beginner needing advice

hip in white salmon · Since 11 Jul 2007 149 Posts Stoked

Hey guys...I just finished my first two lessons with Carlos at Kite the Gorge. WHat a blast!!! Now time for the big gear investment. I want to get this right. He recommends 9M Slingshot Turbo 2's and a 146 Misfit board. Anyone willing to chime in? I have heard alot about Waroos and Boxers. What is this "ass out of stance" thing? Also looking for opinions on a good first board? thanks for helping me out.

shastadogs2 · Since 28 Mar 2005 336 Posts Obsessed

hell yes, i'll wade in. karma is karma. . .

ass out is ass out. breaking forward from the waist is a no-no. looks goofy, but more importantly it robs you of power on the board. watch your more experienced bretheren out there. the annointed have learned to bring their hips forward, shoulders back.

carlos didnt mention this?

stance is key. Cool

gear selection-nah, i got no advice.

ride a bunch of different stuff. decide for yourself.

jimmi

tstansbury · Since 06 Jun 2006 649 Posts Rowena and P.C Addicted

9m t2 would be a good choice a 9m waroo would be cheaper and very similar. I would say the 147 sx would be a better board choice for a beginer than a misfit. Your weight is also important with gear choice.

hedquista · Since 13 Apr 2007 72 Posts Salt lake city

a kite is a kite it jsut depends on what you like. thats the nice thing about all the different brands and different kinds. you have the bests kites for waht ever you want all at your finger tips.
board/kite combo depends on your weight(you should post your wieght, it is not a wierd thing for others to know in the kiting community). i have a nice beginner liquid force 136 board. easy to cut up wind and has served me well. i might be willing to part for real cheap. pm if interested.

i am also glad to hear you took lessons. encourage everyone new to do so. It is Just safer. why get hurt or hurt others because you have not freaking clue what you are doing. the winds are fearce and very unforgiving.
see you out on the water

keats

Pepi · Thu Jul 12, 07 8:34 am

T2 kites have been working well for beginners this year.
The 9m2 and 11m2 T2's have been our most successful kites for beginners this year, but the Misfit is likely not a great choice for a beginner.

The Misfit is a too stiff and the tip/tail are a bit too wide for proper beginning skills development(I'm actually kind of suprised Carlos would suggest this sort of board to you).
SX boards are all sold out for the season, but the Liquid Force Proof and Recoil boards are now becoming very popular with beginners to advanced intermediates.

If you need any help give us a shout at 2nd Wind (we also have demos of these boards so you can "try before you buy").

Pepi

pdxmonkeyboy · Thu Jul 12, 07 9:16 am

YO Hip. Any of the bow kites would be good for you. In fact,I think I just saw an 06' 9m crossbow on portland craigslist for around $500. It flies very uich like the t2 and they are a soildly constructed kite (I am biased as I have tried lots of kite and really love it)

Kraemer is passively trying to sell his 12 crossbow although it is a little tired.

In terms of boards, I have an old slinghsot doyle (I think it is a 141) that I would see you on the super cheap. Decent board, nothing special, but it would do you fine while your getting that butt sucked in Laughing

Have fun, be safe, and always bring cold beer!!

Laughing

forrest · Thu Jul 12, 07 9:24 am

Opinions are like.... You know how it goes.

The 07 9m Waroo is a sick kite. Only one I've ridden out of the three you've listed. Don't discount it based on price alone.

With the boards the width is the important thing. You want to make sure the board isn't to wide because you won't get enough leverage over the heal-side edge. 39-40cm is standard, anything wider would be considered for heavier people with big feet or for use in light wind when you don't have to edge against the kite as much. I wouldn't surpass 142cm in length as it seems like the longer the board the quicker you'll grow out of it.

jbruxer · Since 24 Jul 2005 398 Posts Beaverton, OR Obsessed

From newbie to newbie, I would have to agree with the others on this! If you like the kites you used during your lessons, than why not stick with them! ...or hit up a few demo days and go from there.

From all the research I have done, I dont think there is anything you can go wrong with given the impressive lineup of SLE's this season!

If you are looking to bounce some ideas/experiences around with another newbie, send me a PM!

hip in white salmon · Since 11 Jul 2007 149 Posts Stoked

Thanks for all your help. Sounds like any 07 will work. Would a 170 lbs person like myself get more flyin time/quality rides with a 7m or 9m here in the gorge? How do you find our wind range info?

pdxmonkeyboy · Thu Jul 12, 07 11:55 am

seems like with your wright a 7 and 12 bow kite quiver will keep you kiting like 90% of the time.

Almost any 07 kite will do you well but allot of the 06 bows will treat you (and your wallet) pretty damn good as well.

If that doesn't work, buy an 12M 2002 fuel off e-bay....and a helmet. LOL

forrest · Thu Jul 12, 07 12:03 pm **Re: advice**

magicmaker · Since 29 Oct 2006 895 Posts da Hood Opinionated

forrest · Fri Jul 13, 07 9:43 am

Why you jumping ahead Magic? Razz

Actually my point was going to be if you're going to be riding after 5pm on the weekdays then the 7/11 combo would be good, but if you could pick when you want to ride you could get away with just a 9m.

Hein · Since 08 Mar 2005 1313 Posts Possessed

I also like the butt-drop-reach-for-the-sky stance.

and..

rear lines so slack I can't steer the kite syndrome.

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1691 Posts I give out bad advice.

improve stance. If you are on a waist harness you may want to look at waist harness with leg straps.

This helped me a ton when I was first starting out.

Good Luck! Very Happy

hip in white salmon · Since 11 Jul 2007 149 Posts Stoked

Thanks for all your advice on choosing a board.I found a used sx 136 2006 and I am looking forward to growing into it. I appreciate all your replies.

jonah · Since 20 Jul 2006 169 Posts Hood River Stoked

just sent you a Private Message with my advice. I don't want to start a brand debate on a thread here.