I noticed there were a few other kitesurfers/surfers here that might appreciate a lil pic-age. Just a few choice pics i nabbed from different websites.
The kitesurf pics have got me pumped to get back in the water this summer. I’m so jealous of the guys getting the big waves. Where i kite, nice waves and nice wind usually dont come together. Offshore wind isnt compelling to me either (dangerous and choppy cause its coming over the land).
The snow and ice pics are cool. I only snowkited for one season without the best conditions so im not so hot on it. I know some guys go crazy on it and love it…more power to them. Give me warm flat ocean any day, though.
The guys iceboard is sick! It looks like a mountain board with blades…does it not? Does anyone know if there are any companies making these?
I have a uni friend in Helena who’s big time into kiteboarding. I dont know how good he is, but his name is Keith Ksomthing (cant remember last name )
From what I hear, it would be a little expensive. Used, I THINK he said somwere around $500 total for kite, board, and componets.
From what he said, I would think you could teach yourself, you just have to have the right windspeed so you dont go too fast and all that, you dont have to be all crazy and jump 50+ feet high.
So What happens when the bar slips out of your hands? Does the kite just shoot out and fly away?
Sometimes it does fly away. I’ve chased it down more than once. Never lost one… It usuallystops at the beach or a tree. Swimming it down to save it on the way out to sea is easier than you think. I wear a leash to prevent this and it also de-powers the Kite. Yeah, you are hooked in to the kite.You can get dragged with a uncontrolled kite. ouch! WE call that a Kite-mare. Know when to let go or to unhook.
I went kiting 3 times this week. It’s the coolest thing I ever played. And I play alot… I have ridden waves with 20 foot faces. Getting air is a magical thang.
Cool man. There certainly are places to buy used stuff. But i would warn against it when youre starting out. Its always a gamble buying stuff used. Learning on less than satisfactory equipment can really slow your learning or even be dangerous.
There are many beginner packages out there that include all the equipment you need to get started: kite, lines, bar, harness, board. I think a decent package is usually around $1000 or a little more. Its been a while since i looked though. Two good websites to take a look at prices on are :
Those are both good sites with good reputations. Ive only had experience with kitesite while visiting the shop in person. They gave me unbelievably good service. I also hear good things about Real too.
What i would really recommend for getting started is to find a local kitesurf shop. It will end up being a little more expensive but the relationship you build with the guys at that business will be invaluable. You will have questions and need support at one time or another and the shop will be much more inclined to helping you if youve poured a little money into their business.
That brings us to lessons. YOU HAVE TO TAKE LESSONS. YOU HAVE TO TAKE LESSONS. Theres no other way about it. It will make your learing time SIGNIFICANTLY less. On top of that is safety. Without proper direction, kitesurfing can be very dangerous not only to you but to others as well. You can find out about lessons at your local shop, or even try a search online. Sometimes a shop will offer lessons and a kite package for lesson than you would have payed for both individually.
If by RSK, you mean RISK, then yes of course. There is calculated risk in eveything. If you learn properly how to kitesurf, you learn how to handle unexpected situations so the general RISK ends up being pretty low. Every once in a while (still far too often) there are kitesurfing fatalities. These are usually the result of uneducated people. This is also getting kitesurfing banned from beaches all over the world.
So…
I know its a decent chunk of $$$, but its well worth it. Kitesurfing is my other passion aside from unicycling. They both give me a very unique rush that cant be compared to anything else.
Sorry if i souded really spartan about things, but it had to be said. I know you guys are smart. Just go for it, have fun, and use common sense… youll be fine.
I’m in the virgin islands at the moment for kiting. I’m gonna hit the water in about an hour. I can already hear the wind picking up outside… I’ll try to get some pics sometime
Thats cool. By RSK, I meant like RSU, obviously there is a risk. I don’t think there is any shop in my entire province which is my only drawback. Also what are required wind speeds? Just to see if it is even possible here. I will look into the beginner packages and into those sites.
And finally, despite your capitalised letters, I don’t think I will be able to get lessons. How hard is it to be self - taught?
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