditions to pick up.
Kites currently available (many new; many demos in like new condition)
Airush 3m trainer with bar
A perfect way to learn kite skills, the Airush Foil Trainer is quick and easy to set up and fly. The re-ride safety leash ensures the kite can be easily and safely released and retrieved.
Evo Radsail trainer power kite w/bar &kite killers 2.0m
RadSails EVO Trainer is a downsized version of the powerful Evo; ideal to get started in traction kite sports. The bar has been specially designed for trainers. With two lines and a basic kitekiller, its handling is as easy as that of a stunt kite, but delivering all the power of a small Evo kite. When you drop the bar, the kitekiller safety system will cause the kite to immediately lose its power and fall to the ground, thus preventing the kite from flying away. Comes in a really compact, easy to carry sturdy bag & includes the kite, bar, kitekiller & a manual that will help you with your first flights. Specs: 229 x 95cm Ripstop 42gr; Control lines 2x25 Dyneema prestretched 110 kg lines.
Flexifoil Sting 2-line traction
Kite/bar RTF ~1.2m
Flexifoil is universally renowned as a world-class, high-quality kite maker –a performance leader. This is 2-line version with a bar has good solid power & delivers clean steady acceleration. The simple direct control makes you feel really connected to the kite, allowing new kiters to develop their flying skills in a safe and comfortable way. Fitted with the best quality lines, bars materials & workmanship on the market, bar none. So it's very popular not only as an ideal introduction to 4-line power kiting with handles but is suitable for all entry levels. Great just flying on the beach, in a field, or wherever, just for the ‘health’ of it. This (2-line) kite is but one of over 50 kites in stock, both entry level 2-line/trainers and 4-line intermediate level traction foils up to 6.5m. Kiting is currently literally exploding in popularity, so Get out & have some fun!HQ Symphony Beach: all brand new
HQ kites are internationally well-known as carefully hand-made product with the highest standards, materials & accessories. The Symphony offers excellent flight performance, stable flight easy handling and tons of fun for beginners. This kite is ideal for both beginners and advanced pilots due to their excellent flying characteristics. Complete with 20m lines and ready to fly, these 1.3m – 1.7m sizes are suitable for youngsters 12 & up or for adults desiring only light pull and smooth response, so is a great choice for the first time dual line foil flier in 4-30 knots of wind. 
All sizes in the range are constructed with flyers' fun in mind, are extremely stable to fly & deliver remarkable speed and pull for their sizes. These kites provide worry-free fun and will keep any kite flyer entertained for hours. Package includes: Ready to fly lines on winder with wrist straps. Great just flying on the beach, in a field, or wherever, just for the ‘health’ of it. Get out & have some fun!
Sizes:
1.3m & 1.4m (Recommended for age 8+)
1.7m - (Recommended for 12+ )
2.1m - (Recommended for 12+ )
Sensei II 2m trainer w/bar
Sensei III 3m trainer w/bar
…the first ever two line relaunchable trainer kite. Just pull on one line and the Sensei pops off the ground and easily re-launches. One of the most stable & smooth trainers out there, & named Kite of the Year by 'Kiteworld Magazine', this kite is truly revolutionary. Pair with a snowboard, skis, longboard, skateboard, or mountainboard to have some fun when winds are too light to kitesurf. The kite has self-cleaning vents so any sand that gets in it will automatically be dumped out. Strategically positioned internal baffle vents evenly distribute pressure throughout the kite, making it the most durable trainer available. Comes complete with bag, bar, handle, and lines. Ready To Fly!!!!!
HQ Rush 200 2.5m & the Rush 300 Trainer w/bar
This revised version of the ever popular trainer kite has been improved in all aspects. Best-choice trainer kite for kitesurfing and snowkiting New design profiles and shape give a constant pull, even in moderate winds Easy to use, even for Kids Ready-to-fly, lines are already attached to kite and bar Cool looking triangle Backpack. Provides excellent price-performance. New HQ-Basic bar, designed for the Rush.
….An all around fun kite to fly!, a kite, pre-stretched and sewn Dyneema flying lines, Color Coded 50cm (20 inch) control bar with extra long leaders. Aspect Ratio: 3.6; 13 Cells; 20m 100kg strength Dyneema lines on a color coded, 50cm/20" control bar with extra long leaders. Includes a high quality padded sling style backpack and manual. Recommended for use in 7 to 28 mph/6 to 24 knots depending on flyer's weight.
Slingshot B4 trainer
The B4 is the most popular for larger adults at any age. It delivers power and pull similar to the larger inflatable kites. It comes complete with the control bar, safety leash, flying lines, bag and instructional DVD. The Slingshot Trainer Kites have a proven reputation as the best trainer kites ever produced and they are easy to fly. These kites are durable, forgiving and provide a background in basic flying skills.
Many people come from a background of similar sports such as water skiing, surfing, wakeboarding, and snowboarding. Even though these sports are related, kiteboarding is significantly different and requires instruction. Trainers are smaller kites which you can purchase and fly before taking a kitesurfing lesson. Though available in a few sizes, they are much smaller on average than the inflatable kites are used on the water for kiteboarding…(requiring anywhere from 3 – 9 hours of instruction to get up and going on a board).
Best trainer kite 3m
From the manufacturer of the ever-popular water kite, Best, this trainer's Soft Cell Construction is lightweight, reinforced and durable. Designed to take beatings from beginners, the rip-stop sidewalls with cross venting offers easy inflation and great crash protection. Two Line Bridle: Simple two line control system, dedicated to learners of all ages. Dyneema Lines: High strength Dyneema flying lines deliver fast and accurate response to turning input. Lightweight Bar: EVA foam wrapped control bar. It's comfortable to use. Complete with bar, lines and carrying bag.
www.thekiteguy.com Contact the kite guy at (416) 963-9977 or star33@uniserve.com
