Inflatable Trainer or Foil?

chanson · Since 31 Jan 2006 1873 Posts WISCONSIN Chimey

So, I am gettting a trainer for my sis' for X-mas and have been looking around.

How does everybody feel about an inflatable trainer....?
I figure the inflatable will teach them more, like pumping up, rigging, and most important,...sheeting. THis is the OR Rise 2m.

http://www.oceanrodeo.com/kiting/trainers.php

But I am concerned with how an inflatable that small would fly in super light winds.....too heavy..? Cuz those 2-3m foils can go up in almost no wind.

Thinking it would be cool to have them pump, rig, etc. everytime to get them used to what the "set-up" invloves.

Thoughts.....?

forrest · Wed Nov 28, 07 12:15 pm

With an inflatable trainer, she could practice water relaunches...

strachman · Since 09 Aug 2007 170 Posts Stoked

I'd be willing to give your sister the "pump."

Seriously though, I thought the foil was crucial in my learning, still tons of education, take a little more beating (no bladder), less maintence. When it's time for the inflatable it would be worth to get her something she will get out on, maybe one of them WAROOOOOs.

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3753 Posts Los Angeles, CA Videographer

You just want to use it... and look cool! Laughing

chanson · Since 31 Jan 2006 1873 Posts WISCONSIN Chimey

Tony · Since 28 Aug 2006 940 Posts Portland Opinionated

Jake, I would just get her a regular trainer (for a couple hundred bucks), something like a B3...Once she learns the basics, than she's ready for the water (body dragging)...
For as much as she will spend on a very small inflatable, she might as well get a 7m or 9m bow kite - like a waroo...

Reaper356 · Since 10 Dec 2006 781 Posts Salem / LC Oregon Opinionated

Inflatable would be way cool, but you're right about the wind speed. She'd get more pull out of 3 / 4 meter foil anyway - give her a feel.
Can't really break foils either!
She could always landboard / snowkite w/ foil too.

chanson · Since 31 Jan 2006 1873 Posts WISCONSIN Chimey

hmmm...good point....

boardrider · Since 05 Apr 2006 1034 Posts Ventura, CA XTreme Poster

Hey Jake. I have an inflatable 2.0 Naish trainer (2 line). I think it is a great learning tool to use before using a full on kite. It reduced the intimidation factor of the real thing, more-so than one of those little foils would. It was nice to be able to actually use it in the water to practice launches etc. , but you do need pretty good wind speed to keep it in the air. It does generate quite a bit of power tho. Enough to drag you if looped in decent wind, and might be a little scary for someone thats never flown a power kite. - C

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3753 Posts Los Angeles, CA Videographer

Tucker and I just got our Rangers today. What's wrong with a 9 or 12m foil? And that'd work for skate kiting too, Jake! Thumb's Up

chanson · Since 31 Jan 2006 1873 Posts WISCONSIN Chimey

kitekid · Since 15 Apr 2007 170 Posts Stoked

eclipse has a 3m trainer for 129 i believe. and i believe the shop called kitezombies carrys them.

Kitezombies.com

http://eclipsekites.com/kites/acc.php

Pdxnebula · Since 03 Aug 2007 2 Posts Portland, OR. New Member

Try any of the Larger ProFoils & Check out whats said about em on PKF...

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=4632

magicmaker · Since 29 Oct 2006 895 Posts da Hood Opinionated

IMO, it is easier to learn how to fly a kite with only two lines, then move up to four lines. Everybody i've learned with and taught (which is only like 2 people) pretty much agreed. Gotta work your way into the additional equipment. i think it is better to teach basic kite flying skills with a 2 line, it is simpler; as opposed to try teaching the person kite flying and control through sheeting at the same time. just my $0.02

B2 all the way.

chanson · Since 31 Jan 2006 1873 Posts WISCONSIN Chimey

Thanks for the input...That's what I needed..
Thumb's Up