Hi guys,

Im looking for a kite partner in Perth. Im new to Australia (and thus to the spots) and still learning kitesurfing on my own. I would like to go kiting with someone for the confidence and also for the fun of it.

Anyone up for it let me know

Cheers!

Unless you go to an advanced spot, you will find heaps of other beginners/intermediate kiters to kite with. Just introduce yourself when you get to a new spot and ask about the local rules, do's and don'ts...If you ever make it to Pinnaroo point in the Northern Suburbs, you'll find out most kiters there are either beginners or intermediate. There is a friendly and helpful vibe, most guys are quick to assist especially when a girl is in trouble for some reason.

^^^^

Juicerider is also very helpful in a way that if you do exactly the opposite of what he does you'll do absolutely fine

Are you sure you don't want to windsurf also?

cbulota said..

jennavzla said..

still learning kitesurfing on my own... find it a bit intimidating to go on my own

Jokes aside, sounds like you could actually use a refresher lesson to boost your confidence. Relying on other people is good but relying on yourself is even better. Unless you are already comfortable at essential deep water skills such as 1)self-rescue 2)board recovery (upwind body drag) and 3) water relaunch I would start the season with a 2h lesson. Just come see us at the school at Pinnaroo point once we open in about 2 weeks or as soon as decent sea breezes kick in.

Christian

Hi Christian, in fact I just did a 2h refreshing lesson, but have to develop better skills at riding per se and Ill have to do that on my own (according to the instructor there is not much more that he can teach me). Thanks a lot for the advice, though you seem very professional. Which is your kiteschool just in case I pop in?

Jen

cbulota said..
If you want just follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/learntokite you might find a few helpful tips and videos in there as well :)

Just did, thanks!

I am also new to Perth and learning, trying to get to know some people. We can learn and motivate each other lol

Eventually I'll join you too if I can ever get on my board!

Sunday is looking good - I usually head to the safety of Shoalwater Bay but with a WNW wind and an inability to go anywhere except downwind I was thinking of trying the spot just East of Point Walter for the first time (Burke Drive - very appropiate)

jennavzla said..

stan1169 said..
Eventually I'll join you too if I can ever get on my board!

Sunday is looking good - I usually head to the safety of Shoalwater Bay but with a WNW wind and an inability to go anywhere except downwind I was thinking of trying the spot just East of Point Walter for the first time (Burke Drive - very appropiate)

Hi Stan, actually im in the same position as you are, im good at waterstarting, but still have to practice riding per se.

Im still not sure where to go on Sunday -- was thinking of Woodies beach one (also with W, NW winds which would be kind of cross shore for that beach). I though Point Walter was only good with Eastern winds?

We may have to seek the advice from the experts but I believe that the WNW goes parrallel along the shoreline at Burke Drive which is cross shore;


<div>
<div>Cross-shore (also known as side-shore)

<div>The wind blows parallel to the shore. You will get blown onto the beach eventually if you dunk your kite and "sail it" back in the direction of the shore.
Skill level: Beginners and above

cbulota said..
Hi guys,

your safest bet on a WNW or NW is actually woodies Beach 3, you have a good 500m safe area to play in. Beach 2 also works but the reef is a bit shallow in places so can bit a bit dangerous. Beach 1 would be off-shore with any North in the wind.

The wind at the river (attadale: www.waksa.org.au/locations/?view=location&id=28) would be extremely turbulent with any Westerly in it, definitely not recommended... Plus as a beginner in this area you would likely drift downwind into the bird conservation area

Keep in mind any Westerlies or North Westerlies are frontal winds, which means unpredictable, gusty and can vary a lot in strength, especially if there is a lot of could cover and storm fronts/rain in the horizon...

kite safe

Christian

I agree with Christian, If the forecast has clouds and rain.. and NW in it. I will just wait and live to kite another day :). but that's me.

RussKraut said..

In order to increase the number of females kiting why don't you offer a refresher for free?

The percentage of female students signing up for lessons hasn't stopped increasing in the last 5 years. Since I started keeping stats 5 years ago, we went from 9% female attendance to almost 25% last season! That's pretty encouraging and the trend suggests that percentage will keep increasing. All this without offering any special discounts or free lessons.

I'll try to setup a free practical self-rescue clinic at the start of the season. Can't afford to offer free lessons anyways...do you know a lot of sports businesses where women can learn for free ?

cbulota said..

RussKraut said..

In order to increase the number of females kiting why don't you offer a refresher for free?

The percentage of female students signing up for lessons hasn't stopped increasing in the last 5 years. Since I started keeping stats 5 years ago, we went from 9% female attendance to almost 25% last season! That's pretty encouraging and the trend suggests that percentage will keep increasing. All this without offering any special discounts or free lessons.

I'll try to setup a free practical self-rescue clinic at the start of the season. Can't afford to offer free lessons anyways...do you know a lot of sports businesses where women can learn for free ?

Don't give out free lessons. But what about facilitating a group ride for the ladies? EG Sunday afternoon at x location.

Jennavzla, You are hot and learning to kitesurf makes you even hotter. Turn up at any beach and there will be a line of guys wanting to help you!

jennavzla said..

Hi Christian,

I thought Beach 3 was better to leave for intermediate and advanced kiters.

On a sea breeze (SW, SSW, S), yes of course, not a beginner area because the winds are off-shore and because it's quite popular for freestyle advanced kiters.

In other wind directions, it will be fairly quiet. I've been there on weekends with similar winds to what's forecasted Sunday and there were only a few people, but that's also because those winds aren't that great either...

you will soon understand that anything other than a proper Sea Breeze (SW, SSW, S @ 18 knots +) in Perth isn't really good kiting, especially for beginners...

I was just pulling Christian's leg Jenna. A lot of beginners will have to bridge that gap (it is only a very small interim gap believe me) between initial lessons and being competent riding and going upwind. Usually people at this stage don't want to take any further lessons either due to costs or due to some poor experience with the quality of the initial kite course. So you can either find a suitable and good school (Christian seems to be competent and is getting good reviews, e.g.) and bite the bullet spending a few extra $ for a one on one customised refresher. Or you just practise yourself (which usually works but it will take time), ideally coupled with some advice from fellow kiters who help you understand what you need to focus on. That are usually very small hints with regards to technique and the rest again is practise.
So just pick the right spot, speak to experienced kiters and ask them whether they have 5 minutes seeing you kiting and providing feedback. And most importantly as mentioned before be realistic regarding the conditions which are going to determine how much time it will take you to get up and running. Any time on the water will improve your skills and is fun. But the right conditions (seabreeze and the appropriate strength depending on your kite and board size), potentially flatish water, will accererate the learning process.
Riding in different locations and conditions may feel tough at times but will eventually make you a better kiter as well.
Enjoy.

Goodonya ;-). Seabreeze forum is fortunately not to be taken too seriously at all times (well some of the red thumb lovers did but it is ok if this is what makes them happy).

I have been kiting for over ten years now and did not have the luxury of perfect conditions when I learned. Hence know how it feels to practise in less than suitable conditions. If you are careful and lower your expectations and take it as a workout then there is nothing wrong with it. Consistent winds i.e. seebreezes will just let you progress faster. I agree having one or more kiting buddies is a great idea at your level. I tought my girlfriend and that was fun and we just took it easy. All you need is practise and maybe a few good advises, just little tweaks usually from those who know what they are talking about. Sometimes newbies are choosing the wrong gear e.g. board size etc which can slow their learning curve down as well. So just ask for advise when you feel you deal with someone competent and friendly.
While it is great to kite with like minded and those on the same level be careful who you get a launch from. I have been seeing a lot of accidents simply because the person launching the kite did not have a clue and was in the wrong spot and the kiter not being experienced enough correcting him, or both did not communicate well. Take your time, have a chat before to agree the how and when, especially when launching in scetchy conditions or spots.

Have fun!

Hey Jen when deciding if conditions are safe for a beginner is is very important to remember that if the wind is blowing strait onshore or even onshore at an angle this increases the danger and difficulty factor immensely, especially for beginners. If you cant use the board yet you wont be able to get away from the shoreline starting point (upwind in onshore wind).If you have a problem the chances of hitting the beach and any obstacles on the land increase dramatically. Although you may be chomping at the bit to get out there today (Sunday) is not looking like good conditions... pretty much onshore. It still may be worth a look down the beach but Monday, Tuesday and Thursday look to have better potential.