Kite boarding today?

Question

today i was with a friend at a beach that's new to me, the water was too rough for kayaking or just about anything, but there was a guy on what looked like a mountain board (long skate board with oversized wheels) and a kite sale pulling hm along the sand flats.

my question is: what's the skill level required?

is it worth buying the equipment to try it out or is there a place to rent?

thinking abut trying it next weekend and want to know where to buy local from tampa to the keys...

Answer 1

Kiteboarding (whether land or ocean) equipment is pretty expensive.  Specifically, ocean gear can run you upwards of $1000 to just get started.  You need different size kites for different levels of wind (smaller, more wind...).

Riding on the sand or beach is even more expensive from what I understand as the board is more costly then a kiteboard.  

All in all, I would consider renting (taking a lesson, etc.) from someone in the area.  Spend the $80 or $100 for it, see if you like and then see if you can get a deal on gear from whom ever you rent from.  Always a good route to go.