This is a great question, i have often thought it myself as i have double trouble but a bit younger and i cant wait to get them out. I windsurfed from 10years old as my old man was a keen sailer, this gave me a understanding of sailing basics at a early age. I have thought with my boys I would introduce them to a cataram around 8/ 9 years (already flying stunt/ trainer kites), just by hire some where in perth for a few sessions, then enquire about kitesurf lessons, just to take it out of my hands for basics. Then itroduce flat shallow water , then just hit the beach....... wammo........ every freakin day... when there is wind ...... yeahhhhh

Check out the rotate button in the Windows Picture Viewer...

Also, you may find this useful:
www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Kitesurfing/General/Kite-sizerider-weightwind-chart/

My youngest son started when he was 12. Now 21 and still kiting. They learn quickly. Don't worry too much where you go, just stay close.

I started sailing single handed boats in NZ when I was 12, and I was considered old. I used to skipper in National level regattas in 2 handed boats not long after. (I'm not going to lie, I didn't win anything and came close to the back of the fleet but did well on handicap).

I think your eldest - no dramas - by your account it sounds like he can handle himself in the water. It comes down to the individual but if your kids don't flap under pressure then I think they would be fine.

I'm pretty sure I have seen photos of a 7 or 8 year old kid kiting on Seabreeze.

Ewan Jaspan (National Junior Champ, 2nd Mens Open) started when he was about 12 I think.

I guess the issue is cost - he will be growing and may need to change kites every season. Bonus being - you can pass them down to your younger son.

There was a guy in Durban who started his kids on trainers at 5 and starting them kiting at 7. They needed custom boards due to their size but after 6 months they were already pulling tricks most senior kiters could only dream of. And that was in the old days of C kites with very little range.

GalahOnTheBay said...

^^^ What they said

Like skiing the earlier they get in to it the easier it is to learn.

Damn those grommets!

so true........

and frustrating at times............. you see young kids in the surf lineup battling then one year later these same kids are punting off waves and getting deep in the pit...

HI Lukelano
I have been teaching my 10 year old boys to kite the last couple of weeks. I don't think there is any particular age when you can start to teach them, it is an individual thing and their maturity and ability to concentrate on what they are being told is more important.
Get them a really small bow kite with plenty of de-power, I got mine a 5m Flow, but for there first time body dragging try to borrow an Uno. It is only 2.5m but will give them plenty of confidence and not scare them. Young kids can be very easily put off so go very slowly with them and don't push them. Defiantly get a small life jacket and crash helmet and a very small harness that fits properly.
I have been teaching mine at Pinnarroo and if you get down early, just as the seabreeze comes in or wait till after about 5.30 it is not too crowded.
Definitely try and get hold of "Progression Beginners" DVD and treat this as homework before they go out, so that they know what to expect.
Unless you have taught kitesurfing before I would say get professional lessons. Imagine facing there Mum if something went wrong.
Listen to what cbulota says, I have seen him have good success teaching young kids at AKS. I also recon Christiana at AKS would also be good at teaching kids cos she has her own and would know how to teach kids. You cant teach kids the same as you teach adults. If you do pay for professional lessons make sure you check out, and are confident with the individual that will be leaching your kids, not just the school.
The most important thing is to go very slow, not push them and make sure they fully understand everything they have been told.
Hope this helps and wind permitting I'll be down at Pinnarroo this weekend with my boys, Im easy to spot I'll have 2 noisy 10 year olds bouncing around me. So come and say Hi
Hope this helps
Steve

hi guys wish you the best im 10 and i kite hope these tips help
i fly a 5, 7, and 10 ozone C4 plenty of power and depower.
what ever kite you choose make sure it has a small chicken loop and make sure you can reach the depower.
i started body draging on a 3 meter and flying it on the beach
the board was the main thing. i needed a small one (124,126)and foot straps to fit my feet. nobile 2011 and underground foot straps work best for me.
i dont like wearing my life jacket but its saved me a few times.....
and by the way my dad taught me, he might of taught me to well because now i can kick his butt.

one way to get some board skills going...



I'm planning to try get him on the kite board next session...

Little lagoon denham,can get a touch lumpy the wind in an easterly but really shallow ,follow them around on a sup or kyak

harry potter said...

aro said...

hi guys wish you the best im 10 and i kite hope these tips help
i fly a 5, 7, and 10 ozone C4 plenty of power and depower.
what ever kite you choose make sure it has a small chicken loop and make sure you can reach the depower.
i started body draging on a 3 meter and flying it on the beach
the board was the main thing. i needed a small one (124,126)and foot straps to fit my feet. nobile 2011 and underground foot straps work best for me.
i dont like wearing my life jacket but its saved me a few times.....
and by the way my dad taught me, he might of taught me to well because now i can kick his butt.

A more mature post than most on here .... Lol. Good luck little dude

Have to agree with you potter... puts his words together better than me
and ARO keep it mate

Haha... josh the eldest already does in the surf...Haha..i occasionally go out with them for a surf and he always seems to be right in the sweet spot. maybe im just getting old...
Have had quite a few pm's and am gratefull to everyone who has replied. Boys are keen as mustard so its on....i spoke with darren from AKS and he said they need to be 12 and up, which i can appreciate for safety on both sides. So unless i can get someone privately might just have to go it alone. But have taken everything in from all the advise...
Much appreciated guys..
Cheers Luke

No one mentioned Dimitri's son Cameron? Kiting at 5. (better than me at 7?)

There is no reason not to let them learn.
Maybe they will listen more to a instructor not related.
The only pre-requirement I would look for is that they really want to do it, they will need that inner drive to keep at it. Also understanding where the wind is coming from etc. will be very helpful. Maybe even a few goes on a windsurfer will help this.
Let their friends come to watch etc. as this will be a good motivation.

In fact getting a 2 line stunt kite that they can teach their friends kiting will do more to motivate them to continue than anything else.

Most of all, the entire process has to be fun, not work. and that is the real trick.

Robbie Shire Maidment / National Flexifoil Rider 15 Years Old
"Robbie is the smallest kite addict out there. He is a dab hand at buggying, landboarding and freestyle kitesurfing. Being the Flexifoil mascot at every Flexifoil event for years has made Robbie learn fast and grow up with an uber relaxed, nonchalant attitude.

Robbie's Mum and Dad have supported him to the utmost since he started flying a one liner at the age of 5. As Robbie got bigger he moved onto a two liner. By the age of 6 he was cruising on a landboard? the rest is history! Robbie's main passion is now freestyle on the water and you can see him ripping it up at the BKSA Tour in the Juniors and at the European Junior Championships. Watch out, Robbie's on the way up a big way!"



I remember kiting with him back in 2004! He was flying the same size kite as I was... a 4.9m Blade 3!