Northwest Kiteboarding
Forum | Classifieds | Lost & Found | CGKA | Industry | Sensors | Forecast | Spots | Seattle | Decals | RSS | Facebook

Events | Photos | Search | Register | Profile | Log in to check your messages | Log in 

A noob who was suckered in
Page Previous  1, 2, 3
 
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Northwest Kiteboarding -> Gorge / Portland / Oregon Coast
previous topic :: next topic  
Author Message
Kruse

Since 21 Oct 2005
63 Posts

 



PostTue Jun 19, 12 6:48 am     Reply with quote

Nash airborne virus??? Really??? Either this is a troll thread or that's the worst product name I have ever heard.

View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
Wind Slither

Since 04 Mar 2005
2622 Posts
The 503
METAL



PostTue Jun 19, 12 7:38 am     Reply with quote

Kruse wrote:
Nash airborne virus??? Really??? Either this is a troll thread or that's the worst product name I have ever heard.


Kite forum thread from 10/2001

Anyway, just to help you to understand, the kite receives it's name of the
"biological hazard" simbol Lou Wainman has tatooed on his back. The virus is
Lou's 2 line kite pro model.

Jorge Madden - jorge@...

-----Mensaje original-----
De: dougtraub@... [mailto:dougtraub@...]
Enviado el: martes, 30 de octubre de 2001 18:00
Para: kitesurf@yahoogroups.com
Asunto: [ksurf] Naish Virus name


I wonder if Naish is considering renaming his 2002 kite, now called
the "Virus" because the current biological terrorism might
give "Virus" a more negative connotation, if that is possible. Why
did Naish decide "Virus" is a good name for a kite? Maybe he decided
the pirate theme is too docile and juvenile and he wants a name with
more punch. If he keeps the "Virus" name, he could branch out to
other models like the Pox, Andromeda, Leper, HIV. If they become
mundane, he could ditch the disease theme and go supernatural with
names like Ghost, Poltergeist, Evil, Terror and eventually escalate
with a model called Death or Holocaust. The "Armageddon" would be
the ultimate kite.

The whole negative name marketing scheme might spread. Mosquito is
off to a good start and a model called the "Malaria" would be perfect
for them. Honestly, "Malaria" would be better than the
current "Stammos". What the f… is a Stammos? Wipika's new Air
Blast could be called the "Hindenberg". They could rename
their "LTR" beginner kite, the "PUSSY". Someone could develop a
totally bomber kite and call it the "Anvil". How about thinner and
stronger lines called Decapitators?

View user's profile Send private message
achen

Since 03 Apr 2012
39 Posts

 



PostTue Jun 19, 12 12:27 pm     Reply with quote

DangerDave wrote:


I paid $500 for a complete setup,
All the kites,
1 twin tip board in great shape
1 7' directional board in great shape
waste and seat harness,
wetsuit,life vest, gloves, booties
extra lines, parts, tons of travel bags
and 2 bars, 1 small and 1 large....

I would hate to snoop so low to ask, but someone please give me some positive insight on this! I couldn't sleep at all last night, worried that I made very stupid purchase.. Embarassed
t
Thanks again for the help. You guys are probably saving me more $ and time away from the ER room...

Dave


Each board is probably 200-300 on the used market, wetsuit, harnesses are probably 50 each, booties etc another 50. So you didnt do too badly at all. The smaller two line kites should be ok for just messing around with. The bigger ones will get you killed.

You can get a used more recent 4 line kite for as low as maybe $500. Last years model new can be had for around $900.

View user's profile Send private message
achen

Since 03 Apr 2012
39 Posts

 



PostTue Jun 19, 12 12:32 pm     Reply with quote

DangerDave wrote:
Whats the cost of lessons? Like I said before, I have some experience so I will not be one of those students that takes a while to get the hang of things.

Are any instructors located in the Portland area that you guys recommend? I am going to Detriot lake on the 4th and would like to find a instructor that can work with me between now and then , and would be willing to let me use some gear down in Detroit for the week..

I may be pushing it by thinking this is possible but that's why I am here talking with you guys, to find the reasoning behind my ideas.. Wink


The problem is there are small things like if you start to get lofted, let go of the bar that are the opposite of what your instinct will be. Your tendency will be to yank the bar which will make things worth. After you get lofted you can be seriously injured so it doesnt really help that you learn quickly because a single mistake can break you.

Other examples are when you rig, if you have a loop in your line, when you launch the kite can slam down and injure someone and destroy the kite.

Chances are you will damage your kite without lessons so you might as well take them.

View user's profile Send private message
DangerDave

Since 17 Jun 2012
11 Posts
Portland,OR
 



PostTue Jun 19, 12 6:09 pm     Reply with quote

So many good pointers but I still think you guys think I'm someone who has never seen a kite before. I assure you I am not one of those guys that buys a kite for the first time and tries to fly it in 40+.. Me coming here for advice should prove this. On the other hand, me buying crap on CL may prove me wrong.. : ) I didn't buy the gear just for the kites. I got a great long board and twin tip and tons of useful gear.

As for experience, I was land kiting daily with SOKA ( Southern Oregon Kite Addicts) before they even started a kite program down there. I flew a 3m Slingshot, 3m and 5m radsail (ram air).. I modified the radsails to run off a 2 line bar and used those primarily. I also have experience using the 4 lines in the snow but just a few days out of the season. I own a ski boat thus wakeboarding is not a new sport to me. And from my paragliding experience, I learned to make decisions that dont involve mistakes such as holding the bar instead of just letting go before being lifted.

Besides my experience, kites, or what I have or don't have. Lessons are a first before I try and kite on water. I have an email in with Nate at Skypirates.. I will call him if I dont receive a reply soon.

I am not a troll, I am someone looking for advice. I am not sure why some of you think I am trolling.

Someone mentioned I should mess around with the smaller kite. How do you guys feel about this? I would like to keep the 2.5m just to train with and maybe take out with my long board. Do you guys recommend I even trash that? It's so cute! I dont imagine it would handle much different from my radsails and slingshot. Is this not true?

Again, I assure you guys that I am not someone that makes stupid decisions. I have never been seriously injured in any sports because of the precautions I take. I plan on making kitesurfing a enjoyable experience, not a trip to the ER or an embarrassment to the community.

I totaly gave up the idea on kiting Detriot (unless you guys approve of me taking the 2.5m and my longboard. With my skiboat and jetski, Detroit is not a total bust...

FlyDunes and anyone else that is interested in who I am and why I am here,

My name is Dave Martin, I moved to Portland (OC area) from Medford 2 years ago for Aviation school. I spent the last 2 years working on a commercial helicopter license from PCC/Hilsboro aviation. I finished my ground schooling and flight time is all that is left. Due to finances I can no longer continue my aviation classes but I will continue my education with something else that does not cost $64K. I worked with Kevin Lee with Thermal Tracker paragliding and was riding with Matt and Jason when they first started kiting in Southern Oregon.

There is a lot more about me but I will leave that for facebook.

Thanks again for the help guys!

P.S. Sorry for the long post but I wanted to clarify some confusion.

View user's profile Send private message
Hein

Since 08 Mar 2005
1314 Posts

Possessed



PostTue Jun 19, 12 6:35 pm     Reply with quote

..
Last edited by Hein on Tue Jun 19, 12 8:35 pm; edited 1 time in total

View user's profile Send private message
jeremy

Since 18 Aug 2006
276 Posts
Manzo & HR
Obsessed



PostTue Jun 19, 12 8:02 pm     Reply with quote

I'd think the 2.5m would be pretty similar to the Slingshot B3, should be fun to play with. I flew an old 12m in light wind without a harness, effectively making it a 2-line kite. Those kites would all be fun in light wind with a landboard. And don't use a harness, worst thing is you'd just have to let go of the bar, so make sure you wear a wrist leash to cover that situation.

I've watched a lot of kiters teach themselves, and I'm sure with all your experience, you'd do better than a lot of them. The safe call is lessons (lots of good info and exposure), but this sport is still open, no permits or licenses required. Lots of us taught ourselves, there's plenty of great online guides, if you are into doing some online research, I'm sure you can do as well as everyone else that's self taught. And there isn't a right way to do lots of things, but choices.

The safest kiters are the ones that understand how/why they are doing something. If you understand what you are trying to do, you'll be able to avoid dangerous situations. Even today, kite leashes are made that can be hooked up backwards. If you understand the leash and how to use it, you'll never hook it up backwards, but if you are just following a rule to hook up the leash, then there's a chance it might get hooked up backwards making it very hard to reach the release if you're getting dragged backwards.

Last edited by jeremy on Thu Jun 21, 12 9:39 pm; edited 2 times in total

View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Aeolus

Since 20 Apr 2010
354 Posts
Gold Beach, OR
OR-SoCo-Aficionado



PostWed Jun 20, 12 11:03 am     Reply with quote

DD.... Everyone has been in your position at one point. I've gained a hell of a lot of insight with the Search function on this site and all the old threads. folks over at the dirtbag diaries have a nice piece of apparel that is appropriate for kiting and other adventures. There are a lot of dirtbags on this forum for sure! that will identify with this diagram of fun.... Laughing You can say that not taking lessons is good for the pocketbook initially but when you get to the action layer your path has a higher probability of going horizontal and puts you in the pain pathway which then enters you into the american healthcare system of which there are few good stories. The important thing to remember is that you don't want to involve other people if you unfortunately put yourself on the pain pathway.... you make no friends over there on the right-side. good luck out there!

   3ToF_.JPG 

View user's profile Send private message
DangerDave

Since 17 Jun 2012
11 Posts
Portland,OR
 



PostThu Jun 21, 12 4:45 pm     Reply with quote

Thanks again to everyone that took the time to give me their advice. I am communicating with Nate over at Skypirates and we are going out to Jones beach next Thursday for my first "Official" lesson.

View user's profile Send private message
Nak

Since 19 May 2005
4304 Posts
Camas
Site Lackey

CGKA Member


PostThu Jun 21, 12 10:25 pm     Reply with quote

Cool! Nate is great; you're gonna have a ball.

View user's profile Send private message
achen

Since 03 Apr 2012
39 Posts

 



PostFri Jun 22, 12 5:26 am     Reply with quote

DangerDave wrote:
Thanks again to everyone that took the time to give me their advice. I am communicating with Nate over at Skypirates and we are going out to Jones beach next Thursday for my first "Official" lesson.


make sure he knows your background. With all your experience landboarding,the main thing you want to learn is how to recover and not drown when things go wrong (like self rescue, body drag )

I had never flown kites and I was able to body drag almost immediately. I could water start after a 3-4 hours. I could just barely go upwind after waterstarting. The only thing I had done was windsurfed and I was very afraid of the kite. It took another 9 hours or so to feel comfortable with the kite. With your experience it might be very fast.

View user's profile Send private message
Weaz

Since 23 May 2012
360 Posts
Beaverton
Obsessed



PostFri Jun 22, 12 7:37 am     Reply with quote

But make sure you listen and follow directions. It is very important, Nate will not tell you anything that is not NEEDED.

View user's profile Send private message
pjc

Since 06 Mar 2005
649 Posts

Addicted



PostFri Jun 22, 12 9:19 am     Reply with quote

Newer folks seem to overthink this stuff.

If you have a good 7 and a good 9 (kite that depowers well, made in the last 2-3 years) and a wide-ish board you'll be good for most of the "good" kiting.

When it's real light, do something else.

When it's moderate, you won't be able to stay upwind, but you can have fun doing a downwinder with the 9.

When it's solid, you can have fun with the 9 or or the 7, depending on how strong.

When it's nuking - you're a beginner, do something else.

So really, 2 kites + 1 board + local knowledge of where to set up a downwinder is all you need for your first season.

Honestly, after that you'll probably add a 5 m for nuking, and maybe some more efficient board for light-to-moderate, and maybe a SUP for when it's really light.

I think this whole "you need 3-4 kites and 1-2 boards" intimidates the new people and then they go for these stupid discounts.

View user's profile Send private message
Reaper356

Since 10 Dec 2006
781 Posts
Salem / LC Oregon
Opinionated



PostFri Jun 22, 12 11:04 am     Reply with quote

Sucks on the kites, watch the classifieds here on NW, some deals come up. In your case I'd take anything 2008 or newer just to save the season. The 2008-2009 stuff should be fine if it's not beat too bad.

Kiting Detroit, via boat!? I've thought about that, but there are better options for learning. I've been out there fishing and observed:
- Gusty
- No bailout
- Cold and deep
- Wood

I'd classify that area as advanced, especially having to boat launch and land as a noob! Your lines are going to get jacked up, you aren't gonna have fun and you might get hurt.

Just drive to the coast, on a light wind day, and pick a wide open area where there's nobody and practice there. You can practice drags if you stay on the inside or go to a bay (better idea).

View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
epipygus

Since 11 Nov 2010
4 Posts

Kook



PostSat Jun 23, 12 11:34 pm     Reply with quote

You bought 2003 kites - remember, the sport was only about 3 or 4 years old then. We've had a lot of updates since then. I agree that a 2008 kite or newer is the way to go - the depower (which translates to WAY more safety as well as ease of use) will help your confidence and you will definately learn faster. Make sure you know what a C-kite is and that you DON'T buy one! The safest kite to learn on is a five line kite like the North Rebel. I know I'll get some flak for that statement but I've had 4 line naish and slingshot SLE kites as well as 5 line North Rebels. If you dump a five line kite it is much easier to real in for a self rescue.
Before your lesson, watch some lessons on youtube or better yet, get a hold of "progression begginer", it's a great DVD). You sound like you already have a lot of knowledge around wind and kites but the water brings in a whole new element once the kite goes down - and trust me, it will. Relaunching as you are drifting downwind while trying to maintain control of a board and keep calm in a bunch of lines floating around you is a lot different than relaunching on land from a stationary spot where you can stand. Sounds like the 2.5 you got would be a great trainer kite but I wouldn't even suggest the others for actual water use - safety being a big reason - but also, if you dump it, good luck relaunching!
Once you understand the way the newer kites depower (has to do with the shape of the kite more than just the fact that it is 4 lines) you'll understand why most of us are saying NOT to use the kites you got for actual kite boarding. Like most everyone said, the gear you got for a total of $250 (once you minus the return price of the kites) is a fair price and stuff you need anyways. I know you can easily find a 2008 naish cult on ebay for $400 or less with bar and lines and a 2010 North rebel for about 600 with bar and lines. I'm about 200lbs and have a 12m, 9m, and 7m in my quiver but I also know a guy at the beach who has nothing but a 9m north rebel and he makes it work (of course he can only go when it's blowing decent but not nuking). Have fun and be safe.

View user's profile Send private message
epipygus

Since 11 Nov 2010
4 Posts

Kook



PostSat Jun 23, 12 11:35 pm     Reply with quote

You bought 2003 kites - remember, the sport was only about 3 or 4 years old then. We've had a lot of updates since then. I agree that a 2008 kite or newer is the way to go - the depower (which translates to WAY more safety as well as ease of use) will help your confidence and you will definately learn faster. Make sure you know what a C-kite is and that you DON'T buy one! The safest kite to learn on is a five line kite like the North Rebel. I know I'll get some flak for that statement but I've had 4 line naish and slingshot SLE kites as well as 5 line North Rebels. If you dump a five line kite it is much easier to real in for a self rescue.
Before your lesson, watch some lessons on youtube or better yet, get a hold of "progression begginer", it's a great DVD). You sound like you already have a lot of knowledge around wind and kites but the water brings in a whole new element once the kite goes down - and trust me, it will. Relaunching as you are drifting downwind while trying to maintain control of a board and keep calm in a bunch of lines floating around you is a lot different than relaunching on land from a stationary spot where you can stand. Sounds like the 2.5 you got would be a great trainer kite but I wouldn't even suggest the others for actual water use - safety being a big reason - but also, if you dump it, good luck relaunching!
Once you understand the way the newer kites depower (has to do with the shape of the kite more than just the fact that it is 4 lines) you'll understand why most of us are saying NOT to use the kites you got for actual kite boarding. Like most everyone said, the gear you got for a total of $250 (once you minus the return price of the kites) is a fair price and stuff you need anyways. I know you can easily find a 2008 naish cult on ebay for $400 or less with bar and lines and a 2010 North rebel for about 600 with bar and lines. I'm about 200lbs and have a 12m, 9m, and 7m in my quiver but I also know a guy at the beach who has nothing but a 9m north rebel and he makes it work (of course he can only go when it's blowing decent but not nuking). Have fun and be safe.

View user's profile Send private message
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Northwest Kiteboarding -> Gorge / Portland / Oregon Coast All times are GMT - 8 Hours
Page Previous  1, 2, 3
Page 3 of 3

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You can attach files in this forum
You can download files in this forum