Starting out
OK so you have seen kite surfers in action and you want to join in, you want to be a kite surfer. So what do you need, well its quite a long list
Obviously you need a kite, you don't need to spend a fortune, you don't need the latest model from manufacturer X, you want a kite that you can control and ease you into the sport gently. Do your homework, ask the shops, ask your fellow kite surfers what they think would be best for you. If you can get a expereinced kite surfer to go with you when you buy your first kite, their expereince may stop you purchasing the wrong kite. If you are buying second hand, get the seller to inflate the kite, check it for damage, makes sure the bladders are not deflating which would meand you would have to pay for a repair or replacement. Check the lines and bar for damage, replacment lines are not cheap, check all the seams and the stiching to make sure it is not coming unstiched. Finding any problem with the bits I have mentioned means getting the kite repaired (if it can be repaired) and will just add to the cost of the kite and delay you getting out and using your new kite.
Board, new or second hand the choise is your (and your budget). If you buy second hand there may be a few scratches on the board but check for cracks, check the footstrap bindings and the board leash mounting for damage, again having to replace these items will only add to the cost.
Wet suit, you won't always be out in the heat of summer, and if you fly in the winter you will want a thicker wet suit than the one you choose in the summer. Get a quality wet suit and it will last you along time.
Harness, when purchasing a harness make sure you are comfortable, get one that still has room for you to grow, if you can wear you wetsuit when you try it one, trying a harness on with your winter woolies or summer shorts can completely diffirent. Some shops have a test rig for you to test your harness on, hook into the test rugg and then lift yourt feet of the floor and see what it feels like. TIP when out flying wear a pair of shorts on top of your wetsuit and under your harness as this will protect your wet suit from the harness from rubbing on the wet suit.
Safety is paramount, and it starts with your own safety and here I suggest you buy new, buying second hand you don't know the history of the product and you do not want that doubt when you are relying on it in an emergency.
A helmet is self explanatory, if you wipe out your board (or anybody else for that matter hitting you on the head is going to hurt.
In the event of you being knocked out a bouyance aid will keep you afloat and keep your face up out of the water.
Leashes, two are required, one from you to the kite so in the event you have to release the kites safety system it won't completely fly or float away from you. Secondly there is a leash from you to your board, so if you do come of your board again it won't float away.
Right you have the basics what next?? No not the beach, have you got insurance?? yes you need 3rd party liability insurance. The main providers on this in the UK are the BKSA, British Kite Surfing Association or the BPKA, British Power Kite Association (formerly the British Buggy Club). The main difference is that the BPKA covers you for land based traction activities as well so if you or your family are into land based traction kiting this may be the insurance for you. Joining either association will give you 3rd party liability insurance (upto £ 5 million) for members (plus many other things as well).
Check out their respective web sites:
BPKA
BKSA
Check out if there are any local requirements on your local beach that requires you to have a particular type of insurance.
Yes training is recommended, for your own safety and for the safety of those around you which will include members of the public standing on the beach watching you. Many shops run training sessions with qualified instructors ranging from half day to 3 day course. Get yourself on a training course, learn the basics from an experienced instructor and get your interest in Kite Surfing off to a flying start.