Now I need a board and a wetsuit

How about this deal?
http://denver.craigslist.org/spo/4464516659.html

Also, some dude trading his 12m Cabrinha Omega for a small foil. Was thinking about swapping the 8m psycho 3. Thoughts? I'd feel much more comfortable on an inflateable, I think.

Yes, at the begining, when learning water, an inflatable is probably the safest and easiest. IMO. LEIs for the most part are "cheap" and do not hold the same resell value as foils.

craigs list NO, thats all junk , the board a distant maybe.

the omega for FS S3 no way. , sell FS then buy tube on ebay

speed 4 has already delivered for you and is perfect for your size. comparable 11/12m tube 1-2 years about $400 -600 anything else will seem like a dog compared to the S4

something like this

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2012-North-Fuse-Kiteboarding-Kitesur...

details pics will help with confidence to buy, esp. bar and lines

I would second the opinion that the CL offer is not what you need. If anything, pick up the crazyfly board from that guy, but that's it.

Re: Omega trade- Not suggested unless it's newer, Cabrhina started making Omegas in 2007 so there is a good chance the kite is too old to be super safe.

No to Omega ...
No to Contra ...
Crossbow .... It is nice kite .... but you can get it cheaper then offered on this listing
Crazy Fly board .... offer $200 max .... 145 is not bad size to learn on , but if you can go bigger .....

Wetsuits .... Hyperflex is kiteboarding wetsuit maker with entry level price .... If you will learn to kite in bay or sound you need to get booties before getting in to water .... there is crazy amount of glass and other sharp objects that will cat you foot quickly

I ended up buying a cheap Contra or something (<$200) AND putting my own bar on it. I just wanted *SOMETHING* that would stay floaty while I learn. It worked fine and I won't be sad if I trash it. Got a 12m... I'll probably consolidate a foil or two and buy a decent board or kite. Water sure is fun.

Inland, I'm thinking the only thing that won't hurt my tired old body is buggying and water. And even those hurt sometimes... Just not as often and ruthlessly as landboarding. It is, however, hard to beat landboarding on the beach. I didn't regret not bringing my buggy at all this year (mostly thanks to Demo loaning me his almost identical bug for a few turns.)

Oh, and thanks for the tips, all. That is very helpful, even if I accidentally ignored kober

Not meaning to hijack (yes I am ) but I'm looking for a board as well.

what board did you end up with Pro?

I've also looked a bit on CL, but most of that seems like older stuff people never used.

Any recommendations on a noob friendly board?