Hi Everyone,
Im keen to get into kite surfing. Ive organised my first lesson and am planning on getting a practice kite after the lesson. Once I get good on the practice kite im planning on getting a couple more lessons to get onto the board.
What size/type of practice kite would be best for my situation??
Also, If i do get good on a practice kite, is it even reasonable to expect to be able to get onto a board (with lessons) or is there another step I havent considered?
Any thoughts would be great!
Cheers
Use the practice kite to pull yourself onto your feet.
e.g. Lie on your back, swoop the kite, and pull yourself up as the bar pulls against you.
This should help you to get on your feet on the big kite.
My friend has an ozone trainer 2.5sqm which has plenty of pull and gives you a good idea of how powerful the big kites are going to be. Some trainer kites are a bit fairy-like and don't really pull very hard.http://www.kitepower.com.au/catalog/product_17483_Ozone_Imp_III_Trainer_Kite_cat_253.html
I think you've got things a bit upside down... horse before the cart perhaps?
1. Trainer kite, learn to fly it. Wind window, power zone, etc.
2. Water kite, rigging, safety systems, body dragging, self rescue.
3. Water kite + board, up and riding, etc.
You don't use a trainer kite on the water, and you don't use it with a board.
You do use a trainer kite for practicing flying and learning the wind window.
2-3m trainer kite is perfect. Get it on a bar if you want to use it as a learning aid for kitesurfing. Get it on handles if you just want it for having fun.
- No need to buy a trainer kite, you'll need it just for few hours.
-then practice with the real kite, sure with the instructor first.
Good luck.
Thanks for that.
Koma, just to clarify - I was planning on getting a water kite and board for when i come to that, learner kite was just to practice on first.
Do I need a lesson to start off before using the practice kite or would you recommend getting a handle of a practice kite first before even gettign a lesson on a real kite (gettign a DVD even for practice kite??)
Cheers
Tom
Trainer kites are great. I have had one for 8 years (got it after I leant to kitesurf) and still muck around with it on the beach and lend it to friends.
IMO do your research about kites - most instructors will be affiliated with a brand/s so don't necessarily discount their advice, but don't think you have no choice but to go with what they recommend.
Welcome to the sport!
Handy hints here:
www.seabreeze.com.au/Articles/Kitesurfing/How-to-start-Kiteboarding_2274949.aspx
and here:
www.seabreeze.com.au/Articles/Kitesurfing/Summary.aspx
Enjoy!
