So, I'm really at the very beginnings of getting my head around the sport. Spent a bunch of time with a trainer kite, had a couple of lessons, now have my own gear (second hand, but all checked out), read most of the FAQ's and got myself ready.

What now?

What I'd like to do is take myself to a beach and continue practicing body dragging through the water - I can sense I'm not far off being confident standing up and going. However, I'm concious of the fact that in general, people don't want to put up with noobs dragging themselves through the middle of the area they're going.

I'm in Brisbane, btw - any good spots for complete idiots to keep clear of causing other people trouble?

On the upside, I can get out during the day - so I don't need to practice during the weekend peak times.

Any tips and advice on how not to make an annoyance of myself greatly appreciated!

Mate you're already half way there! Just being conscious that there's other kiters and perhaps other water users around you... Remember in windsports you cover ground VERY quickly Sometimes you can't react quick enough even when you are proficient.

Classic case the other week - I was upwind and behind a another dude. Just as I bore away and unhooked he roled into sharp transition. Couldn't re-hook and edge back upwind fast enough... Both our faults - he didn't check back behind enough before turning and I was too overpowered to unhook without bearing away heaps. Both put the "my bad" hand up and carried on, all good. Point is most kiters are cool and will make allowances, just don't learn in that premo flat water / wave takeoff point at your local...

morganj said...

So, I'm really at the very beginnings of getting my head around the sport. Spent a bunch of time with a trainer kite, had a couple of lessons, now have my own gear (second hand, but all checked out), read most of the FAQ's and got myself ready.

What now?

What I'd like to do is take myself to a beach and continue practicing body dragging through the water - I can sense I'm not far off being confident standing up and going. However, I'm concious of the fact that in general, people don't want to put up with noobs dragging themselves through the middle of the area they're going.

I'm in Brisbane, btw - any good spots for complete idiots to keep clear of causing other people trouble?

On the upside, I can get out during the day - so I don't need to practice during the weekend peak times.

Any tips and advice on how not to make an annoyance of myself greatly appreciated!

Some of the best tips not to p**s off the experienced guys mate are:

1) Learn when to raise and lower your kite when passing by others

2) Don't follow anyone all the way in to the beach, rocks or any other obstacles

3) Stay downwind of the majority of other kiters until you are more confident and can cut upwind.

and

4) For the love of god don't jump if there is someone downwind of you.



Edit- If only the noobs at Woodies would follow this, we'd all be much bloody happier.

Whenever you go to a new location, ask about local conditions. Alot of rules (official or just local ettiquete) aren't necessarily obvious. Hazards like submerged rocks or currents aren't obvious either. Take the time to ask someoen about these things and people will respect that.

When I first learnt, I told people launching me that I was a complete beginner, and they would often take the tiem to walk my lines and double check. Good for the confidence.

People tend not to give beginners a hard time so much, - its idiots who are rude and ignore advice who are despised!

Good luck!