Have a week off down the coast in Jan. Thinking of taking some kitesurfing lesson for me an 16yr old daughter but not sure weather we will like it. There not cheap for multiple lessons over the week.

I've done plenty of surfing & SUP, a little windsurfing (sometimes planing). Daughter knows how to sail but is not very active.

Some feedback on what to expect would be great, particularly compared to windsurfing.

Should I lash out for a traner kite beforehand?

Also a bit worried about all the wires and the danger that poses to self and others.

Thanks

Thanks,

How does Kiting compare to windsurfing?

Physically easier/harder ?
Technicallyeasier/harder ?

I have no idea who Mr SurfConnect is, but he says sensible stuff.

I found this by googling SurfConnect

http://www.surfconnect.com/sc/index.php?pageI=class&type=kite

$500 for two people for 6 hours of lessons sounds like a bargain.

Ask him if he has a boat for rescuing you and following you in the water.

You might want to think about whether you and your daughter can handle 6 hours of fairly vigorous exercise in a day. Maybe haggle a two half day deal or something.

Lessons are all about doing stuff safely and being aware of the dangers. If you are aware and considerate and using good modern gear then there is no problem.

You should be warned that actual kiteboarding takes practice. The most likely thing is you will learn enough in lessons to get yourself out and being autonomous. Actually riding and staying upwind and doing stuff comes with practice and time on the water.

Once you get the hang of it kiteboarding is very easy. The initial getting the hang can take some time. It's still fun, especially if you have a nice beach to do it. I can still see myself 10 years ago body dragging at planing speed dragging my knees in the shallows on a 4m stunt kite.

Daneli said...

Have a week off down the coast in Jan. Thinking of taking some kitesurfing lesson for me an 16yr old daughter but not sure weather we will like it. There not cheap for multiple lessons over the week.

I've done plenty of surfing & SUP, a little windsurfing (sometimes planing). Daughter knows how to sail but is not very active.

Some feedback on what to expect would be great, particularly compared to windsurfing.

Should I lash out for a traner kite beforehand?

Also a bit worried about all the wires and the danger that poses to self and others.

Thanks

The best thing you could do for yourself and your daughter is to spend wisely and get a trainer kite. Ignore the advice of anyone saying they are a waste of time, perhaps the motive there is to sell gear that has a higher value and make more $$
strange advice when you consider the main skill involved in learning to kite surf is kite flying skill.
Trainer kites teach you about the wind window, how to control a kite on either side of the window, where the power zone is, where to turn your kite in the wind window, how to simulate the power stroke that you need to do to water start, etc, etc. All this and lots more can be done in complete safety with no risk to yourself and other people, which will build yours and your daughters confidence no end!!

If you already know how to fly a kite well, it makes sense doesn't it, that you will gain far great value and benefits from your kitesurfing lessons (which are quite expensive)

Make sure that you are getting lessons from experienced instructors, and make sure the lessons are one on one if possible.