Looking for lessons.

VolksFan · Since 30 Mar 2010 2 Posts portland New Member

Does anyone want to give a couple of lessons for a good price? I have been practicing with a trainer and have all my gear but i dont want to spened 800 bucks for a few lessons. Thanks. volksfan@wavecable.com

hopefall · Since 13 Feb 2009 79 Posts Couve

Paying the dues aint cheap...but we all have to do it. New Wind does a great job. Took lessons from them here and in La Ventana.

Spike · Since 13 May 2007 1414 Posts Alameda Spelling Expert

Tough luck man, if don't have the money for lessons then stay away from kiteboarding.

Here: http://www.nwkite.com/forums/t-17856.html

Now can we lock thread this before it gets out of hand again?

Justsmile · Since 20 Jul 2009 1530 Posts Not Portland XTreme Poster

Just get after it and find the deneros to pay for some lessons. I have paid for lessons and paid in different ways for not taking lessons. I have friends as do most who are rippers and willing to kite with me but taking lessons in a more controlled setting is much safer for you. I have pain from last summer and this winter still that might not be there if I had taken a few more lessons. dont be cheap unless that is the value you place on your life!!

argos · Since 07 Apr 2010 66 Posts

forrest · Thu Jul 01, 10 11:46 am

pdxmonkeyboy · Thu Jul 01, 10 12:37 pm

argos · Since 07 Apr 2010 66 Posts

I have taken lessons and have new gear. I also feel lessons should be mandatory, but I find it hard to listen to trash talk on a website.

I suppose I should keep my mouth shut, its your forum, but some of the posts on here are so weak. I love people that post stuff that they would never say to your face.

My point is simply: more people would be inclined to take all their lessons if they weren't so expensive.

pdxmonkeyboy · Thu Jul 01, 10 1:33 pm

Well I have a hard time keeping my mouth shut so I don't see why you should have to. You have to understand that the forum gets posts similar to yours all the time. "hey I want to learn but I don't want or cant afford lessons". Given the RISKS of the sport and LIABILITY and ACCESS concerns, the natural response is "don't take up kiteboarding then". Gorge kiteboarding is not exactly a wilderness experience.

If you have already taken some lessons then I can't imagine why you are looking at another $800 to take lessons unless your missing an arm or your legally retarded. Cascade Kiteboarding offers jet ski assisted riding with radio helmet communication. I would think that with an hour or two of them shouting in your ear what your doing wrong you would be up and riding in no time.

tonyb · Thu Jul 01, 10 3:08 pm

I don't think you need to spend $800 for lessons. But $300 is well worth it to make sure you have all the safety stuff down and know how to body drag. Tonia has this on her website:

4-Line Fundamental Ground Lesson: 2 1/2 hours, $275
Introduction to a 4-line inflatable, the kite you will be kiteboarding with! Entails 4-line setup, safety, launch & land, flying, one-handed flying, walking and with eyes closed, and some water body-dragging. You'll be getting wet!

That plus another $50 or so to do a couple of self rescues , then, if you're smart, careful, and respectful of the wind conditions and locations, you can teach yourself the rest. BUT - you'll spend two or three times as long and have a much higher risk of hurting yourself by learning it on your own than if you paid for one or two more lessons.

There are a lot of people on this forum (including me), who will tell you to go get lessons even when they didn't. Not because they're instructors and want your money - but because they realize how much risk they took and how difficult it was to get going.

I've seen people take two or three days worth of lessons in SPI that were kiting better than I was after 4 weeks of teaching myself. Granted, the gear is a lot better now but I'm lucky I didn't get hurt or hurt anyone else.

Tony

Tommy · Thu Jul 01, 10 4:33 pm

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

800 bones will get you a very nice lesson package. But not many people spend that much on thier lessons. At least at my school anyways.

KimSoderholm · Since 12 Aug 2009 102 Posts Stoked

Hey VolksFan,

If your still looking to take lessons, try calling GorgePerformance (503.246.6646) and ask for Justin. His pricing might be what your looking for.

See you out on the water Wave

DownStream · Since 18 Apr 2007 381 Posts Obsessed

the cost of professional kite instruction is in line with ski and snowboard instruction and many other sports. considering that we are dealing with a potentially much more dangerous sport, and that nearly everyone in the biz is providing top of the line equipment for beginners to thrash, i think kite schools and instructors are definitely not overcharging for their services.

and realize: no matter how patient your instructor might seem, there isn't one out there that would rather be teaching than riding, so don't forget the tip.

DownStream · Since 18 Apr 2007 381 Posts Obsessed

Spike · Since 13 May 2007 1414 Posts Alameda Spelling Expert

Rant alert:

shred_da_gorge · Sat Jul 03, 10 10:33 am

Lessons are expensive because of insurance. Insurance is expensive because of kiters who don't take lessons...