Hi,
I'm a rank beginner having had a grand total of 3 lessons. Got my own gear now so I definitely look the part but I'm afraid the face-plant-water-start move that I have perfected kinda gives away my skill level.
Anyway, wondering if there are any kiters in Brisso at a similar stage in their kiteboarding career and if there's a group or place where beginners congregate to laugh at / support each other?
Seems everywhere I see kiteboarders having a blast they all seem pretty damn good and I fear jumping into the middle of them would wreak all sorts of havoc and most likely endanger lives!
Plenty of friendly faces at Brighton.
Sandgate is another beginner friendly spot. But you might struggle to find a helping hand, unless you wear a particular colour rashie or purchased all your gear from a particular shop.
One of the great things about the Brighton Sandgate area is there is so much space with Brighton 19th Avenue maybe with a little more area to allow you to move away from other kiters so you can do your own thing. Both have a bit of a crowd to help launch and land but as long as you have enough lessons and know how to safely conduct yourself then people are generally wanting to help.
Remember to move away from the crowded beach area and try and find your own spot down wind of others so you can crash and burn as much as you like. Stay at least a couple of kite lines away from the sea wall and last but not least if another kiter is coming your way and your standing getting the water out of your nose or walking back up wind, as a gesture of curtesy lower your kite down low on the water so they can pass. This simple act lets other now your in control and your OK to be around. Try and pick your tides if you can as a full tide causes a lot of backwash off the rock walls which makes kiting uncomfortable.
While I kite by myself mainly, I do tend to favor the Brighton beach end as its closer to home and as Mrknownothing has mentioned no local shop presence which dominates the Sandgate area and I feel spoils that spot.
Good luck with the learning.
Select to expand quoteHardcarve1 said..
While I kite by myself mainly, I do tend to favor the Brighton beach end as its closer to home and as Mrknownothing has mentioned no local shop presence which dominates the Sandgate area and I feel spoils that spot.
Good luck with the learning.
Yep, I've heard stories of people not being helped with launching/landing because they haven't purchased all there kit through that store. Which is sad, as it's definitely not a spot beginners should be trying to self launch/land.
Thanks Mrknownothing and Hardcarve1,
I did get all my gear from the shop at Sandgate so if I go there I'll see if I can use that to my advantage. Might target low tide times and light wind days so that I don't have too many gurus buzzing around me. I really am at the entry level of this sport and being a solo act it feels a bit daunting to move from the student level to being independent. Plus I have a healthy respect for the possibility of things going wrong if you try too much too soon.
Thanks for the advice
Select to expand quotestratdaz said..
Thanks Mrknownothing and Hardcarve1,
I did get all my gear from the shop at Sandgate so if I go there I'll see if I can use that to my advantage. Might target low tide times and light wind days so that I don't have too many gurus buzzing around me. I really am at the entry level of this sport and being a solo act it feels a bit daunting to move from the student level to being independent. Plus I have a healthy respect for the possibility of things going wrong if you try too much too soon.
Thanks for the advice
I've only been to Sandgate once and the other kiters were friendly and gave advice on hazards and help when launching and landing. Generally, we were all at the learning stage once upon a time and most kiters are respectful of their inexperience and mostly keep clear of them. My biggest gripe with learners is when they camp right in front of the only launch/landing spot making it difficult for everyone when they could easily walk or body drag to a spot that is just as good to learn but out of the way. Even worse when they are with an instructor or other kiter that should know this. Maybe ask a local where a good, out of the way spot would be before you go out.
I always offer help or advice if someone needs it and keep a lookout for all kiters on the water.
Good advice Gateman, thanks.
I've tried a lot of individual sports over the years and have always preferred to find quiet, uncrowded spots to improve my skills on my own and at a pace I'm comfortable with. Kitesurfing is a bit of a different kettle of fish though and I do realise the dangers, particularly for a beginner, and the benefits of being in a group if something goes wrong.
The challenge is to be around experienced kiters without getting in their way or driving them mental. I'll do my best to find spots out of the way, thanks.
