I'm going to start to teach my dad how to kite and was wondering if it would be easier for him to learn on a surfboard rather than a twin tip board. Any thoughts?
I'm an older kiter and went straight to a surfboard. In retrospect I reckon I should have got a twin tip first. Reason being, learning to gybe is really quite hard when you are a newby, but learning a slide turn on a twin tip relatively straight forwards.
Now I get most of my gybes I'm loving the surfboard, but I recommend tt first.
A twintip is easier.. it takes much more skill to waterstart and to do transitions on a surfboard. I'm wondering why you think a surfboard could be easier?
If your teaching your dad I'd think you'd know that?
Michael, judging by your question you probably haven't done much kite instructing or gone through an instructor course. Maybe get a trainer kite and teach your dad the basics of flying, but I would advise not to try and teach him with full sized kites and long lines on the beach or in deep waters. Get him professional instruction to avoid dramas and to make sure all safety aspects are thoroughly covered with the appropriate gear and supervision. Over the years, I've witnessed countless failed attempts from friends/family teaching other friends/family, they typically all end up in the student getting dragged onto the beach or the ''instructor'' swimming after the student in deep water...
U will not being "cruel to be kind...." (from the song)
Just cruel re-surf board
If I had to nominate 2 things which have bought kite surfing to the masses from its earlier days...
1) Twin Tips
2) Kite Bridles / design 4 easy re-launch.
To have to go toe side to go the other way from day one - most people are stoked when they get up on a board going toes side in the same sentence - OUCH
Try to get hold of a bigger then your usual TT if U have a choice...
Either way get the camera out when he suceeds to do his 1st run - that will be epic
Unless he is already a fish and can think through the solution under pressure - lay down the safety law so he knows what to do JIC.
I loved the feed back from my kids when they got going - have fun.
(In light winds - I used a directional in shallow water as mostly when they get to the end of a beat standing up spinning the board around and coming back goofy / natural was way better than struggling to get up on a TT
)
Cheers
AP
what Cbulota suggests re-foundation with a few lessons is smart if U would not feel comfortable stepping into the shoes of a school instructor.... U will still be doing most of the hard yards as that constant help launching - reviewing the conditions - talking about what to do next / reviewing what U just did i.e. that envelope of knowledge etc etc takes time..
