Stalled newb headed to Newport

hobbsla · Since 28 Jan 2006 389 Posts Obsessed

Anybody out there ever parctice flying their smaller c kites in lighter winds on the beach before hitting the water, when they were newbies? I've been dying to fly an '06 7m fuel I picked up. I want to practice self launching, landing, and use of my fifth line. I've taken a lesson...bodydrags with a 6m c and a 10m c. Have not flown a lei since then but logged lots of time on my 3.6 m foil. I'm going to be in Newport Mon. thru Thurs. and I want to practice with my fuel (lighter winds permitting) but I dont want to be a total kook or worse, act too dangerous. Where I live now is total shit for open launches and decent wind so I dont want to miss an oppourtunity on the coast. Any advice or comments would be welcome.

Thanks, Jeremy

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3754 Posts PDX-LA Videographer

When JP and I were down at Oregon State we always used to fuck around on the beach, land jumping and shit. Can't say it's the safest thing, but so long as the wind is light, you'd probably be fine just flying.

This video I made a while back has some clips of us screwing around there!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pOxtI9KAZc

South Jetty

Wind Slither · Since 04 Mar 2005 2626 Posts The 503 METAL

Yeah Hobb,

Fly that thang, the ORCO is perfect for kite flying practice. Obviously just stay far away from any downwind obstacles including people.

When your learning it's good to take every opportunity to practice flying. I hear a lot of learners get to the beach and if the winds not perfect they start whining....BS!...any wind is an opportunity to learn.

Put it in the air!

Thumb's Up

boredbrain · Since 16 Feb 2006 352 Posts Hood River Obsessed

Great idea. Practice makes better. Cool

carolb · Sun Apr 13, 08 9:56 am **Sit in knee deep water and try**

Best thing you can do is sit in knee deep water and put the kite down and relaunch about 50 times on multiple days so you know how to relaunch in different wind angles and wind speeds. If you get knocked over or dragged in knee deep water it doesn't hurt compared to the sand.

Also, practice the pull of the kite taking you from siting to your feet as it will be similar to getting lifted out of the water onto your board.

And last, practice many times completely releasing your kite with the release system so you know if will work when you need it and you have some muscle memory of how to react in an emergency.

Also, get a big floaty board with big fins to start as it will make getting up and getting back easier.

arehn · Since 24 Mar 2008 166 Posts Hood River, OR Stoked

ya man go 4 it. the more flying time the better