how to kiteboard

pdxmonkeyboy · Thu Mar 04, 10 3:49 am

I think your grossly mistaken if you think my answer was not serious. I couldn't be more serious. You may think I'm just being a dick, but what the HELL are you WAITING for? Doesn't take a year of flying a trainer kite to learn to kb. If there was seriously something that I could teach you on land I would. But honestly, if you can ride a skateboard AND fly a kite at the same time... you need to get on the water. Mike I will be into the full on lunch hour sessions at the sandbar this summer if you want to sesh.

The truth of the matter is that there is nothing that you can practice that will make you a better kiteboarder besides kiteboarding. If your learning watch some vids, take some lessons and if you dig it, buy some gear as fast as you can and get out on the water.

Skate kiting is great in the off season and if you get out when its nuking it can really stengthen your ankles. Stretching is good also. Once your up and tacking back and forth, find someone that looks like they know what they are doing and ask them to give you some tips. I love seeing people get better and progress and will always give people tips out on the water or lend a hand when things go south.

mikeinhoodriver · Since 23 Apr 2009 440 Posts down wind somewhere Obsessed

Thanks Monkey.... I did start last year. Got my quiver, got my boards, just dont have a warm wetsuit, hence the question was related to what to do in the early/pre-season while the water is still chilly. I follow what you're saying. I am still a newb and struggle with staying upwind... just dont want to get cold... Smile

I'll have to look you up for summer sesh, until then stay warm.

forrest · Thu Mar 04, 10 8:38 am

Mike, head over to 2nd Wind and talk to Pepi about a Hyperflex AMP 5/4/3 with Hood.

mikeinhoodriver · Since 23 Apr 2009 440 Posts down wind somewhere Obsessed

Forrest, Exactly what I'm gonna do! My anniversary is next week, so looks like my wife is gonna get me a gift... Smile

Forget dryland training.... were just gonna have to get wet!

pdxmonkeyboy · Thu Mar 04, 10 10:38 am

Mike, also look at the O'neil 5/4 or 5/4/3 mutant. Very flexible and super warm. I've never been cold in it, ever.

kochease · Since 03 Jul 2008 760 Posts In Ft. Stevens, OR Opinionated

Mike check out the new Hyperflex Amp K. It is sweet!! Has a drain system on the legs so they don't fill up like balloons... Shocked

forrest · Thu Mar 04, 10 11:07 am

The mutant is baddass, except it's $350 last time I checked...

pdxmonkeyboy · Thu Mar 04, 10 11:37 am

I think it can be had for $300 online. I bought mine at gorge P and with a 20% in-store credit, was able to buy a pimp pair of booties as well. I figure that you can wear any cheap piece of trash wetsuit in the spring and summer but when it comes to a winter wetsuit, it was worth spending more to get a super nice suit.

I can't say enough about the mutant. the interchangeable hood/ neck seal is awesome and not having any zipper is also a plus. Chooch just picked one up and I think he is really happy with it.

But yeah, if you don't have the cash you don't have the cash.

mikeinhoodriver · Since 23 Apr 2009 440 Posts down wind somewhere Obsessed

...Thanks for the tips. Hope to have one by next week. I am looking to buy a suit with hood attached....ok? regret? Mutant might be a bit out of price range.

pdxmonkeyboy · Thu Mar 04, 10 12:54 pm

Its a personal preference thing. A hood is nice when the air is cold as if your head is cold, your hands and feet WILL get colder, faster. The nice thing about the mutant is that its both a hoodie/non-hoodie. Folding back a hoodie tends to be quite uncomfortable.

mikeinhoodriver · Since 23 Apr 2009 440 Posts down wind somewhere Obsessed

holly · Since 09 Jul 2006 440 Posts Hood River Obsessed

as a previous kiteboard instructor i would highly recommend buying a trainer kite and a harness. Fly the trainer then once you get comfortable strap on the harness and get a harness loop for the bar, practice flying the kite hooked in because that is what it will be like flying a bigger kite. you will notice that the pull will be on the harness and not your arms. practice flying it one handed walking one way and the other. Getting a DVD will help you visualize what you are trying to accomplish. anyways good luck!

also if you practice with the trainer it will cut the time you will be paying an instructor to teach you and allow you to spend more time on bigger kites and water lessons.