QLD
549 posts
I have a 5m Naish charger with 15m lines to teach my boys who weigh 40kg. Would I be better off putting the extensions on the lines? I assume this will slow it down slightly and give it a bit more grunt??
Also, any general tips? Having had the odd stack when learning and seeing plenty of others get hammered, I'm a bit nervous about strapping the kids to a kite. I intend to spend plenty of time having them get decent kite control and body dragging skills before popping them on a board.
TAS
543 posts
HI Burkey boy,
Not sure about the line length, but i think whatever you train them on i think they will cope as long as long as it is not to windy 13-plus i mean, My 3 learnt on a trainer kite, and progressed directly onto C kites, which after 12 months they still use.
Tips. The thing i hammered into em was not doing risky **** in shallow water and to respect other beach users (fisherman and walkers) so there was no conflict for them and me when they were getting the basics down.
and to stay away from everyone till they get control.
Probably the one thing we were strong on was to not not drop the kite in the piss.
We were down your way at Xmas and the younger bloke got fishing line wrapped around his neck from the fishing crew on the Hervey bay jetty and the fishing lads were pissing themselves laughing. So ye stay away from the jettys.
TAS
183 posts
It wont actually slow it down but it increases the size of the wind window, increasing the distance the kite has to travel from side to side which is where the apparent "slowing down" is felt. This said you also increase the length of the lever. Which means you can create more force and power with the kite. Meaning the stacks can be a bit harder.
Benefits for both negatives for both, I'd go short lines until you feel they are in control?
QLD
549 posts
Thanks all, was pretty much in line with my thoughts. You don't have to tell me about fishermen on the pier Tractorguy, I have had quite a few run-ins. I'll often kite the narrow channel that fills in under the pier where the sandbar is as the tide rises. Obviously it's pointless fishing there but as soon as I start using it some smart arse will come and drop a line and then act like I'm infringing on his God given rights to fish wherever he wants. I've had some idiots who were fishing the other side of the pier wait until I've gone passed and then turn and cast way out in front of me as I kite back. It's amazing how they quieten down once you offer to have a chat on the beach with them.
