there's geeks and there's geeks - no doubt.
BUT PLEASE spare a little space 4 us "L" kiters who may look geeky (2 the max im sure) but who are really just being appropriate.
I 4 1 have worked up a full go-go gadget kit in an attempt to minimize downtime whilst working (desperately) toward kiting competence.
As an "L" kiter I do wear a full steamer - even in the tepid river water - as well as a bulky, ugly (dare I say it? [}:)] geeky) buoyancy vest.
BUT HEY - when UR spending half UR time in the water; re-launching, untangling, re-hooking, chasing UR board like a water logged retriever you really do benefit from those floaties.
I also sport a helmet - not cos its cool (no no no) but cos it sure beats a beating on the skull - inevitable some day soon (sooner rather than later I fear)
And now... I have even sunk to the depth of including BOOTIES
(OH shame shame shame)
but with all that walking and wading resulting in nursing some exotid, almost deadly, infected spine prick through a week of perfect wind AND only 1 day after being toe mauled by a vicious, man-eating, mud crab I reckon they're essential - 4 a while at least.

Given that all us "L"s feel crappy enuf displaying the skill level of a clown on the water it simply adds insult to embarrassment to be hen-pecked and sniggered at on the beach &/or forum.
PLEASE give us geeky aliens some time, space (space please - lots of space) and encouragement.
Eventually, 1 by 1 as we find the key to the door of the phone box, we will all doff our Clark Kent suits and emerge, in true Super-hero style, bare-footed & bare-headed, sporting naught but the coolest flame emblazoned bordies & waist harness 2 blast out with U all cw with huge airs, back-flips and board-offs that no self respecting geek would ever dare dream of

iTS A MATTER OF TIME ... NOT FASHION

PS - this thread bears no malice - the overwhelming level of support, encouragement, friendly assistance etc etc offered around the beaches by the competent to the not-yet-so's is just 1 more thing which makes this sport of ours the greatest experience imaginable. Thanks to the many who have helped me out - thus far
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- FINN X