I am interested in learning to Kitesurf. Looks like lots of fun. A few weeks ago I went to a surf shop to enquire about the sport. At the time I knew nothing about ks "season". I had figured that I'd be able to start straight away. But apparantly that was not the case. So I bought a little practice kite to get some experience prior to taking lessons (when the wind is more reliable.)

I have 2 questions:
1) Is it worth taking lessons now in Brisbane or should I wait a few months?
2) I'm going to Cairns in 2 weeks for a few days. Would it be worth my time and $ taking some lessons up there?

Rails is right but the question is - are you going to chase the wind… probably not. I’m assuming you are from Brisy and I think you guys have a simular “season” to us in CQ.

I would wait until the beginning of next season because if you do get a lesson now on the “occasional” windy day in Brisy, by the start of the season you would have forgot 90% of what you got told. NQ has a bigger season but if you are returning to Brisy after the 2 weeks you are in the same situation – limited wind to practice until after winter.

I would use the off season to research gear and get an idea of pricing also start YouTubeing kitesurfing as there’s a heap of riding info on there, go down to the beach on the occasional windy day and look and even have a chat with some of the kitesurfing guys… Get ready to hit the water when those trade winds start

Rails, Windreams and Brisbud - thanks for your comments. I think that I already knew what I wanted to do (get into it as soon as possible). I just wanted someone to say Go For It! So I guess I'll see what the wind is like in Cairns in 2 weeks. Come summer, the worst that can happen is that I have to have a refresher lesson (I hope)

Once I've had some lessons then I'll look at buying some gear. The Naish Pivot seems to be getting a lot of praise. Would that be a good kite for a newbie?

AlphaBravo said..
Rails, Windreams and Brisbud - thanks for your comments. I think that I already knew what I wanted to do (get into it as soon as possible). I just wanted someone to say Go For It! So I guess I'll see what the wind is like in Cairns in 2 weeks. Come summer, the worst that can happen is that I have to have a refresher lesson (I hope)

Once I've had some lessons then I'll look at buying some gear. The Naish Pivot seems to be getting a lot of praise. Would that be a good kite for a newbie?

If you get a chance to go to Port Douglas, say hi to the guys at Windswell on the beach car park at 4 mile beach. They'll give you lessons on the spot and it's a great place to learn, shallow relatively flat water and warm. No stingers this time of year or crocs - too cold. They're hybernating in their creeks.

I'd wait for summer, the winds are more consistent and have a much smaller gust range. I'm up in Cairns at the moment and we're getting 15 knot gust ranges as the squalls come through. Not a problem if you're confident with the kite but can be very unnerving for a new person, you're really looking for a 5 knot gust range average when you're starting out.

If you're just looking for something to do while you're up here then either Yorkey's or Port is a good choice. Take it for what it is though, you'll be going from no wind to too much wind and be wondering wtf is going on.

Anyone that is telling a newbie to get out in a Westerly on the QLD coast is just looking for some cheap winter entertainment.

I love kiting in the right conditions at wello.. great dudes there and it's an awesome spot! As kb dave says. . Forget about learning there.. sandgate and brighton is where you need to go to learn. . And try to find some kiters who have nothing to do with the shops to help you. . Then you'll be fine .