...advice for beginner

robb · Since 08 Jul 2008 4 Posts New Member

hi there..

...i'm just getting started in kiteboarding and finally took the plunge and got my own gear (Naish sigma 7.5 &9.0). I've taken 3 lessons and feel good...but am obviously still very, very new. It's gonna be a while before I can afford another lesson (crazy money!!), but don't want to wait until then to practice. I am cognoscente of the obvious dangers and precautions, but it's the small nuances and unwritten rules that i'm unaware of. What tips/advice can someone give me on how to proceed at this stage without endangering/annoying others at the beach when i'm at these early stages...?

Any input is great appreciated!
Thanks...
-robb

kyle.vh · Since 11 Jul 2007 713 Posts city of angels Addicted

Hi Robb,

Why dont' you explain your skillset and experience? That will help with advice.
Welcome,
kyle

pauls · Since 20 Jun 2005 564 Posts Northern Portugal Addicted

Good that you took some lessons. Where do you live? Probably best bet would be see if you can carpool with someone who lives near you and is willing to keep an eye on you for a couple of sessions. What advice did you get from instructor after lesson 3, can you waterstart, self-rescue, body drag back to shore etc

robb · Since 08 Jul 2008 4 Posts New Member

Hi and thanks for the reply..

I live in SE portland...39th/Holgate area.

I took 3 days of lessons at kitebeach in Maui from a great instructor. (the kite i learned on was enormous). I spent a lot of time (first 2 days) body dragging and self-rescuing. I got up on the 2nd day, but he wouldn't let me stay up that day, in order to better learn how to relaunch and self rescue. I was getting up out in the waves pretty good that 3rd day and got some first hand experience on self rescue when the current took me way down the beach into some rocks. It was scary, but a good learning experience. By the end of my 3rd day I was consistently body dragging out past the waves, getting up on my board and riding downwind. I was just getting a handle on turning and heading upwind before I left, and that's where I stopped. My teacher stressed safety and patience, which i totally respect.
The conditions that week were totally ideal...good wind, perfect weather, shallow water, lots of room, brand new gear, and a pro at my side every second correcting me. I'm realistic now about not having those luxuries now and want to make sure I'm doing stuff right.

...THANK YOU very much for your input!
-robb

jcohenx · Since 28 Aug 2007 250 Posts Portland Obsessed

Hi robb;

I just PM'ed you, see my reply there.

jc

rich · Since 30 Nov 2005 306 Posts portland Obsessed

Sounds like you are ready to come to the beach. Say hi to lots of people, ask lots of questions, be respectful of the conditions and your limitations.