Grainne said..
Hi
I'm a beginner kitesurfer, last time I was out I was up on the board downwind only so I need to get some lessons so I can advance further
Based in Carindale and I'm not working so I'm free most of the time but I'm not sure which school to go to or even where to go to kite, at the moment I don't know any other kiters in the area
Also how much are the lessons likely to cost, I have all my own gear
Any advice would be greatly appreciated

you need to get to Sangate or Brighton, Kitepower do lessons google them and get into it.
enjoy

i would recomend you go to kitepower take your equipment to your lesson and the instructor can make sure its set up properly and teach you how to have it set up properly and if the wind strength is appropriate for you to use it that day theyll take you out on your own gear to help you familurise yourself with your own kite and settings etc. if its to windy or not enough wind theyll use some of there own gear thats more appropriate. but you should be fine.

from sounds of it you are water starting getting up on the board then going downwind for about 20m or so then ploping back in the water. it should only take you 1 or 2 2 hour lessons to get you from there to being independant not having worked with you from the start they may spend a bit of time going over what you do know just to make sure you didnt miss anything important safety wise ala deep water pack down self launching and landing and kite resting positions etc

really all you gotto do now is give them a call. and they should be able to walk you thru the rest.

if you are confident and safe to go out for a body draging session before you book your lessons i would reccomend doing this as it will save you lesson time thus saveing you a bit of $$$ but only attempt this if you are aware of the weather and hazards and how to safely launch and land. anyone kiteing at beach will be friendly enough to assist you if you just ask nicely.