advice on kite lessons and what to buy first

[Chummers]

I'd like to try kiting this winter on skis/skates and eventually a snowboard when i buy one. Can anyone provide advice on 1) lessons: who to contact, price, location, etc. and 2) what would be a good first kite to purchase. I see a variety of used kites listed for sale on the classifieds here...

please either reply here or email me at mchummers@yahoo.

THANKS!

[Chummers]

I found info on lessons on the kiting link in this site. Still wondering about what might be good used gear to buy as I keep seeing kites listed on lakawa classifieds.

[Stroh]

for kite choices I would have to say stick with the main brands Sling shot, Naish, Cabrinha, whipika, or ozone. I wouldn't buy a kite older than a 2003. A good first kite size would be around a 13m.
I have a 03 slingshott fuel 15m that I don't use any more i would sell it for $200
but it might be a litle big for your first kite
Check http://www.ikitesurf.com Classifieds, you can find some great deals.

as for lessons you now many choices of trained passa instructors Tighe, manolo fog, Nathon B, Eric P, Jason Jones. they will get you into the sport safely, for a small fee.
Good luck
Jon

[Tighe]

Chummers,
We'd love to help you get started. Check out the school link above for a description of our programs. We've taught hundreds of students over the past 5 years. Some of who are now team riders.

Jason at Boardsports in Brainerd got certified at the end of last summer as well so that would be another option.

As far as gear. I would wait til after your lesson. One of the things we spend a lot of time on is introducing you to the gear. There is a lot of different types out there. Some are better for learning, some are geared more for the experienced rider, etc. The goal is to find the best set up that will allow you to have fun as soon as possible, allow you to grow into it's performance, one that meets the needs of how you want to use it, and one that fits your budget. Our goal is to have you understanding what kite fits that bill at the end of your lesson.

We, and I think Boardsports as well, allow you to apply some of your lesson money toward the purchase of your kite. Quite frankly though, I usually suggest people buy used for their first kite. You're gonna be hard on it. Better to buy used, pay a little, trash it, sell it for a little less and buy your new one after you've dialed your skills a bit....and you know more about what you want.

Eitherway, let us know if we can assist further. Fly@lakawa.com

[collinwood]

Stroh,

Can you drop me some more info on your kite for sale? Does it have ATL relaunch and all lines/bar included?

nick.kraemer@willis.com

Thanks.