How do you practice with a trainer kite

quenyaistar · Since 21 Oct 2011 416 Posts Cougar, WA Obsessed

I am completely brand new to kiting. I have been into motorized sports for years, dirt bikes, standup jet ski, snowmobile, as well as hiking, mt. biking, and skiing. I want to be competent with my trainer kite before I take a lesson, because lessons look pretty spendy.

I have a water friendly trainer kite so I can practice downwinding in my kyak.

I live in the boonies in the woods, but their is a 30 yard by 60 yard cement slab less than 5 minutes away from me; old logging shed now an emergency helicopter pad. It is well clear of trees on all sides, and located at the end of Yale lake so it should have good wind that runs up or down the long side of the concrete pad.

I was thinking it would be good practice to get one of those cheap big wheeled boards with no straps, rhymes with honda, and go up and down wind on that concrete pad with my trainer kite.

What do you think?

tstansbury · Since 06 Jun 2006 649 Posts Rowena and P.C Addicted

start with flying figure eights then doing them without lookiing right at the kite. next get a harness and fly one handed then one handed without watching the kite. By then you are ready for lessons or to play with the skateboard if you want but be carefull on the pavement.

Youkai · Since 08 Feb 2010 553 Posts Beaverton Addicted

Also practice flying the trainer and keeping it on one side of the window.

E.g. If you are facing straight downwind (12 o'clock) fly the kite to your left. Start with the kite at 11 and do a dive towards the ground to your left. Then steer it back up to 11 and repeat without crossing the center line. Practice this on both sides.

Also practicing while sitting on a stump/short chair/the ground isn't a bad idea. Have your knees up in front of you as this will sort of simulate a water start.

quenyaistar · Since 21 Oct 2011 416 Posts Cougar, WA Obsessed

Will do, Thanks

mystery curd · Since 14 Jun 2010 98 Posts Floating

Skatekiting at M. James Gleason memorial boat ramp on the Columbia. When the parking lot is open, of course. It's easy to build up alot of speed when skatekiting-beware, all it takes is some sand or a pebble to end your season. Great way to learn how to generate forward movement and initiate turns etc. if you are a skater.

Bettyboarder · Mon Oct 24, 11 4:30 pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8Pevl_BNxQ

This is a pretty decent video....then spend the $ and take a lesson

MarkWorth · Since 02 May 2011 149 Posts Hood River Stoked

You will find a description of drills to work on with your trainer kite at:
http://www.gorgekiteboardschool.com/cgi-shl/10-online.pl