Kiteboarding lessons in Vic.

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tWp
tWp
VIC
53 posts
tWp tWp
VIC, 53 posts
10 Aug 2005 4:00pm
This is my list so far of places to get kitesurfing lessons in Vic. Does anyone know any more? And who would you recommend?


SHQ
RPS - The Boardstore
KiteSurfDirect
Zephyr Watersports
KitePower
Aim Kites
Airsports
St Kilda Kiteboarding
RAL Innovations

Kitesurfdirect offer the following free intro to kiting:
quote:
Free Clinic and Come'n Try every Sunday, 1 pm. to 4:00 pm.
(Oct. to March every Season)
Please call 1300 304 809 to book your place.




SHQ - www.shq.com.au/shq3/dynamic_sports/product_category_detail.asp?product_category_id=73&sports_name=Kiteboarding&product_category_name=Kiteboarding%20Lessons
(in Sandringham)
quote:
* Private Beginners' (1 Hour) $70
Includes all equipment.
Group lessons are available.
Rates determined by numbers.

* Beginners' Special (5 Lessons) $350
5 lessons pre-paid.
6th lesson Free

* Intermediate (1 Hour) $70
Includes all equipment.
Cutting upwind

* Advanced (1 Hour) $80
Supply own equipment.
Jumping, running toeside,
wave riding included.


RPS - The Board Store - www.rpstheboardstore.com/lessons.htm
(in Elwood)
quote:
1hr Introductory - $75.00 p/h
* Introduction into Kitesurfing
* Basic Safety Rules and Common Sense, Acceptable Beach Behavior
* Terminology & Correct Setup
* Understanding the "Wind Window"
* Gaining control of the kite in the Wind Window, general kite flying, safe launching & landing.

4 hr Package - $250.00 (Includes $50 Rebate Voucher if Buying Equipment / to be booked in 2hr sessions)
* Introductory "As Above"
* Introduction to Harness
* Using Larger Kites
* Self Launching & Self Landing
* Body Dragging (technique used to retrieve your board)
* Introduction to Board
* Combining the Kite and Board

2 hr Additional Lesson - $120.00 (For those that want to perfect their board & Kite Skills)
* How to Edge your board
* How to kite upwind
* Advanced Gybing

Intermediate/Advanced (own gear) $75.00
* This lesson is suited to those who already own equipment and want to learn specific techniques, ie: jumping.


KiteSurfDirect - www.freekitesurfclinic.com.au/f_lessons.php
(a web based store)
quote:
2 Hour Private Lesson - $150
2 Hour Group Lesson - $260 for two

KiteSurfDirect offer a $150 discount/rebate on a lesson with any complete kite package purchased.

LESSON 1 - Introduction to Kiteboarding and Basic Skills
? Kiteboarding Safety
? Principles of Kite Flying
? Kite Set-up and Line Attachments
? Kite Handling
? Basic Kite Flying Skills
? Assisted Launch and Landing

LESSON 2 - Advanced Kite Flying Skills
? Use of Complete 4-line Control and Safety System
? Advanced Flying Techniques
? Self Launch & Landing
? On Water Self Rescue
? Water Relaunch
? On Water Body Drag

LESSON 3 - Getting Going & Kite Tuning
(requires your own kite/board/equipment)
? How to Tune/Adjust your Kite and Board
? Board Handling on Water
? Getting Going
? Stopping
? Tacking
? Staying in Control


Further lessons for $65/hour

Zephyr Watersports - www.zephyrwatersports.com.au/Kitesurfing.htm
(in Inverloch)
quote:
* Half day Lesson (3 hours) - $175, $150 MID-WEEK
- 1st lesson - Where you learn the fundamentals of kite flying, safety, rigging, body dragging and water re-launching. (maximum 2 people per instructor)
- 2nd lesson - Practice your skills and get yourself up on the board.

* Half day Lesson (3 hours) Private - $230
One-on-one instruction. Ideal for those trying to master edging up wind or for those who want ALL the attention

*Weekend Clinic (6 hours) - $330, $300 MID WEEK
In just 2 days you can learn to kitesurf! With the perfect conditions, these clinics are ideal for those who can't wait to get onto the water. Walk away with enough knowledge to become a real kiteboarder.

* Introductory Kite Flying Lesson (1 hour) - $30
If you are not sure, try an introductory kite flying lesson on a stunt kite. Learn the basics - hire it afterwards to play or practice.

* Advanced Kitesurfing Lesson (2 hour) - $200
Learn to boost, spin or loop (must be able to stay upwind)

* 4 Line lesson (1 hour) - $75
Must have had lessons prior. Learn how to rig and fly a 4 line kite. Convert your 2 line to a 4 line. (conversion kits extra $) Private lesson

* Introductory Kite flying Lesson (1 hour) - $20pp
Large group lesson, Available when advertised only.

CAMPS:
$400
2days,1 night (fri night extra $30)
Basic Brecky - Cereal/Toast/Coffee/tea
Zephyr equipment.
6 hours of tuition over the weekend.
www.zephyrwatersports.com.au/camps.htm


KitePower - www.kitepower.com.au/cart.php?target=category&category_id=298
(in Geelong)
quote:
* Introduction to Kiteboarding ($140) - 2 hours
- Flying power kites and foils - learning to fly a kite.
- Setting up inflatable kites, launching, landing, safety and self rescue techniques.
- Site selection and theory - things to avoid.
- On water instruction will only go ahead if conditions are suitable, and once the student demonstrates the capability to handle the kite independently.

* Kiteboarding Level One ($140) - 2 hours
- Review of Intro - Setup, launching and control of the kite.
- Learn how to launch, land and recover a kite independently.
- 'Body Drag' with and without a harness.
- Water relaunching
- Self rescue and self pack-up
Once you complete the above requirements, then you'll get a chance to try a board!

Landboarding and KiteBuggying lessons available for $200 for two hours as well.


Aim Kites - www.aimmultimedia.com.au/kites_lessons.htm
(in Oakleigh)
quote:
1 hour Intro lesson - $85
3 hour lesson - $220


Airsports Kite Surfing - airsportskitesurfing.alphalink.com.au/lessons.html
(in Torquay)
quote:
* 2 HOUR LESSON - $125
* 3 HOUR LESSON - $185
* VIP 4 HOUR LESSON - $250
* 2 AFTERNOONS OF LESSONS - $395 (8 hours>?)

VIP lesson also comes with $125 voucher for any kites/boards/etc.


St Kilda kite boarding - http://www.stkildakiteboarding.com.au/3program.htm
(in St Kilda)
quote:
3 Step Program - $390.

**Kite Pilot** (90 min - $130)
-Safety systems
-Flying training kites
-Local site orientation
-Launching / Landing
-Selecting the right equipment
-The power zone
-Setup
-Full sized 4-line inflatable kites
-The wind window
-Basic Kiteboarding etiquette

**Body Drag*** (90 min - $130)
-Set up and safety review
-Water relaunching your kite
-Using a harness
-Body dragging
-Using the safety systems
-Self assists
-Power / De-power

**Board Rider*** (90 min - $130)
-Unassisted set up
-Edging and Board control
-Tuning the kite
-Changing direction
-Water starting
-New equipment orientation


RAL Innovations - no website
(in Torquay, Geelong, St Kilda, Brighton, Sandy point, Central Vic)
quote:
* operate Clinic/holidays for groups at Sandy point, port stephens, NZ, and Fiji.

*Lesson prices
$65 /hr min 2hrs
$55/hr 2 people/kite

*Day courses
-min 5 hrs instruction
-AKSA Membership
-rash vest
-10% discount off kite/board/harness package
-$425
-25% off for groups of 2 or more.

*Clinics
-all instruction, accommodation, meals included plus use of school equipment.
-transfers from melb airport for interstate clients.
-Dec 26th-30th $120 per day per person based on staying full time.




If there's any others - let me know.
Andrew
Andrew
WA
148 posts
WA, 148 posts
10 Aug 2005 3:25pm
I've done plenty of business with these guys and highly recommend them. They are located in Torquay.

www.adventureairsports.com.au

St Kilda kite boarding are also a nice bunch of guys! You will find them down on the StKilda foreshore (orange PT cruiser).
tWp
tWp
VIC
53 posts
tWp tWp
VIC, 53 posts
11 Aug 2005 2:28pm
Thanks Andrew.
Got them on the list now.


for those who are wondering.. I was looking into who does kitesurfing lessons around vic.. and since there was no complete list - I figured I'd put one togethor. These are what I've found so far.

2 Questions:

ONE: Where should I get my lessons from (for myself and my fiancee)? If you've had any experience with any of them - let me know.
TWO: Who else should I add onto the list (to give a complete list for anyone else new to the sport)


Thanks all,
Rob.
snowman
snowman
VIC
275 posts
VIC, 275 posts
11 Aug 2005 3:34pm
Hi,

SHQ, doesn't do the lessons themselves anymore but will give you the details of the person who does them - I might be able to find it at home.

I'm not 100% but I think Alex (Kitesports) and St Kilda Kiteboarding might be the same or work together.

Where abouts are you located, St Kilda is good for learning, with shallow water etc, but can be pretty crowed in the summer time.
tWp
tWp
VIC
53 posts
tWp tWp
VIC, 53 posts
11 Aug 2005 4:06pm
really? I had a couple of people recommend SHQ. It'd be nice if people updated their website occasionally.

I wondered about the Alex/StKildaKiteschool thing myself. But the contact name n their website was nic - so i wasn't sure.
I'll leave them in seperate on my list until someone can confirm that.h
NSW, 4382 posts
11 Aug 2005 4:18pm
D'day Twp
Contact Kitepower Geelong, they have instructors that work in Melbourne ph 03 5229 5899, ask for Goshen.
If you are prepared to drive to geelong then you can get lessons there in uncrowded conditions, and they are mostly one on one too.
All instructors that work for Kitepower are IKO certified.

Cya and

Goodwinds

Steve McCormack

RAL INN
RAL INN
SA
2898 posts
SA, 2898 posts
11 Aug 2005 4:17pm
RAL Innovations
Tony Lorenz

operate at Torquay, Geelong, St Kilda, Brighton, Sandy point and Central Vic.

also operate Clinic/holidays for groups at Sandy point, port stephens, NZ, and Fiji.

Lesson prices
$65 /hr min 2hrs
$55/hr 2 people/kite

Day courses
min 5 hrs instruction
AKSA Membership
rash vest
10% discount off kite/board/harness package
$425
25% off for groups of 2 or more.

Clinics
eg: Sandy point
all instruction, accommodation, meals included
plus use of school equipment.
transfers from melb airport for interstate clients.
Dec 26th-30th $120 per day per person based on staying full time.

We are also planning adventure kiting holidays for summer along the victorian coast.

best winds
Tony lorenz

ellery
ellery
VIC
187 posts
VIC, 187 posts
11 Aug 2005 8:26pm
Alex Sanz has a company called Kitesports.

This is different to St. Kilda kiteboarding.
tWp
tWp
VIC
53 posts
tWp tWp
VIC, 53 posts
12 Aug 2005 9:40am
have you got any contact details for him?
ellery
ellery
VIC
187 posts
VIC, 187 posts
12 Aug 2005 10:14am
Alex Sanz from kitesports mobile number is:

0415061452

He's only at st. kilda mainly during the summer, but he is there all day every day during this period.
tWp
tWp
VIC
53 posts
tWp tWp
VIC, 53 posts
12 Aug 2005 10:53am
thanks ellery!

it's starting to look like a decent sized list. :D
Arrow
Arrow
WA
25 posts
WA, 25 posts
14 Aug 2005 6:21pm
Alex Sanz

Havent heard that name in a while.
But hey if you want to waste your money doing a lesson with him and listen to him yapping on about how cool foils are and how he is so f***in good with them and how riding a skim board on your knees is his plan to set a new world record. blahaha

Trust me the guy is on crack.
Last year at Mambo he was trying to teach 2 students on 5m inflatables on 30m lines in about 20kn with a good 70 odd riders hammering around.
Its stupid

Its not everyday that you see a kitesurfing "INSTRUCTOR" get into a fight at your local spot. Especially when he isnt even a local and thinks he can go and jump over people on land with his gay foils and wearing nothing but budgie smugglers.

To sum things up he is a crazy spanish bloke that trys to make a living out of flying kites everyday. But it doesnt work. Plus you will get the added bonus of having the words "YEH" and "OH YEH" drilled into your head by the time your lesson is over.

Arrow
goshen
goshen
VIC
30 posts
VIC, 30 posts
15 Aug 2005 11:08am
Alex is a strange one, and probably shouldn't be on the list of dedicted kiteboarding schools for Melbourne - mostly because he's not there ATM, and most of his lessons are about teaching power kiting, not kiteboarding on water. He did teach for St Kilda Kiteboarding two summers back, but hasn't been with them for a while.

I've also heard a few bad reports about Adventure Airsports in Torquay, they are not IKO certified, have done some dodgy lessons and the instructor can't kitesurf himself. One of the local riders had to go and intervene when a student was about to get dragged over some rocks at a Torquay beach. I just think this should be mentioned.
RAL INN
RAL INN
SA
2898 posts
SA, 2898 posts
15 Aug 2005 2:08pm
Funny thing Goshen,
I headed away from St Kilda with my students for 2 reasons
1. overcrowding
2. airbourne foil dude who never got wet.

I haven't come across this Adventure guy how do I recognise him to stay at a safe distance.

ps they can't be budgie snugglers if the cage is empty.

best winds
Tony L
tWp
tWp
VIC
53 posts
tWp tWp
VIC, 53 posts
16 Aug 2005 4:00pm
quote:
Originally posted by goshen

Alex is a strange one...


I had to laugh at this.. I initially heard of alex with a mention of you there as well.

quote:

Goshen is a great guy and a real master. I have also met Alex Sans a few times too, hes a good guy aswell.


I take your point about not being there all the time - and i'll pull him from the list.
ellery
ellery
VIC
187 posts
VIC, 187 posts
17 Aug 2005 2:30pm
I'll just pick out one point about what Arrow said about wasting your money with a lesson with Alex. I mentioned on the extreme kites website that i had heaps of hours using his equipment and with his experience all for $300. When i say heaps, i mean about 50 to 100 hours! For example one time he let me use his gear, but had to go somewhere while i was still out, so he said just bring it back when you can! What kind of a salesman would do that. Anything that is out of the ordinary you either love it, or you hate it. Alex is definitely out of the ordinary and there are a lot of people that do not like him.

Goshens point, which i have made previously is also good that Alex is about power kiting and not necessarily kitesurfing. But to be honest i think Victorians should be thankful that he is trying to increase sports like bugying and landboarding as melbourns weather is pretty crappy.

I can only talk from personal experience, and it was actually about 2 months after Alex had left Melbourne that i began to really appreciate what he had taught me. I thought he was a loony at first too. He had his mate ther (Paul) who actually trained me caus i like him better, but now, i can see what Alex was on about.

A lot of people may not get along with alex, but you can do a lot worse with your money in this industry. I wouldn't exactly say it's a waste of money, and anyway, Alex will help you out for free anyway.

Cheers
James
snowman
snowman
VIC
275 posts
VIC, 275 posts
17 Aug 2005 2:49pm
I had my initial lessons with Alex, and as far as land based training he was execellent, and when it was time to get in the water he gave us over to another instructor. As ellery mentioned he was happy to lend you gear if he didn't need it for a lesson and help out.

Two things I would watch out for (if I had known more at the time)
1. Now I know a bit more about kiting it does not seem so good to spend a lot of time on the land with a kite, but we did learn quite a bit about kite control.
2. Self rescue and safty techniques we not given in any of our lessons, thanks to everyone on seabreeze for filling in the gaps
St Kite
St Kite
VIC
73 posts
VIC, 73 posts
20 Sep 2005 10:25am
Alex worked with St Kilda Kiteboarding School for 2 months 2 years ago, he has OKD obsessive kite disorder, but has a big heart and is always willing to help out.

What the list doesn't mention is the extras, St Kilda Kiteboarding lets you practice and use there equipment until your skills are up to scratch, they are there 9am to 8pm everyday from Nov to May, not just turning up to give lessons. Fully insured with all the council permets to be working on the beach and that means alot if the **** hits the fan. You can also get 2 or more people on your lessons for the same price. They also have a cash back system, whatever you spend in lessons you get off the purchase of equipment. It is not as simple as price, going cheap may not be so cheep in the long run.

St Kite


quote:
Originally posted by tWp

This is my list so far of places to get kitesurfing lessons in Vic. Does anyone know any more? And who would you recommend?


SHQ
RPS - The Boardstore
KiteSurfDirect
Zephyr Watersports
KitePower
Aim Kites
Airsports
St Kilda Kiteboarding
RAL Innovations

Kitesurfdirect offer the following free intro to kiting:
quote:

Free Clinic and Come'n Try every Sunday, 1 pm. to 4:00 pm.
(Oct. to March every Season)
Please call 1300 304 809 to book your place.







SHQ - http://www.shq.com.au/shq3/dynamic_sports/product_category_detail.asp?product_category_id=73&sports_name=Kiteboarding&product_category_name=Kiteboarding%20Lessons
(in Sandringham)
quote:

* Private Beginners' (1 Hour) $70
Includes all equipment.
Group lessons are available.
Rates determined by numbers.

* Beginners' Special (5 Lessons) $350
5 lessons pre-paid.
6th lesson Free

* Intermediate (1 Hour) $70
Includes all equipment.
Cutting upwind

* Advanced (1 Hour) $80
Supply own equipment.
Jumping, running toeside,
wave riding included.



RPS - The Board Store - www.rpstheboardstore.com/lessons.htm
(in Elwood)
quote:

1hr Introductory - $75.00 p/h
* Introduction into Kitesurfing
* Basic Safety Rules and Common Sense, Acceptable Beach Behavior
* Terminology & Correct Setup
* Understanding the "Wind Window"
* Gaining control of the kite in the Wind Window, general kite flying, safe launching & landing.

4 hr Package - $250.00 (Includes $50 Rebate Voucher if Buying Equipment / to be booked in 2hr sessions)
* Introductory "As Above"
* Introduction to Harness
* Using Larger Kites
* Self Launching & Self Landing
* Body Dragging (technique used to retrieve your board)
* Introduction to Board
* Combining the Kite and Board

2 hr Additional Lesson - $120.00 (For those that want to perfect their board & Kite Skills)
* How to Edge your board
* How to kite upwind
* Advanced Gybing

Intermediate/Advanced (own gear) $75.00
* This lesson is suited to those who already own equipment and want to learn specific techniques, ie: jumping.



KiteSurfDirect - www.freekitesurfclinic.com.au/f_lessons.php
(a web based store)
quote:

2 Hour Private Lesson - $150
2 Hour Group Lesson - $260 for two

KiteSurfDirect offer a $150 discount/rebate on a lesson with any complete kite package purchased.

LESSON 1 - Introduction to Kiteboarding and Basic Skills
? Kiteboarding Safety
? Principles of Kite Flying
? Kite Set-up and Line Attachments
? Kite Handling
? Basic Kite Flying Skills
? Assisted Launch and Landing

LESSON 2 - Advanced Kite Flying Skills
? Use of Complete 4-line Control and Safety System
? Advanced Flying Techniques
? Self Launch & Landing
? On Water Self Rescue
? Water Relaunch
? On Water Body Drag

LESSON 3 - Getting Going & Kite Tuning
(requires your own kite/board/equipment)
? How to Tune/Adjust your Kite and Board
? Board Handling on Water
? Getting Going
? Stopping
? Tacking
? Staying in Control


Further lessons for $65/hour


Zephyr Watersports - www.zephyrwatersports.com.au/Kitesurfing.htm
(in Inverloch)
quote:

* Half day Lesson (3 hours) - $175, $150 MID-WEEK
- 1st lesson - Where you learn the fundamentals of kite flying, safety, rigging, body dragging and water re-launching. (maximum 2 people per instructor)
- 2nd lesson - Practice your skills and get yourself up on the board.

* Half day Lesson (3 hours) Private - $230
One-on-one instruction. Ideal for those trying to master edging up wind or for those who want ALL the attention

*Weekend Clinic (6 hours) - $330, $300 MID WEEK
In just 2 days you can learn to kitesurf! With the perfect conditions, these clinics are ideal for those who can't wait to get onto the water. Walk away with enough knowledge to become a real kiteboarder.

* Introductory Kite Flying Lesson (1 hour) - $30
If you are not sure, try an introductory kite flying lesson on a stunt kite. Learn the basics - hire it afterwards to play or practice.

* Advanced Kitesurfing Lesson (2 hour) - $200
Learn to boost, spin or loop (must be able to stay upwind)

* 4 Line lesson (1 hour) - $75
Must have had lessons prior. Learn how to rig and fly a 4 line kite. Convert your 2 line to a 4 line. (conversion kits extra $) Private lesson

* Introductory Kite flying Lesson (1 hour) - $20pp
Large group lesson, Available when advertised only.

CAMPS:
$400
2days,1 night (fri night extra $30)
Basic Brecky - Cereal/Toast/Coffee/tea
Zephyr equipment.
6 hours of tuition over the weekend.
www.zephyrwatersports.com.au/camps.htm



KitePower - www.kitepower.com.au/cart.php?target=category&category_id=298
(in Geelong)
quote:

* Introduction to Kiteboarding ($140) - 2 hours
- Flying power kites and foils - learning to fly a kite.
- Setting up inflatable kites, launching, landing, safety and self rescue techniques.
- Site selection and theory - things to avoid.
- On water instruction will only go ahead if conditions are suitable, and once the student demonstrates the capability to handle the kite independently.

* Kiteboarding Level One ($140) - 2 hours
- Review of Intro - Setup, launching and control of the kite.
- Learn how to launch, land and recover a kite independently.
- 'Body Drag' with and without a harness.
- Water relaunching
- Self rescue and self pack-up
Once you complete the above requirements, then you'll get a chance to try a board!

Landboarding and KiteBuggying lessons available for $200 for two hours as well.



Aim Kites - www.aimmultimedia.com.au/kites_lessons.htm
(in Oakleigh)
quote:

1 hour Intro lesson - $85
3 hour lesson - $220



Airsports Kite Surfing - airsportskitesurfing.alphalink.com.au/lessons.html
(in Torquay)
quote:

* 2 HOUR LESSON - $125
* 3 HOUR LESSON - $185
* VIP 4 HOUR LESSON - $250
* 2 AFTERNOONS OF LESSONS - $395 (8 hours>?)

VIP lesson also comes with $125 voucher for any kites/boards/etc.



St Kilda kite boarding - www.stkildakiteboarding.com.au/3program.htm
(in St Kilda)
quote:

3 Step Program - $390.

**Kite Pilot** (90 min - $130)
-Safety systems
-Flying training kites
-Local site orientation
-Launching / Landing
-Selecting the right equipment
-The power zone
-Setup
-Full sized 4-line inflatable kites
-The wind window
-Basic Kiteboarding etiquette

**Body Drag*** (90 min - $130)
-Set up and safety review
-Water relaunching your kite
-Using a harness
-Body dragging
-Using the safety systems
-Self assists
-Power / De-power

**Board Rider*** (90 min - $130)
-Unassisted set up
-Edging and Board control
-Tuning the kite
-Changing direction
-Water starting
-New equipment orientation



RAL Innovations - no website
(in Torquay, Geelong, St Kilda, Brighton, Sandy point, Central Vic)
quote:

* operate Clinic/holidays for groups at Sandy point, port stephens, NZ, and Fiji.

*Lesson prices
$65 /hr min 2hrs
$55/hr 2 people/kite

*Day courses
-min 5 hrs instruction
-AKSA Membership
-rash vest
-10% discount off kite/board/harness package
-$425
-25% off for groups of 2 or more.

*Clinics
-all instruction, accommodation, meals included plus use of school equipment.
-transfers from melb airport for interstate clients.
-Dec 26th-30th $120 per day per person based on staying full time.





If there's any others - let me know.

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