Beginner Progression Recommendations

Nevo · Guest

I've been flying a B3 trainer for over a year now and am looking for the next step in learning.

To start, lessons aren't currently an option. I work on the road and am sent all over the states and can't be relied upon to make it to lessons. So leaving that off the board...

Any tips on the next step? I feel confident flying the B3 with and without a harness, one handed or two, and am comfortable body dragging in the water.

I'm wondering if I should look for a little larger kite (4/5m) and practice with that or simply switch to another trainer that has a 4 line system and the possibility of practicing water relaunch?

Towards the end of September I'll be looking to take lessons but need something to do until then. I'll also be looking to do a rock climbing for kiteboarding lesson trade but I'll post that as another topic.

Thanks!
Bryan

Sasquatch · Since 09 Mar 2005 2103 Posts PNW Bigfoot

I'd say it's time to "jump in the pool" so to speak.
I would say you are ready for water starts, retrieving your board etc etc.

I know in the past I have said Rooster Rock (rr) is a bad place to learn how to kite as usually the winds are very gusty and shadowed. Couple that with newbie experience level/s and wisdom (lack of) and it can get dangerous out there ie pylon, slicker than snot goose turd mud flats, VC encounters in the willow trails, wind and current moving in the same direction, barges.

But the one thing rr provides in late summer and fall are acres and literally miles of shallow water...a rare commodity for those that like to learn in the shallows. If you could get a buddy to teach you with a PWC and take you back up wind, you would be golden!

Water temps are up so better time to learn for those with a minimal wetsuit quiver.

macgruber · Since 06 Dec 2011 490 Posts SE PDX volcano Obsessed

If you get a chance to wakeboard, especially switch, it can really help. If you can find big shallow water spots like SPI or the Coast, I think it's OK to bodydrag around with a real kite, probably a 5 or 6m. For the Gorge you really need lessons first though.

Nevo · Guest

I did have the opportunity to grow up wakeboarding and was comfy riding switch. Now a days I snowboard and feel fine riding either direction.

I was thinking a 5m would be nice but getting them used seems like a rarity. 6m has some future potential from what people have told me.

I'd love to jump in and try the water starts with a board but need to meet people on the road in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Utah who have gear and are willing to share. I don't mind flying with extra bags but my own board is a bit much.... Any tips on meeting people out that way?