Kiting From a Boat

Naanan · Since 16 Feb 2007 10 Posts New Member

Hey, so I am a newbie. I have flown some kites (9m montana, trainers, etc.) but I have never tried to board at all. I would like to do some body drags and play around a bit but I don't want to disturb people on the beach that would most certainly suffer from my lack of experience.

I have a boat and can get out in the middle of the river so do you guys see any problems with launching from a boat, or the swim deck or the such. I usually go boating (wakeboarding) behind Sandy Island right across the river from Kalama Wa and usually it is too windy to wakeboard back there so I thought that could be an answer.

Any ideas, and yes I plan on taking lessons.

Nak · Tue Feb 05, 08 3:14 pm

Great to hear you're getting the lessons first!

I've done some kiting from a boat, and it can be pretty fun. That said, It's not something I'd recommend a for beginner. Instead, beach the boat somewhere and launch from the beach. Your family can then relax while you're riding. There's lots of boat only beaches in that section of river.

Sauvie's is a great spot for beginners as well. Just ask for pointers if you need help; everybody is really friendly there. Very Happy

If you're still interested in kiting from a boat after you get some experience, here's a thread on kiting from a boat:

http://www.nwkite.com/forums/t-4721.html&highlight=boat

Have fun!

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

I second that use the boat to get to a remote beach at first and to follow you down wind. Good to hear you are going to take a lesson.

pdxmonkeyboy · Tue Feb 05, 08 4:05 pm

I would second the idea of going to Sauvie, the winds are pretty tame, and there is lots of room to spread out. Beginners usually trek way up the beach and end up going downwind to where everyone else is.

My only suggestion is to try to avoid going to far downwind such that you have to walk up the beach flying your kite over the other beach goers.

Mr.Onepump · Since 11 Sep 2006 66 Posts Albany

It's much easyer and safer to launch from a beach then a boat, but a boat does come in handy to get to remote beaches you couldn't get to otherwise. Best plan is:
1. Find a safe beach to launch from
2. Find a beach to land on.
3. Launch the kite and body drag or board to the downwind beach with the boat following.
4. Land the kite with the aid of the people in the chase boat, who have beached the boat.
This plan will avoid alot of hassles and dangers involved in launching and landing from a boat.
Good luck and welcome to the addiction Very Happy

Naanan · Since 16 Feb 2007 10 Posts New Member

Using the boat to get to a more remote beach is probably the best idea.

Ok so now for the follow up. What/Who is the best place to go to for lessons. I can pretty much fly the kite it is just the part where I have to take my eyes off of it to do anything else is where I am stuck. My neck gets a horrible crick in it from starting at the kite all day.....

Thanks again,
Patrick

shredjim · Since 07 Jun 2006 188 Posts Stoked

Hey Patrick,

I sent you a PM at 6:18 PM suggesting you consider the school I will be running again this summer - HR Waterplay, but my PM is stuck in the "outbox". We have ways to help taking your attention off the kite for a bit to put the board on easier. Its all in a good lesson plan! See my PM when it gets released and arrives in your inbox Thumb's Up

Bettyboarder · Wed Feb 06, 08 7:17 am

Patrick here is a previous post regarding some schools in Hood River.
http://www.nwkite.com/forums/t-5859.html&highlight=schools

The more time you spend flying the kite the less you will have to look at it. [/quote]

pdxmonkeyboy · Wed Feb 06, 08 8:50 am

Patrick, your neck hurts because your probably standing in one place all day staring up at the kite. Once your on the water moving, the kite will be lower in the window, you'll be leaning back, and you won't have to look straight up at the kite.

My suggestion would be to start to fly your trainer with your eyes closed. It will teach you to know where the kite is by the angle of the pull. Just don't start flying with your eyes closed near power lines, a busy highway, or near crowds of people with sharp pointy hats. Smile

shastadogs2 · Since 28 Mar 2005 336 Posts Obsessed

yeah, dude, i remember what that felt like in my neck, and the "sheit, i am not taking my eyes off this mother f***er for a second or it'll kill me" thing.

learning to fly the kite is key; its like learning to ride your bicycle. after a while you'll just know where it is without all the lookin'.

and try not to fly it over your head; probably one of the least stable places to park it. and in the gorge, you might go for a little unexpected ride with it up there when a good gust comes through.

good luck and welcome to the 'hood.