going to china

rich · Since 30 Nov 2005 306 Posts portland Obsessed

So everything is supposed to be pretty cheap there. Thought it would be worth asking if anyone has ever tried to pick up any kite gear while over there.

Nak · Sat Jan 27, 07 11:42 am

I've been to Beijing quite a few times. Nothing there that I've been able to find.

Nak

bamboo · Since 24 Jun 2005 165 Posts da 'chung; taiwan Stoked

never tried but heard most the places are in shenzhen just across the border from hong kong. if you ask around your likely to end up at a traditional kite flying factory where they make the kind you see during chinese new year. dragons, boats, etc. nothing with the aspect ratio your probably looking for.

most factories i know don't let you get past the front gate when your cold calling. besides most stuff sits in bonded wharehouses for export only. your best bet would be to find the stuff going out the back of the factory heading for black market stores. of which there are many! though i'm not sure the kite market is big enough to warrant that yet...but i wouldn't be surprised.

bamboo · Since 24 Jun 2005 165 Posts da 'chung; taiwan Stoked

hmmmmm.....some might qualify as "out the back of the factory"....

http://china-kite.diytrade.com/sdp/337029/4/pd-1482545/2448455-0.html

http://china-kite.diytrade.com/sdp/337029/4/pl-1482545.html

http://www.diytrade.com/directory/global/china-manufacturers/337029/main/Xiamen_Mingjian_Sport_Equipment_Co_Ltd.html

http://www.china-kitesurfing.com/html/intro.html

it's about an hours north (via plane) from HK but xiamen does have good wind this time of the year. you could buy and ride in the same day.

http://www.alibaba.com/catalog/10935447/Kitesurfing_Kites/showimg.html

http://www.tradekey.com/profile_view/uid/233199/Weifang-kaixuan-kite-manufacture-co-Ltd.htm

http://www.weifkite.com/

looks like a lot of DIY. bet we could commision a local kite with a NWkite logo emblazoned across the middle section. something with flames, no?

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6548 Posts Couve / Hood Site Lackey

I'd be careful. Most of those designs are probably just the ones you can make in 10 minutes out of surfplan, that would make them several generations old by current standards.

If you really want to save some money get used kites, they are dirt cheap these days. For C kites anything 2005 and up would be great.

Reaper356 · Since 10 Dec 2006 781 Posts Salem / LC Oregon Opinionated

I'm a little skeptical.

"Kitesurfing is kiteboard,it have c kitesurfing,flat kitesurfing and bow kitesurfing ,include kite,harness,linebar and pump"

It seems possible that they don't know what they're talking about...