so many questions

MasViento · Since 03 Mar 2009 235 Posts 97031 Stoked

Send a PM to pdxmonkeyboy . He is our beginner ambassador and will be happy to answer all your questions.
Wink

lineman · Since 05 Feb 2009 170 Posts Stoked

If I were you, I head out to the new Marina launch area & ask monkeyboy for some help with that new 20m you got.

ben944 · Since 04 Jun 2010 51 Posts

ya ok sorry to waste your time.

pollywog · Since 07 Aug 2009 291 Posts Obsessed

Lack of respect could result in the loss of your life (not to mention the others you could harm). Ask yourself this; "do I value my life?" If you do and it is likely that is the case, protect your longevity and take lessons. This sport is not to be taken lightly no matter what kind of athlete you consider yourself. It simply is not worth the risk when the steps necessary to help ensure your life are easy to find and substantiated.

Moto · Since 03 Sep 2006 2698 Posts Still a gojo pimp! Moto Mouth

hey ben. Just relax and give it some time. Just because there r a lot of views doesnt mean a lot of members are viewing. We got a ton of lurkers. So to answef your question . To get lofted really hi on the water is tuf to do. ive been kiting regilarly for five years or so. I have never seen a huge loft without someone trying really hard. Btw where is monkey he should chime in.

dustin awesome · Since 23 Jul 2009 115 Posts Stoked

yeah, i have to agree with massviento, monkeyboy shuld have some advice that would benifit you and possibly amuse us.... Wink

forrest · Fri Jun 04, 10 10:55 pm

Hey Ben, best way to prevent it from happening is to get out in the water and just whip the kite around all crazy like you've never done it before. Then you'll know what it feels like and won't be so surprised when it happens to you out on the water. Just make sure no one is downwind of you, you have plenty of room, and have a way to get back to the beach that doesn't involve drowning.

Let us know when you're going to do it!

JUMPIN JIMI · Since 11 Nov 2006 123 Posts Stoked

YOU SOUND LIKE A POLE DANCER TRYING TO STIR THE POT? MAYBE YOU SHOULD STAY AWAY FROM WIND SPORTS?JUST STICK WITH MOUNTAIN BIKING, AS LONG AS YOU KNOW WHERE THE BRAKES ARE Exclamation

pdxmonkeyboy · Sat Jun 05, 10 9:15 am

See, if these questions came during the work week it might be nice to take a break and answer them but it sunny outside so your SOL. Besides, I think this is another bullshit post as nobody is that dense.

That said, I'm a huge fan of natural selection and drowning is one of the few methods that we have left in our society that will promptly eliminate your ability to reproduce that is directly based on poor choices. So go ahead and go at.."what happens happens" as you say.

I mean really guys, what could POSSIBLY go wrong when your attached to an insanely powerful kite without any understanding of how to fly it or how the safety mechanisms work.

You already received the correct answer to your question...how do you prevent lofting...you need lessons. As to "how do you come back down?" well fortunately that part tends to take care of itself as gravity never sleeps Its not the answer you wanted to hear, and that kind of sucks but EVERYONE takes lessons in one fashion or another.

If this post turns you off to kiting cause we are all a bunch of dicks (one can hope) then I would suggest these other sports that can give you the same thrill without any of those "pesky lessons"....

- Deep sea diving with mixed air
- hang gliding
- para sailing
- recreational bomb diffuser
- sky diving

dustin awesome · Since 23 Jul 2009 115 Posts Stoked

Mark · Sat Jun 05, 10 9:39 am

Dude,
Don't listen to them. You will be fine. Here is an example of another guy who pursued his dreams.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1281245/Amateur-thrillseeker-breaks-buying-paraglider-eBay-taking-spin--NO-training.html

barfly · Since 31 Mar 2005 1214 Posts Portland BRACKISH

and who can forget this one? you can handle it dude because wind is always so predicable. i have personally seen and experienced healthy loftings of experienced kiters many times. most on the water and some on the ground, don't fuck with it.

Link

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

if he unhooked it would be more legit - nice kite position tho..

KooKiter · Since 20 Jul 2009 62 Posts

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRJbp1Uz64s

K4L · Since 19 Jan 2009 483 Posts Obsessed

Hey man, lessons are for kooks!

If you do decide to get some though your best bet is to save some money and find some illegitimate "instructor" if you want to save some bucks. In fact for $50 bucks an hour give me a call next time the wind is average 30mph and I think I have a 2002 15m I dont mind getting trashed. I will have you gliding across the water in no time Wink

.

I do ask for the money up front but dont worry, you will get your moneys worth. Smile

Lofting? Proper Rigging? Gusts?? Death Spiral? Bad Launch? Tangled Lines? Blown Bladder? Self Rescue? Never heard of it Shocked

. Just scare tactics to keep the best spots from over crowding. If you examine those Utube vids you will see it is just a lot of special effects.

If you really want to get into this sport on the cheap there are some awesome deals on Ebay. Anything pre 2006 is money, dont bother purchasing a helmet, impact vest or any other safety equipment.

DEFINATELY purchase a board leash, will save you so much money not having to replace your board.
Shoot me a PM whenever you are ready!

One suggestion if you do give it a go on your own. Consider getting a tattoo with your name, next of kin and contact info. Probabally wont need it but you never know, other kiters get touchy when they see guys like you getting all cocky trying to go "outside the box". You may well end up floating down the river face down tangled in your lines.

ben944 · Since 04 Jun 2010 51 Posts

Barfly, i watched your video several times, and it appears there are more than one of you geniuses at that beach during what looks like a hurricane! This was not an isolated accident as there were several kiters there and could have been anyone of you.

ben944 · Since 04 Jun 2010 51 Posts

I may be reckless but i'm not stupid.