G'day all

Been interested in kitesurfing for a while and bit the bullet before christmas, buying myself an Ozone Imp3 trainer kite (2.5m) - figured I should learn some kite control and all that before getting a few lessons and surfing gear.

The things a blast - been dragged along the ground at the cenotaph a few times but have yet to get out to an area where you guys are playing around.

I wanted to meet a few people in the community and work out what conditions etc I should be looking for. Had a chat to my nextdoor neighbour, Pete, who is an avid windsurfer and he mentioned that you guys usually are at cremorne and a few other places on the eastern shore.

So before I get in touch with Pete Bailey for a few lessons - where/when do you guys go out? I'd like to come watch.

ALso some advice from experienced guys (since I tend not to trust internet stores sales advice) on what gear would suit a beginner - 6 foot and 85ish kilo (perhaps a few more after christmas...)

If you could get in touch, 0417022873 or reply here. I work 9-5 so weekends and after 6pm now that its light still would be awesome.

Thanks in advance, might talk to you soon

Andrew

Thanks deano. Best place to look for conditions is the droughty point website? It's just been down the last few times I've went to look at it...

Was just down at cliffy and cremorne, enough wind to get the trainer out and drag my ass along the sand a few times, but didn't see anyone else. I know a few guys were heading Marion's today, just didn't have the time to go up.

Anyone heading out tomorrow, and if yes, where about?

Cheers

Yeah I only got the kite out on clifton as there was plenty of room half way along the beach - just stuck my head onto cremorne to see if there was anyone there as my neighbour mentioned that sometimes kiters get out there.

I am well aware that for the first while I will be...crap. So will find beaches with nobody on them - that way nobody can see me make a fool of myself! :)

Helliquin,
good move with the trainer. Learn to fly it blindfolded, drunk, and using the phone all at the same time.
Gear - there's stacks online now, the 12/9 combo seems to work best for most of us here, depending on what board you chose to match it with. If you buy brand new to start with, its probably gonna get trashed when you crash it heaps. We all did.
Kiters - we're kinda spread out a bit more now than we used to be, watch schoolyards (opp sandpits) on a northerly and marion bay on a strong northerly, or Clifton/Sandpits on a southerly. Mortimer Bay on a SW. I don't get out in westerly winds anymore.
Kite hard!

Llama - Flying the trainer drunk has been achieved, sorted that out christmas day.

Only issues I am having with it is flying one handed. Holding the bar in the centre i can move it ok until it gets a bunch of power, then just don't have enough muscle in my wrist to change the direction and pull it out of the dive. Kite meets ground - relaunch.

Whats the trick?

Also with gear - I am coming across a bit of extra cash from work (expenses claim.. didn't realise i got to do it) so was looking at...

http://www.kite-line.com/kiteboardingpackage/2012-Liquid-Force-Envy-Kite-Edge-Board-Harness-Package

Probably a 12 or 9 meter - unsure of which would suit, and a larger board (more floatation, easier for a learner) probably a 146. Suit?

Ando - Did i meet you the other day down towards south arm? regardless - always keen to share a beer. I have gotten hooked on German beers recently.... the girlfriend (bless her german heart and accent) is to blame. Pretty nice stuff though! Would that suffice? Im down in lauderdale so all the places down here are nice n close apart from Marion... but who the hell lives up there?

Thanks for the replies guys, be good to meet more of the community, give us a heads up if you are heading out any time.