Hi Lance,
I've only been buggying for 12months or so. I started with (and still have) a very early Peter lynn buggy and a 4m beamer III. Its a great setup for a beginer. The beamers are not lifty and provide plenty of pull in a wide range of winds. Good starter kite. And I agree with Peter, wait till your comfortable with your skills and setup before strapping yourself into a harness.
I've just got a smaller kite for windier conditions and will be looking for a bigger one in the next couple of months for lighter conditions - not sure myself whether to go fixed bridle or depower. Something to ponder on anyway
I'n terms of buggy I am looking now for something that offers much more lateral support . My back kills at the end of a long session in the peter lynn buggy. I just want to cruise - and not do maniac stuff like jumping and stuff so a bigger wider buggy will probably be where I go next.
cheers, Shawn