Question for the guys thinking about trying kiting.

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1692 Posts XTreme Poster

So, you have seen the guys on kites and you are interested in the big air, soft landings, and light quiver. Question is, " what do you do next to start your kiting transformation?" How do you proceed safely into this dynamic and very cool sport!

1. Do you buy a trainer kite and take a lesson? Good idea, but expensive
2. Do you take a fast track lesson package from a reputable IKO/PASA school? Great idea, but even more money.
3. Do you buy an old C-kite and teach yourself? Less expensive, but very risky.

I'm interested in seeing how many people read this post and share their ideas without fear of BS from hostile lurkers on the forum.

According to some of the more profound lurkers on this forum there are no new ways of approaching the sport of kite boarding. The reality is that Kite boarding is really more accessible, safe, and affordable than ever before.

Please if you are a "newb", aka "Kookster" post your interests, and experiences with the process of switching from windsurfing to string slingin!

Cool

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

Bulae, I would agree with you that its more affordable and safer than it use to be. However, when talking with someone who has never kited before, I always let them know that its a big commitment and that you should be prepared to spend a lot of money. Going into kiting with a Coors lite budget only stretches out your learning curve (IMO). So...get a trainier?....yes; take lessons from a certified instructor with a jet ski?...yes; and buy an old "C" kite just to get started?....absolutely not.

I wish someone would have told me half of this stuff when I started. Bad purchases + 1 lessons + self teaching = a discouraged kiteboarder with no cash left in his wallet. Confused

......do it right the first time and be prepared to spend some $$$.

Spike · Since 13 May 2007 1414 Posts Alameda Spelling Expert

When is started kiteboarding last spring i dropped 4 grand on lessons and gear, and was doing the blowout by the end of the summer. Was deinately worth the $

vspec34 · Since 16 Jul 2007 7 Posts Renton/Vancouver, WA New Member

Background: Snowboarder 13+ years, typically go 2-5x week.
My current path which started last summer.
1. Bought a 4Line trainer (HQ Beamer 2.5M) - flew it all summer when there was wind (100+ hrs). Summer '07
2. Next, I found a sweet deal on a '06 LF Assault w/harness. I never hooked in and never really allowed it to fly in it's wind range, but got it up and was able to control it like my trainer (flying blind). Summer/Fall '07
3. Went to Maui and took a lesson during late October (not recommended - gusty). Kite was a Naish X1 6M with 15M lines. Learned to body drag, body drag up wind, body drag w/board up wind, and importantly, self rescue. Oct '07
4. May/Jun '08. Body dragged in some bays and practiced self rescue.
5. July '08. Took another class in Hood River w/JetSki assist. Wanted a lesson to better understand the Columbia's conditions. This experience was the most difficult for me. Kite was a 9M BEST Guroo (new kite?). In deep water, I can fly the kite while stationary, after some getting use to, was able to fly the kite in the various position in the wind window. This next step was the most difficult for me, flying the kite constantly powered enough to get my self moving. I can fly figure 8s, but for some reason, couldn't maintain power when I was diving it to continue my momentum. I kept depowering the kite as I brought it from 10 to 12 or 2 to 12. I wasn't use to the sheeting/depowering of the kite. When I'm on land, I can fly it w/o any problem, but guess it's difficult for me to transition from being stationary to being on the move pulled by the kite/harness.
6. Next step? I'll probably fly my LF Assault and do more drags and consciously work on keeping it powered and constantly pulling for longer periods/distances. The next step from there, I'm not sure. I may just get the board and try water starts. I was able to start on the board in HR, but wasn't able to keep it powered. If I do take another lesson, it'll probably be at Lake Floras, with radios - yelling directions when your dragging thru water, drinking it, or being dunk doesn't really help, there were many times I couldn't hear what the instructor was saying.

Tips for others taking lessons.
1. Make sure the helmet fits right, I really didn't get too much assistance in this area, school said here, try some on and pick one that fits best. I think they should've provided more assistance in the selection process, as others have probably had problems during the learning process. My problem was that the helmet was in my view and I couldn't glance up at my kite during the whole time I was in the water.
2. Fly the kite your about to use on shore and get familar with it first, school just took me to the spot and gave me the kite, granted they gave me a quick run thru of the safety system. But I still think flying the kite to get use to it's handling is crucial in learning, the BEST Guroo was different from what I was use to (LF Assault) and thus hampered my learning.
3. Harness - if you have one, practice leaning back while hooked in on a stationary object. I think this will help in learning, as your body is use to leaning back and being pulled.

That's my tale, if there are any noob that want to trade notes - feel free to PM me. I live in Seattle, but have family down in Vancouver, so I'm down pretty much every weekend. If you're up for kiting with a noob, feel free to PM me, as I'm open to driving to the OR Coast, SI, Jones, or where ever it's ideal for a noob to learn.

pdxmonkeyboy · Wed Jul 09, 08 8:24 am

vspec34,

The first problem, and this may sound like a bummer, is that 06 LF assault. That kite is pretty slow and doesn't have much low end at all. I had one for like a month.

Anywho, it should still work. It seems like you are having the same problem that many beginers have when your trying to get up on the board and stay up. "WTF, by the time I get up, the kite is out of the power window?" You need to focus on 3 things, FOCUS on them, don't just read this and go do what you were doing before. (this impatience is exactly why I'm not a good teacher)

1. Dive the kite down earlier and much harder. Start from the opposite side of the direction you want to go. By the time the kite gets to 12:00, the kite should be in the power window. This will give you lots more time to fiddle around and get on plane because when you are not moving and the kite is, it is racing to get to the edge of the window where there is no power.

2. Head down wind, head down wind, head down wind. Kites are not ski boats. You need to get on plane first. point your board down wind. If you bend your back leg this happens somewhat automatically. Once you are up and moving, then bear upwind..hey look at me, I'm kiteboarding.

3. Make sure you are powered up. I'm not saying go rig a kite that is 5 sizes to big but you are going to need LOTS of power when your learning to overcome your inability to do the above 2 things. Allot of newbs are like "well, I don't want to get yarded" and they rig a smaller kite than they should and spend the whoile day struggleing to get on plane. My first lesson, Emery put me on a 12m fuel at the spit (I think just to humble me). My first attempt at getting on plane I kind of fell and ended up spinning in the water. I ended up sending the kite and getting ripped out of the water and flying upside down and backwards, 5 feet out of the water for about 30 feet. Super powered? Yes. Did I end up planning that day? Yes.

Lastly, is kite boarding easier to learn today than it was back then. Absolutely, Is it cheaper? No. Telling someone to get old gear is NOT sound advice. If your a beginner and come on this forum and read stuff and then head to the beach with an old C kite, YOU ARE PUTTING YOURSELF IN CONSIDERABLE DANGER! The rules are different these days with bow kites for a reason. Many of us learned on old C kites and those same people got the shit beat out of them with those same kites.

Sella · Wed Jul 09, 08 9:33 am

For all the lurkers on this forum both domestic and international you realize kiteboarding costs money but before you spend your hard earned cash go buy the July 2008 editition of Kiteboarding magazine. Inside the mag is a supplement "Intro to Kiteboarding" that is very complete with updated gear, safety, tips and actual cost.

Read it cover to cover so when you take your first lesson......the concepts will make more sense and you will be much happier with your eventual purchasing decision.

Not sure how much that supplement is (Aaron) but it would be a GREAT to have about 1000 at the Spit toll booth so when the questions come you point South and keep rigging. Smile

ryan800 · Since 09 Dec 2007 64 Posts Seattle

PDXMB has good advice. As long as you know your safety systems, learning powered is way easier.

Here's how I got started last August. The total here is about $1500, and that's what I tell people it takes to get started. But your experience will be 10x better with $5-10k for the first year and tons of free time and wind.

B3 trainer 250
lesson 150 (under the table, no jet ski, at Lyle, nothing more is needed IMO)
used kite/bar 700
used board 350
waist harness 50

The first time I was at rooster in powered 5m conditions, I realized my 9.5m needed some friends, and in 10 months I have built a 4 kite/3 board quiver.

My instructor happened to make excellent gear recommendations and was even willing to visit shops to make sure I got quality used gear. A good instructor goes a long way.

PS. Once you start kiting, family, work, chores, and other sports become sources of free time.

tonyb · Wed Jul 09, 08 11:43 am

I'm surprised at the amount of money that people are spending to get started. This certainly isn't a cheap sport but you shouldn't need to sell your car to get into it.

I think the $1500 budget is about right for a motivated person with good athletic ability. Buy a used 2006 or later (later is better) bow type kite, a used board in the 150cm to 170cm range, a used seat harness, and an impact vest. Read all the Intro Guides, buy a trainer kite, watch the online video's (safety stuff - not Len10 stuff!), take the $400 lesson to get the safety aspect down then find someone to guide you through the etiquette of your chosen launch site, and try to have someone help you through your inevitable/required kook stage.

The first few times after the lesson that should have taught you all the safety stuff, self rescues and upwind body dragging don't be afraid to ask someone to come over and double check how you've rigged up. Ask in the "I don't want to endanger anyone else, can you check my setup" kind of way.

Ask for help in reviewing your potential used gear purchases. Some of the stuff out there is out of date or was just a plain ol' lemon in it's day.

Don't think you're going to learn to kite in a weekend. Budget your time to get out at least 2 or 3 days a week for your first few weeks. The muscle memory and beat downs stick with you better that way.

Once you ride upwind and get back where you started from be prepared to readjust your life style and priorities!

Tony

Diggy · Since 25 Nov 2006 342 Posts Gorge to Coast Obsessed

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1692 Posts XTreme Poster

I talked to a guy from Seattle the other day and he was full of energy to get started! Some shop up there took advantage of him and sold him 06 Fuels!! He went out to fly them and felt totally out of control.
I asked him what he paid and it was basically the same price that you can get them from any shop. He explained that he wanted to get going so bad that he felt the need to buy kites and gear.

My advice would be to take some lessons at the point your need to orient from trainer to 4 line flat or SLE kite. This way you, the beg., will be evaluated by IKO or PASA instructor as to what you need to work on next. Think of going to lessons at check in points along the learning curve.

I think Tony's advice is bang-on about an 06 waroo or later. Best has good stuff and there is a ton of it on the marker for dirt cheap in good shape. Go to New Wind and look at the consignment stuff. They have a ton of stuff.

Monkeybutt is right when he says that the sport is potentially dangerous. Even experienced riders get hurt if conditions are gusty and or weird wind is on!

**Keep it up Newbs!! You are the financial backing that will make the sport grow and become even more amazing!!

Tell your stories to the world!!!!

Razz

pdxmonkeyboy

magicmaker · Since 29 Oct 2006 895 Posts da Hood Opinionated

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1692 Posts XTreme Poster

Very funny to listen to you guys worry about beach closures and keeping it a big secret. Whatever......

You guys frustrated or what? You got issues?

If you want this sport to be a big secret then why post your opinions how to get into it. Fact is that Sling Shot, Liquid Force, Best, and North all sell the hype of kiting because it sells gear. Kites, boards, shirts, and this list is getting longer because the sport is growing. Yep it's growing because it's really fun and people like it.. Yeah.

Kiting is just a modified form of sailing. It's safer than it's ever been and it's getting more affordable. You can get into it with one kite and a board. The SLE kite opened it up to guys like me. I hated my C-kites, but I had some really great days. It was a challenge. Do you guys remember being Newbs?

Think of all the people who only get to kite 10 days a year. They look for ways to make it happen on snow and BAM we have snow kiting!! They look for new spots and then people benefit from the people who come.

It's all good. I will say it again, "Newbs are the back bone of the sport." Not the experienced guys who get pissed when there weekend trip to the gorge is crowded.

Keep it coming Newb lurkers!!!

This is a constructive post and will lead to more people getting into the sport.

It's all good,
b99

Very Happy

HoodRat · Since 30 Mar 2008 199 Posts Stoked

i'm a sponsored nooob

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1692 Posts XTreme Poster

OK, I know that there are hundreds if not 1000's of lurking Newbs who will read this post. Don't worry about the haters and the negative comments just keep posting your experiences.

**There is a paradigm that exists when you learn a new sport. You are excited to get into it right away and as a result you can be taken advantage of by your lack of knowledge about the gear and learning progression.***

Don't buy gear until you really know what you need! It's not like skiing, mnt. biking, or windsurfing. All of the kites are so different from year to year that it makes no sense to purchase a kite before you know how to fly said kite.

****All schools use the newest gear to teach on. Each school at the spit is associated with a brand of kite!! New Wind rides Best kites, Sling Shot has Carlos ect.. If you hear good things about a kite and would like to try before you buy take a lesson or a series of lessons at the school with that brand.

As I read back over the posts I realize that gear is not as important as lessons. Don't buy anything other than a trainer kite. Watch videos, read magazines, lurk forums and then most importantly talk to guys who are at the beach.

******Most fast track lesson packages are designed to teach the person who has flown a trainer kite. The instructor will assess you skills by watching you fly a trainer kite. He/She will not just listen to you talk about it and then give you what you want, an instant session on H2o. The instructor will will evaluate you and then begin to teach you the skills you will need to be safe. That is what IKO dictates.
The cost of fast track is arond $200 to $400 bucks and includes from 2.5 hours to 3 hours with practice. Practice means that you get to fly the kite alone if you aren't beating the shit out of it or yourself.

*********This forum is great but there is often so much bullshit that the begs get skipped by because of the young hardcore warriors who invade the spit on their days off. The culture of this post is pictures from pro's(very cool, I love Rico's stuff), posts about over crowded days, lost and found, and tons of videos, and the list goes on. If I had it my way I would actually set up a beg's post area to discuss the beg's stuff.

Well there you have it!

Very Happy

Bettyboarder · Thu Jul 10, 08 6:05 am

Man your posts are way too long... Rolling Eyes

There might be a good point in there some where but I am never going to find it because it's a fick'n novel. Keep it short and sweet.

Spike · Since 13 May 2007 1414 Posts Alameda Spelling Expert

I fought the urge as long as I could, but I have to comment on the following...