Need an instructor @ Sauvie Island or Hood River

LukaD · Since 04 Aug 2008 2 Posts Hillsboro New Member

Hi everyone!
I'm a newcomer to kiteboarding.
I've practiced trainer kite and decided to go in. So, I’ve just got an equipment and wanna get started.
I went to the beach, inflated the kite and was even about to try launching but luckily didn’t do that.

Could you please recommend an instructor to give me a first basic lesson? Probably anyone who you’ve been taught by?

Thanks,
Dima

Wind Slither · Since 04 Mar 2005 2626 Posts The 503 METAL

There are many past threads on this with many different schools getting recommended. You might try searching.

Also, consider the coast as a great place for your initial kite flying,learning and practice.

Diggy · Since 25 Nov 2006 342 Posts Gorge to Coast Obsessed

Hey, I also live in Hillsboro.

You already bought gear? Is it new or newer than 2006? I bought gear first during the winter of 06 and never used the kites as they were high aspect ratio kites from 2002. I did get some of the cash back by trading them in for new Caution Mayhems which I really enjoy (although I'm glad I started out with T2's for new gear.)

If you take lesson with a school they will provide the gear, you may want a wetsuit and harness of your own as first purchases.

http://www.nwkite.com/forums/t-8763.html&highlight=kiteboarding+beginer
http://www.nwkite.com/forums/t-8526.html&highlight=kiteboarding+beginer

There are many more memorable post on this subject. I just didn't take the time to find them. Do a little searching and you will find many.

I had lesson that were both underground and with a school. My experience was that the school lesson was real instruction, where the underground lesson gave me a bit a confidence of having someone watching me but not really instruction. In realilty if you get in trouble there is little an instructor can do without a watercraft.

I would highly suggest a school/instructor that has jet-ski or water craft assitance. I was very happy with Carlos at www.KitetheGorge.com and Jim and www.newwindkiteboarding.com, contact either of them and they will set you up with quality instruction.

~dig

If you want to carpool out sometime let me know.

holly · Since 09 Jul 2006 440 Posts Hood River Obsessed

take a lesson with bigwinds we use a jetski for the our water lessons..

kss · Since 24 Apr 2006 614 Posts pdx Addicted

Check with Bryan at Gorge Performance if you want to do the lesson at Sauvies.

LukaD · Since 04 Aug 2008 2 Posts Hillsboro New Member

Thanks everyone for your replies either in this topic or in private messages. Unfortunately I was pretty busy at work and couldn't spend much time finding the best deal on instructor. Anyway, I went to Hood River on Sunday and got a lesson from KTG. The wind was really light but Lubo could teach me how to launch the kite, relaunch it from the water and I was able to practice in the evening when the wind become a little bit better.
Looking forward to getting the second part of the lesson - safety in the water and riding a board.

Thanks again,
Dima

PS. If you see someone with blue Airush Halo 10 and who is looking as a beginner that might be me =)

arehn · Since 24 Mar 2008 166 Posts Hood River, OR Stoked

take a lession with kite the gorge they use very nice gear and safety is always #1 with them. they have awesome teachers and very reasonable prices.