In these days of economic recession (or might I say “recovery”), more and more aspiring kiteboarders are inquiring about cheap or discounted kiteboarding gear. In this article I will discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages of investing in a second-hand kiteboarding package, as well as recommending ways to go about finding a deal on the internet, in your local kiting community, or even making a purchase from your very good “friend” who may or may not be trying to sell you a lemon! Beginner kiteboarders should still know this, however- The very best way to ensure safety, fun, and shortening the learning curve is to invest in NEW kiteboarding gear, purchased from a trusted retailer that is covered by manufacturer’s warranty :-).
The first thing a new buyer should do is ask, ask, ASK! Get advice from kiters in your local kiting community, read reviews, do a little research on different types of kites, learn the history of the sport, and the advancements in the technology. All too many times we get students who show up with their own kiteboarding gear they just purchased on eBay for $300. Then when it comes time to set up the equipment, turns out it’s a 20.5m C-kite from 2001, with a two line bar, and no chicken loop. The student then asks, “So I got a good deal on this right?”. Oh man, oh man… (BTW, if you are reading this and have no idea what I’m talking about, please send me an email before you make an expensive mistake! I’ll educate you thoroughly 
Once you do a little research and figure out what size kite, kiteboard, and harness you need, then you could check out the online sources. I usually would discourage this type of equipment hunting for an inexperienced kiteboarder, so it helps if you get some help and advice from a kiteboarding expert who will know a good bargain based on images, description, and online seller qualifications. My favorite sites for selling and buying used and demo kite equipment include- iKitesurf, eBay, Craigslist. I like Craigslist because it encourages sellers/buyers to deal locally and you have the chance to inspect the kiting gear before you buy. iKitesurf’s Buy/Sell section is great because you can find more options to compare and contrast. eBay is usually a good way to find the cheapest gear, but it can be difficult for the buyer to guarantee quality. Online transactions can be very sketchy, so use caution! ALWAYS transfer funds using Paypal or a secure credit card processing system. If there is a problem with the kite, you can usually dispute and get your money back.
Finally, let me include a bit of advice on how to check the condition of demo or used kiteboarding equipment.
Kite
-Pigtails: Check the wear of the pigtails, the point at which the kite lines attach to the kite. Judgements can be made based upon how much fray in the spectra or color loss of the SPF coating. The wear of the pigtails can often tell you how many times the kite has been flown.
-Kite Bladders: Always pump up the LEI kite bladders and let it sit for 1/2 an hour to make sure the bladders hold air.
-Pinholes and tears: While the LEI kite is inflated (and with the sun overhead), crawl underneath the canopy and check for sunlight coming through little tears or pinholes, which otherwise would not be apparent by looking over the top of it.
-Strut seams: Check the seams of the LE strut for stretching or sewn areas coming apart. If this is the case, the kite has probably been stressed from multiple H-bomb crashes. My favorite! :-0
Control Bar and Lines
Signs of a used bar are obvious. Most kiteboarding control bars will last forever, but the lines will always need to be inspected on a continual basis.
-Lines: Check for fraying, knots, and loss of color in the lines. Kiteboarding lines need to be replaced every 6 months or so anyways, so if they don’t look like they are in the best of shape, it’s probably a good idea to get a new set.
-Depower/Throw: This is the thick line that runs through the control bar and connects the front lines to the chickenloop. It’s important to check fraying on this line. If the bar you are inspecting has a worn line, ask if there is a replacement part or spare that comes with.
-Safety: Make sure that the safety line is in good shape. There should also be spares included for this as well. A good safety system is a leader line that connects your leash to one of the front lines, so the kite will completely depower and flag out once activated.
