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Hi all, just wanted to share my experiences of dealing with Paul from StarKites. So, I entered the Christmas competition, but as is evident, didn't win. However being the 100th 'like', Paul did offer me a very good deal on a new board. This was completely out of the blue and a lovely gesture, especially as I was in the market for a new board. I had a few (lots) of questions about the boards and in response he said 'I could give you loads of information, but it's easier just to try it out. I'll send you my board'. Again a lovely and unexpected gesture. And there a couple of days later was a shiny Edge137 for me to try. I tried the board, liked it and went ahead with the deal. The collection of Paul's board was put on his account with the courier company and the delivery was charged at account rates, rather than normal delivery rates. Very nice. The courier even helped pack up Paul's board for me. From start to finish this has been a totally pleasurable experience, especially as customer service is usually a gruff 'ungghh'. If this is how the kiting community does business, this is fantastic. If not, shops and customers alike sit up and take notice.

I made it 100 likes, that's gotta mean I'm the lucky customer, or something......

Some interesting ideas, cheers all

So I'm a complete beginner and I'm having real trouble with getting up on the board. The main stumbling block is actually getting my feet in the straps let alone not face planting. I have tried with and without boots and I'm sorry but boots are a must, just not tough enough not to wear them. My board is kinda old, thick and has straps rather than the sandle style foot pads, and there is no central grab handle which means I have to hold the toe side edge and pull that towards me. On my lessons I had a few pies in the way which hindered flexibility, they are decreasing now and can happily bring my knees up but it seems quite a juggling act keeping the kite at 12 and getting the board in place and feet up whilst not getting tumbled by waves. So long story short (too late) would a newer (thinner and wider with a handle) board help, what about just fitting sandle foot pads or is it simply a case of practise practise practise? Thoughts and advice appreciated. Ian

Cheers for the help guys

Which ones do you use / trust? Having noticed the differences between windguru and bbc RE: wind direction (north and west respectively for Lancing tomorrow morning) just wondering what the community favours. Also, are there any online tools that combine wind speed etc and tides? I find that I'm using a weather app, a site for wind info and another for the tides and trying to marry it all together to work out if it's worth the drive. Any help appreciated Ian

So, got an email today. The deal is £150 deposit and have the kite for two weeks, possibly longer if there's there's no wind. The thing now is do I go for the same size(9) so to give a direct comparison or a different size to give a wider wind range. Or.... should I not worry about it at the moment as I've only recently finished my lessons?

Yup, although I did choose the F-series option. Lets wait and see.

Ok, let's see what happens. I'll report back the good or bad (hoping for the former)

Could you send me some photos?