New Here

Scribble · Since 18 Nov 2005 636 Posts NoPo Addicted

No crowds. It's rare that you can actually kite there. I think you can do it on an easterly when it's nuking everywhere else. I've only kited there once, but it was a great place for a trainer. It's by the airport but not close to planes relatively.

Sauvie would be a great place too. Just walk way upwind of everyone. That way you could get to meet the crew.

gionk · Since 29 Jul 2013 16 Posts Portlandia

guess whats showing up today..

well... as it turns out, the HQ hydra II 350 that I tried to return last week.. it never got returned and is in town today, out for delivery.. I wondered why my bank account wasn't showing a refund.. I changed my mind last week when I discovered the rise 2M, not realizing I needed decent wind to fly the thing.

im thinking now that its almost here, I may just keep it. perhaps this will allow me to fly in lower wind and not have to wait, or drive to the higher wind. the rise 2M has the sheeting ability, but the hydra 350 actually has enough power for body dragging, and other fun things. I think they will both serve me well. I plan to take lessons next year, after I have a good amount of flying under my belt. Smile

D-Krep It Kiter · Since 18 Jul 2011 417 Posts Obsessed

You can progress much faster than what you're suggesting. Full size, four-line/fifth line kites are a different animal from 2-line, 3-line trainers. Your 2m Rise is also quite different from larger kites. You really only need to spend a short amount of time on the 2-line trainer, just to get the basics of steering down, and get used to flying in the wind-window. One or two times out at the most should be sufficient. With the 2m Rise, your goal should just be able to fly it and control it... be able to hold it to one side of the wind-widow, then under control, bring it to the other side. You can try a few power strokes if you want, but really, after that, you're ready for a lesson with a full-size kite and a qualified instructor.

I did do some body drags with my 2m Rise when learning to kite. I also sat on a large, floaty windsurfer and did a little downwinder. While fun, it really didn't add much to the learning process. A good instructor will keep you safe, and get you up and going really quickly. Check out Nate (Air Pirates) who teaches out of Jones Beach... big, wide open area to learn in, and he'll move you through the learning process as quickly as you're ready. I've seen him get people up & going on a board in just one day.