Wow, how refreshing to see such a positive post for us noobs! I've been reading these forums for a while now, and must say that at times I get quite scared to go out because of all the slack us beginners seem to cop on here.
You have totally given me a confidence boost to get out there and just keep persisting.....so thank you.
I started my lessons last October and can appreciate a lot of the things in this thread. Although it's tedious and boring compared to the actual thrill of getting up on the board, I spent ages reading up on all of the safety aspects to ensure that my kite never became a weapon to myself or innocent bystanders. It makes it so much easier to progress your skills when you aren't in fear of being dragged across the beach by your kite or landing it on someone's head.
I'm only just starting to really hold my line upwind and trying to drop the poo stance (no pun intended) but I'm keeping my kite off the water most of the time and haven't had any major incidents with the kite on the beach. It's so much more enjoyable as a beginner when you know that you're on top of the safety aspect of it.
) and then all of a sudden it clicked into gear and hey presto, lifelong addiction!
Great topic! I must admit that I was and still am a nervous noob. I have a very healthy respect for the power of the kite.
I spent 6 months over winter on a trainer kite and I had three lessons this summer and got to the point of attempting getting up on the board with not much luck. I was beginning to doubt whether I'd be able to get up, however I went ahead and purchased some gear. There is nothing like purchasing a couple of grands worth of gear to motivate you to use it!
Yesterday I had a few succcessful water starts and got up on the board for about 10 secs and travelled upwind. I can now feel that the investment was worth it and that with more practice I will be able to do this sport. It's a steep learning curve but definately achievable and worthwhile.
I like the attitude of the thread! When I learnt to windsurf over 30 years ago we would get totally flogged, destroy our gear and dust ourselves off, have a laugh, and have another go. It took a few years to get to riding short boards in the surf.
Now am back to square 1 and learning to kitesurf. I went to buy my first kite and board yesterday and chickened out through lack of confidence in what I was buying and making good choices. Pathetic ! Have had all the lessons and now need to take the plunge and committ.
I think you are right, get the lessons, then throw yourself in and make mistakes, get flogged and learn from it. The poor guy getting killed at corro with lines around his neck, knocked the confidence though.
I spent an hour watching kites at point Moore yesterday. Learnt a lot seeing people apply what I have been taught.
Ok, off for a windsurf now, will buy kite gear tommorow !
Dave
