how to kiteboard

kelly_V_1985 · Since 01 Mar 2010 1 Posts New Member

Hi,

I'm new on this forum and I have a question I hope you guys can help me with.
I only recently decided I want to start kiteboarding and I booked some lessons.

I would like to read some good training material up front.

After some googling I bumped into http://www.howtokiteboardlessons.com

Who has read this book ? It is worth the price ?

Or does anybody has a better suggestion ?

Tnx alot

Kelly

hopefall · Since 13 Feb 2009 79 Posts Couve

The Real Kiteboarding instructional series is a great way to prepare for (not replace) your lessons. I think there are four in the series, but the first two can get you familiar with what you'll be learning. I know 2nd Wind in HR carries them.

http://www.realkiteboarding.com/index.cfm?page=catalog&catID=588

Pepi · Mon Mar 01, 10 11:31 am

Thanks for the props Hopefall.

DVD's are a really good way to go due to the visualization that is provided.

The REAL kiteboard dvd series has traditionally been the best instructional series around, although, I will add one point, in that the dvd's mostly utilize C-Kites in their lessons, which are now not the standard kites used by beginners and 80% of the kiting population.

We do have a new DVD that Kristin Boese (World Champ) dropped off with us at the end of the summer that does provide lesson programs that utilize an SLE-Kite which is what all people learn on and use in kite lessons now. The dvd is called "Kitesurfing-a comprehensive guide to learning kite" by Kristin Boese.

BUT, the best recommendation that I hear from most all professional instructors is for anyone interested in kiteboarding to first purchase a trainer kite(bonus if it comes with a trainer dvd).
Use the trainer kite to practice kite handling skills and develop the muscle memory and timing skills for maneuvering the kite properly. Fly the trainer kite in all wind conditions until you very rarely drop the kite, then switch to flying with one hand (learning to fly with both left hand and right are key building blocks), then fly the kite with one hand on one foot (may sound dumb, but very closely replicates the balance and stability feel you will experience your first time in the water with the kite).

After you have done all of this (and barring any water phobias) you are ready to take a kite lesson (from a certified/recommended instructor)and kick ass this awesome sport.

BTW - we have trainer kites for sale (w/trainer kite dvd) $109.95.

If you're in Portland, drop by Gorge Performance. Should have same deal as us.

KiteDuck · Since 17 Aug 2009 57 Posts

The REAL series is OK, but I really recommend the Fat Sand: Progression series. I have viewed both series and I felt the Progression series was much more informative and detailed. Get the first two of either series and watch them a few times before your lesson.

I find videos are way more helpful than a books for learning kitesurfing.

Nak · Mon Mar 01, 10 11:45 am

I haven't read the book, so I can't say...

I've always thought the sport needed a good beginner's book. There's a lot of information that you need to learn, and a good book could be a great tool. That said, A trainer kite & a good DVD or two is even more important. And then lessons of course.

SalmonSlayer · Since 27 Nov 2005 648 Posts Addicted **CGKA Member**

mschulz · Since 29 May 2007 530 Posts Reno, NV Addicted

I read the book, read about it on the internet, Watched the video, bought the trainer kite and took the lessons.

What I would do different.

Skip the book, read the web on what to practice (Pepi is right on) with the trainer, skip the video, buy a four line trainer kite (not two line) and spend the money on solid lessons. Buy used gear so you have more money to spend on lessons if you need them. Then when you know what you are doing, you can buy the specific kite that works with your style. It would have saved me $2000.00. Thats my $0.02. Good luck.

lineman · Since 05 Feb 2009 170 Posts Stoked

Experience..... the best teacher. The only problem with boooks & dvd's is they only make sence after you know how.
Take 3, 3hr lessons, then fly the kite as much as you can. That is the quickest way to learn.
My 2 cents.

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1867 Posts XTreme Poster

Buy a trainer and fly it a lot. You can't fly it too much. You will be so far ahead for your first lesson if you do.

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1692 Posts I give out bad advice.

Fly your trainer every chance you get. Fly it til you can't make a mistake. Remember that you are always flying/piloting a kite. The board skills you may have don't matter. It'll help later, but it doesn't matter til you can fly a four line kite and do it safely. People who don't respect the power of the kite are easy to spot on the beach and they sometimes become victims.
Take your lessons, learn and respect the power of the kites, don't take any short cuts!!

Go get a 3mtr. trainer and fly it til you puke!!!!

Have fun and be safe,

Your life is gonna change, you might even get divorced and end moving some place windy..it's crazy fun dude!!!

Very Happy

Sella · Mon Mar 01, 10 3:47 pm

DVD's or online you will find endless tips and insight but all previous advice in this post is spot on.......go out and fly as much as you can because your kite skills and muscle memory is everything. One-leg stance from Pepi....definitely!

I'm also 100% with mschultz with popping for a small 4-line used post 2006 SLE kite (4m-5m) for lite wind only use....big wide open area...with a ground school lesson mixed in for expert advice.

Four-line might seem more confusing at first but that's part of the learning curve. They are actually easier to fly....will give you true muscle memory and the ability to practice and feel back-stall, relaunch, self-lauch, self-landing,safety- release ...etc..etc. You can play with it for months and never get bored so you're ready for water lessons come May/June. You will get your ass dragged but that's part of the rush and the addiction that will follow.

You can find them between $200-$400 dollars + harness, which is more than a trainer kite but the payback on your final instructor lessons is so worth this investment. Check out the consignments at the local shops etc. Plus, adding a small kite to your quiver is a must and will hold greater resell value should you decide the sport is not for you.

Good kite flying skills/intuition gives you the best chance at success and your future instructor will be more keen on helping you because they see your serious and have taken the time compared to many Sandbar weekend warriors paying $150 an hour to fly a 2-line kite looking like a complete monkey 'effing a football. Don't be that guy/girl....at least be a cool kook just like all the rest of us. Good luck...and welcome to da club.

DownStream · Since 18 Apr 2007 381 Posts Obsessed

go for it! kiting is the most exciting sport around. once you start you wont look back

JUMPIN JIMI · Since 11 Nov 2006 123 Posts Stoked

MY ADVICE FOR YOU IS... DONT EVEN TRY KITEBOARDING,IT IS VERY DANGEROUS Exclamation

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

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

So, still being a newb.... to what extent can you "train". I have recently been using a B3 and a longboard skate at the Event Site, but what else can I do. A buddy has an older Naish 4m Bow/SLE.... should I be taking that to the water to practice relaunches? If I do, I am a hefty 200lbs, so any dangers involved with "dryland" training if the wind is not nuking? Seen the videos, etc..... looking for more pre-season options, beings I dont have a warm wetsuit at present.

pdxmonkeyboy · Tue Mar 02, 10 8:24 pm

Yeah, I would also run away from kiteboarding as fast as possible. Its too late for me, but you still have hope. Go enjoy your life while this is still time. The rest of us are doomed.

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