Advice for novice?

Hi, I'm interested in learning kitesurfing; my only prior (relevant) experience is some windsurfing. I have some questions for anyone with more knowledge than me:

What would you say is the best way to get started? What about most cost-effective? Should I buy a trainer kite, learn how to fly that, and then take lessons? Or jump straight to lessons? If I bought a trainer, which should I buy?

Any other questions I should be asking? (I've read the faq at kitesurfingschool.org.)

Thanks much in advance!

definatly dont waste your money on trainer, although they are only $150, you'll use it for a few hours but it wont help as much as getting a lesson. rather spend the extra money on a lesson or on some gear. where abouts are you located, for lessons? make sure that you read the liability agreement when having a lesson. if there is anything you do not feel comfortable about while in the lesson, ask the instructor. as much fun as this sport is it can be dangerous aswell.

cheers Nicos

Hi Kevin,

what Nic said !!! Don't waste your money and your time playing with trainers unless you want a stunt kite to fly on light or heavy days. Put your time and money into lessons and then do some more, you will progress much faster than going it alone.

Look around for a kite of around 12m flat sized (depending on your weight), mid aspect ratio Aero, Amp etc. This will give nice handling. DONT get conned into buying a 2 line kite for a first kite.

Regards

Tim Mellor Kite-House Australia ph 61 (3) 5568 2782 fax 61 (3) 5568 2461
www.kite-house.com COMING SOON www.airea.de kitesurfing & buggy kites

Thanks for the tip, I was about to start looking for a trainer on Ebay. I live in Boston. There's a place on the cape that offers lessons, but I'm also considering tripping further a field for instruction. Any suggestions of places on the east coast?

I'm heading to Hatteras in a few weeks. For learning to kite the sound is wonderful - miles of shallow water, sandy bottom, lots of launch areas, instruction available too.

The only think I'd use a trainer for is kite skiing/skating on ice or snow in high winds. I've needed a 3 meterish kite quite a few times this winter here in NW Ontario Canada. Looks like there is always one on ebay (perrymack (88) must have bought a truck load of Airrush trainers!) - Paul

A trainer is nice...but only to learn how to handle a kite...the advantage of a trainer is that one can learn how a kite reacts when it's flown in different wind conditions and how it responds to steering commands. If you've never or almost never have flown a kite, then it's recommandable that you practice with a kite first for the previous reasons...you can use a 'normal' two liner to get used to two line steering, after that you could step up to 4 lines...

'...may Beaufort be with you...'

DaPowerKiter

If you want to ski or skate, get a 4 liner on handles. Something from these guys www.skylinewings.com 2.5-3m might help. I could post you one but probably cheaper to get locally. Problem with 2 line trainers is they cant be relaunched from the handles and you cant kill the power if you need to.

Regards

Tim Mellor Kite-House Australia ph 61 (3) 5568 2782 fax 61 (3) 5568 2461
www.kite-house.com COMING SOON www.airea.de kitesurfing & buggy kites