F N G QUESTIONS

STORMRIDER · Since 17 Jul 2007 222 Posts Stoked

so after a little research, i've got a couple of questions to start, please, any advise is much valued....which training vid should i get? should i decide which kite i want to get into and get the training vid for that stlye or brand or does that really make a dif...do i get a training kite new for $125ish does anyone have one for less used or do i get the first kite for my quiver and learn to fly that way....my inclination is to go right to a used 06/07 fifth line bow kite setup, maybe a wahroo, but the c kites are cheaper...what to do...i weigh 210lbs. and want a bread and butter kite for my first purchase so what size should i be looking for ..if in the wahroo is it a 9/11 ish or... and what if i go ss or what else is good for the $..looking for a deal on used kites without any first hand knowledge is drivn me nuts....what would anyone tell their brother who was in my spot...thirsty for your ideas....thanks....looking for input on all my gear from board on up...interested in keeping the return on my investment as high as possible...want to get the gear now that i will still be riding a couple of years....don't want to upgrade when i get to intermediate level...

forrest · Wed Jul 18, 07 11:04 am

First you need to get a trainer kite and a video. Watch the portions of the video that relate to flying the trainer kite, spend at least 3 to 5 hours on the trainer. Then you need to take a lesson with a professional instructor. Once you've got body dragging down during the lessons you can then purchase a kite and practice it on your own. Practice body dragging as much as you can stand. Only then will you have the skills to start learning to board start. Take another lesson.

If you do things in this order you'll learn along the way, spread your costs out over a few months, and progress quickly and safely.

I'd recommend this DVD. It's a little dated but the most complete in my opinion: http://www.kitefilm.com/eng/complete.asp

I would buy a new trainer kite as they always come in handy down the road when you want to introduce your friends to the sport without killing them.

STORMRIDER · Since 17 Jul 2007 222 Posts Stoked

okay, so i get the trainer...what size do i get and where do i fly it

magicmaker · Since 29 Oct 2006 895 Posts da Hood Opinionated

STORMRIDER · Since 17 Jul 2007 222 Posts Stoked

is there an advantage or disadtvantage to having a bigger trainer, now or in the long run... training should be completed this weekend as we will be attending the BOG fest...so then what? get with carlos or another instructor....i want to take lessons on the kind of kite that i will likely end up with... what kind of kites does he use for lessons...what do the other schools use?is this the wrong place to ask stuff like this?....

bleighty · Since 17 Apr 2006 86 Posts St. Petersburg, FL

i vote that you only get a used trainer..

once you progress to the large kites you will prob never take it out again.

Smile

but info from Forrest is spot on.

Going into the sport the right way (lessons/body dragging/maybe more lessons) will get you going w/ the least chance of injury to yourself or others. Plus it shows to others that you are taking the time and effort to be serious about it.

forrest · Wed Jul 18, 07 11:32 am

3m trainer will be more fun than a 1m, but 2m is pretty standard. Size is proportional to cost.

I think most people teach on SLEs these days. You will have more of an idea what kind of kite you want after your lesson. The instructor should also cover this with you.

Don't hesitate to ask questions, that's what we're here for.

pacifichigh · Since 11 May 2005 1004 Posts ATX Texan

You really need to keep a trainer kite in the car at all times! When a little hottie comes up to you on the beach you can say "wanna try".

tinyE · Since 21 Jan 2006 2004 Posts not really an XTreme Poster

i have a 4-line 3.6m trainer (I'm 145lbs)... i used it out at sunset beach and landboarded with it many times! a couple of times, it got a little hot...but that just teaches you how to use the safety system.

somewhere around that size is good....though the small ones fly in just about no wind.

i also keep it in my car at all times... you never know when it might be in the air.

STORMRIDER · Since 17 Jul 2007 222 Posts Stoked

so now for a loaded qustion... i have no idea who is affiliated with who or what products but who would you send you brother to take a lesson, assuming you like your brother.....i read good things about the mystic harness, the dakine felt good when i tried it on....how many diff boards do you ride...can you get away with just one being the right one for most conditions....

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

If you want to use a specific brand check at the store that sells that brand for lessons. 2nd wind (slingshot) New wind (best waroo) Big winds (North) Windwing(windwing.

bleighty · Since 17 Apr 2006 86 Posts St. Petersburg, FL

important thing about the trainers is learning subtle control..

i see tons of guys zipping their trainers around like its a stunt kite.

yes, you can loop a trainer w/o effort .. but learning to control it precisely through points in the wind window is where its at.

Spike · Since 13 May 2007 1414 Posts Alameda Spelling Expert

If you want to learn quickly, you can do without a trainer kite and take more lessons. that's the route I took, more because I didn't even know about trainer kites. It's not as cost effective but you will get one on one instruction instead of a DVD. but you will not have a kite for the beach hottie... I really just didn't want to wait for a trainer kite in the mail watch a DVD and have to go to some field and wait for wind. I wanted to get on the water ASAP, worked for me.

Spike · Since 13 May 2007 1414 Posts Alameda Spelling Expert

STORMRIDER · Since 17 Jul 2007 222 Posts Stoked

for the non tard...how many hours of practicing/lessons could one exspect to do before board in the water...

Spike · Since 13 May 2007 1414 Posts Alameda Spelling Expert

STORMRIDER · Since 17 Jul 2007 222 Posts Stoked

thanks for the link spike...i will be using the search feature to find more info from previous posts...