Quick answer: if you've just finished lessons and you're buying your first kite, the Ozone Catalyst V5 is the one we recommend more than any other. It's forgiving, easy to relaunch, and — crucially — it has enough range that you won't outgrow it in a season.
We're a school first and a shop second, so we see exactly what happens after lessons: the right first kite accelerates you; the wrong one parks your progression. The Catalyst V5 is our go-to recommendation for anyone making that jump, and here's why.
Built for progression
Ozone designed the Catalyst so you can enjoy every session while your skills develop quickly and naturally. In practice that means a kite that sits steady in the window while you sort your feet out, relaunches without drama when you put it down, and gives predictable, progressive power instead of surprises. Everything about it is progression-focused — but it's not a kite you'll throw away at intermediate level, because it carries real range as you improve: your first jumps, your first toeside runs, your first small-wave days all happen comfortably on this kite.
Built to survive Irish beaches
The canopy is Teijin TechnoForce triple ripstop with a reinforced leading edge, struts and trailing edge — exactly what you want when learning means the odd unscheduled landing on Silverstrand. Fast Flow one-pump inflation gets you on the water quicker, anti-snag line deflectors stop bridle tangles before they start, and low-profile scuff pads take the beach abuse. It's designed with OZ-CAD and built in Ozone's own factory with hand-checked quality control — the same line that builds their race kites.
Sizes, price and what to pair it with
The Catalyst V5 runs from 4m to 16m, from €1,019 (kite only — bar and lines separate). For most riders in Galway wind, a 8m–12m is the sweet spot, and we have the 8m, 10m and 12m in stock right now. Pair it with the Contact Water V5 bar — our review here — and you've a setup that'll last years.
Better again: get it as a complete beginner package with bar, board and bindings matched to your weight. Take the 3-lesson package (€800) and buy a brand-new beginner package at full price, and €400 of safety gear is free — helmet, impact vest, kite leash and boots, while stocks last (exact terms).
Ready for your first kite? One message sorts it
Tell us your weight and where you'll ride and we'll match your size first time — and tell you what NOT to buy yet. No hard sell, ever.
WhatsApp or call us: 087 144 8888 · Email the shop · See beginner packages
