VIC
127 posts
Hello, I'm a 15 year old boy living in Victoria. I'm really interested in trying out the sport and I'm wondering if maybe someone could show me how things work and teach me some basic skills. I don't have a kite or any equipment and I'm a very confident swimmer.
I would take lessons but they are way too far out of my budget ($85/h).
I'd be happy to pay you and am a very fast learner who will listen and do what I'm told.
Thanks, Ben
VIC
475 posts
Hey Ben,
A few of the kite schools around Melbourne do learn for free packages (when gear is purchased) and also a few do free lessons when they are training instructors. Keep an eye on groupon/scoupon etc as they often have a 5 hr package that makes learning affordable.
Can be a challenge teaching people with public liability/other insurance.
Good luck-
VIC
127 posts
The thing is I don't want to spend $1600+ on equipment until I'm sure I want to commit to the sport.
VIC
127 posts
It's an expensive sport to start with unfortunately.
Start from the beginning, buy a foil power kite (bar or handles) and learn how to fly that.... It can be fun getting dragged around the beach and doing some static jumps.
Hey if you turn up on the beach knowing how to fly and have your own harness you can have a fly of my old 9m.
I learnt from friends but went the kite landboarding route before switching to water. Buying a cheap kite and a landboard is also a option.
VIC
294 posts
Ben, Where are you mate.
If you are in the Western Suburbs I am pretty sure KSS Altona would be happy for you to look in on a lesson. Most good kite schools will do this.
It would only be a bit of a try then you would have to pay for the lesson if you wanted to go in the water and have a go on a board.
Kite schools have insurance for teaching and we don't.
The problem for any of us on the forum is if we gave you a crack and you hurt yourself we are liable and trust me mate these things can pull like a V8 super car.
I have taught mates for a bit of a "try before you buy" or "try before the lesson" and ALL OF THEM have trashed my kite, thats the other reason.
VIC
294 posts
Ben,
Forgot to mention this as well, When I was a younger lad I donated my time to a windsurfing school to learn to be an instructor.
It was great because I got to use all of their gear and got my experience teaching.
I did however had to approach them with a very positive attitude as they could not understand I was donating my time for free. I just wanted more time on the water.
Same approach could help you with a kite school. Could save you some bucks.
VIC
51 posts
Pick up a trainer kite. :)
They are good value, and you'll learn heaps about the wind window how to fly in a safe enjoyable situation.
This will save a bunch of time in a lesson which is a must when you are ready to take up the sport. Lots of safety stuff to learn.
I've seen people tow on a skateboard with these kites too. Completely workable in nice open spaces.
VIC
127 posts
Thanks for the advice guys, Dan I'd love to give your kite a try but I'm afraid I'll trash it as Happy said.
VIC
518 posts
Where a bouts Victoria are you?
VIC
152 posts
I have an 2012 10m RPM kite in my closet that requires an 75 repair to one strut.. i would be happy to depart with for a small cost.. it would be a prefect beginners kite to have fun with or completely destroy.. however i would recommend lessons first or a trainer kite
Unfortunately kiting can be quite an expensive sport for a youngster
VIC
127 posts
Good news guys, I've found a 5 hour Kitesurfing lesson on scoopon for $150. I'm going to do that and if I enjoy it I'll probably purchase some gear. Any suggestions of what I should buy?
