BurkeyBoy said...
We often get posts on here from people who've picked up an ebay "bargain" and are after a few tips before going down the beach, "cause it looks like fun".
Seriously, get a few lessons. I know they're not cheap, but neither is a hip reconstruction. A couple of days ago I politely asked a dad and his teenage boys to land the kite so we could chat. This was after it was launched "trainer kite style", that is, directly downwind and thrown up into the air. I'm sure most of you are now picturing the kid going from zero to a flat out sprint on tip toes in about 2 seconds. While the kid was getting his breath back I managed to get to him and asked him a few basic questions such as "do you know what the wind window is, do you know how to depower the kite, why don't you have a safety?" The blank stare I got told me the answers.
I think he quickly realised there was a big difference between a 2m trainer and an 11m slingshot T3.
If you want to get into kiting, great, you'll love it... after a few lessons. Believe me, it's money well spent.
Thank God with the guys from Seabreeze, I was in the same boat 2 years ago thinking I can learn by myself, no worries. NO, YOU CAN'T!!!
And it's not only a matter of safety, it's a matter of "do you want to learn kitesurfing in 6 hours safe and sound?" or you want to learn it in 5 months?
It's also the way you tell a beginner to have lessons! If you tend to be really ****ty and tell him with the wrong words/voice tone, there is a chance he'll fight back and not listen to you.
Huge thanks to the guys on seabreeze for advising me to get lessons and also thanks to Dave for teaching during winter :)
