Newb looking for a way into kite world

TyFonk · Since 10 Jan 2012 1 Posts SE PDX New Member

Greetings-

On a recent trip to the Dominican Republic (actually there now) I had a bit of an awakening. I NEED to get outdoor/action sports back to the center of my life. I HAVE to learn to kiteboard.

What is the BEST way to learn to kite? I'm good with balance sports; expert skier & mtn biker, low level wakeboarder/waterskier/longboard surfer. Also, I have experience sailing. Should I take lessons?

What I learned in my years teaching alpine skiing was: being on the inside of the industry is rad because paying full retail sucks. How can I do this in the kite world?

Also, I probably need a bit of advice finding some decent quality used gear to get going (btw...I've got some barely used fat skis with randonee bindings & skins that I'd trade...).

Lastly (not leastly) I'll need peeps to ride with. So, I'm 36 y/o dude in SE PDX; anybody looking for a kiting partner?

Thanks and cheers!

WINDUDE · Since 10 Jun 2010 558 Posts GORGE! Addicted

take lessons? YES

Youkai · Since 08 Feb 2010 553 Posts Beaverton Addicted

Definitely find a place to take lessons. There have been a few threads about good schools so just search for them and find one that works for you. The thing about kiting is that you can't safely learn intuitively. If you have board sport experience that might cut down the lessons. Anyway a couple days and you will be good to go. The school should let you use their gear for your lessons and when you are there you can ask your instructor for advice on what gear to get.

quenyaistar · Since 21 Oct 2011 416 Posts Cougar, WA Obsessed

I am taking a 3, 3-4 hour lesson package here, http://www.kitepaddlesurf.com/Kiteboarding-Lessons_c75.htm, in March. Very Happy

A.K. · Since 01 Jul 2006 190 Posts Stoked

Yes - get into it. You are living in a world class location.

- Lessons are absolutely mandatory - you don't need lessons to mt.bike but you do need lessons to sky dive. Like sky diving there are some safety issues with kitesurfing that make lessons mandatory - we don't need to rehash this debate - so just research the numerous previous threads on lessons.

- Many will tell you drop everything and go to La Ventana to learn this winter. Sure if time and money are no object at the moment.

- You are simply in the off season for this region. You need to wait till this summer and start with your lessons with one of the numerous well respected Columbia Gorge kite schools.

The official kite season is not particularly long in the NW so you need to charge on it hard the first season. get in on the early season, By the end of May you should be spending all your free time in the Gorge. Hitting up all the schools and shops for info. and attending the early season swap meets for gear.

Thats my two cents.....

dancingwind · Since 18 Jul 2007 321 Posts Obsessed

Get a trainer kite with DVD, learn the Wind Window and fly the heck out of the trainer kite on your own. Don't waste money on new/used gear, save it for lessons. Take lessons with a certified/legit instructor/school. Learn and memorize all safety/ self-rescue procedures. School/instructor should be able to hook you up with a sweet deal and the right gear.

Blazeheliski · Since 30 Mar 2011 659 Posts Mosier Addicted

If you are in the Dominican Republic right now - take a lesson there! People travel from all around the world to kite in the DR.

Aeolus · Wed Jan 11, 12 3:28 pm

Trainer kite helps a lot...put some effort in ahead of your lessons and they become much more cost effective

http://www.kiteboardingevolution.com/trainer-kite-exercises-pt1.html

etc etc

kitezilla · Since 22 Jun 2006 453 Posts gorge Obsessed

Trainer kites are good to play with at first, but beware that if you put in hour after hour after hour on a trainer kite... you may develop a "trainer kite habit", which can have the effect of giving you a muscle-memory instinct of flying the kite too fast through the hot zone of the wind window. So, when you get a real traction kite in your hands, you fly it too fast, and get a burst of power, much greater than you expect. It happened to a friend of my, this summer, and when the 5 meter traction kite hit the power zone, he got "spanghued"...lost his glasses and almost broke his neck.

WindLogik · Since 09 Feb 2009 95 Posts Hood River

The key is to be in a position in life where you can go regularly. In the season, try and get out twice per week (minimum). This is not one of those sports to do a few times per year.

*** Take lessons, this sport is dangerous, and it only takes a second to cripple yourself for life.

*** After that make an INFORMED decision regarding gear purchases. I am not a big fan of "beginner kites." Get premium, safe gear in excellent condition - there's plenty of it around.

*** Ask about the conditions before you go out until you get the hang of it.

*** The trainer kite is useful, but not THAT useful. LEARN to sheet-out!!

WindLogik · Since 09 Feb 2009 95 Posts Hood River

Wear a helmet! Get a good water-specific helmet.