I need advice

[KSweeney]

Hello all.

I've been obsessed with kiting for about a year and a half now. Unfortunately, I have yet to start. Don't ask how that makes sense

The cost of this sport is the main thing thats keeping me from getting out there, but I do intend on finally starting up this winter. I do, however, have some questions.

Honestly, how much should I plan on spending right away (not including lessons)? I probably won't be able to afford more than one kite. Will that suffice? I have a snowboard I can ride on during the winter months. Could I use a SS Turbo 2 during the winter AND the summer (I've heard good things about that kite)? What's a good kite to start with (size, make)?

Also, is anyone familiar with the Prior Lake/Savage area? Waconia seems like the nearest lake to kite, but the launch site I've seen doesn't look too beginner friendly. Does anyone ever kite on Spring Lake or Cleary Lake? I'd love to have a place I could ride without having to drive a grip and a half.

I realize that lessons would answer a lot of these questions, but I kind of want to know what I'm getting into before I start.

Thus ends my novel.

Thanks for your time/patience with me!

Keelan

[Dave Z]

Step 1: Get a trainer (Foil) and learn how to fly it if you have not already done so. Slingshot makes nice ones: B2, B3. Practice, practice, practice. Cost $50-200 depending on size, new/used, etc...

Step2: Take a lesson with the real deal... Oh, and why wait till winter? Might as well try and get out there if you have the $$. Check out Tighe's School section.

Step3: Get a kite....and a good helmet. You may want to think about picking up a used SLE or Bow Kite for your first go-round since you must plan on dropping/crashing the kite on a regular basis. It will be a great choice for both water and snow. Plus you won't be dropping as much $$ on a brand new kite. Since version 3 bow/sle kites are right around the corner there will be some deals to be found on older model ('06) kites. If you're patient you can pick up a used bow/sle for around $500-$800 (depending on size and condition) these days.

Size of kite depends on the size of you...whaddaya weigh? I weigh 140 and picked up a 12M to start. That covered me on snow from 8mph to 25+ on snow..... Some guys have been using a 12 bow as a one kite quiver.....

I'm sure plenty of other folks will chime in with good info...

[Stroh]

I have kited both. don't bother with cleary lake it's too small, spring will work ok for winter kiting untill you start jumping.

plan to spend about $800 to get started.
check out extreme air sports in minetonka. they have some great deals on gear.

Jon

[KSweeney]

Dave: I'm weighing in at 155. Is there any other place I should be checking other than the classifieds here for used gear?

Stroh: Did you go to Prior Lake High School? If you are that Jon Stroh, I was in your choir class.

[BoBo82]

I am in a similar situation to you...

I have been just dying to become a regular kiter, and for about the last year or two since I started seeing people on White Bear Lake when I lived out there---I have also been somewhat obsessed or wanting to be able to do that.

I decided to pull the trigger in an instant and use the "life is too short" attitude on my credit card by purchasing an all new board, harness and slingshot turbo diesel kite etc. $2200 bucks and some.

Prior to that, I took a lesson with Nathan on a Slingshot foil in the winter. I have had my kite out once in the winter, and it was fun, however I could not get back to where I started---and if it wasn't for my step dad, I would have been screwed on getting home.

I know I probably need a refresher lesson,...but I am in a serious $$ hole right now...and I am also short on time with my job...which wasn't so planned.

So I guess my point is, I hear ya... and hang in there. Hopefully soon, us newbies can get together and start riding.

I thought about selling my kite since I hardly get to use it, but I doubt I would make back nearly what I paid for it....so that would just be dumb.

Feel free to hunt me down on here if you are looking for someone new to get out and learn with....or whatever.

take it easy.

-Bo

[steveb]

Sweeney...for your weight a 12m bow/sle/hybrid will be a good choice. Somewhere, I forget where, they're selling slingshot links for $699, I 'm sure one of the other guys can post where the deal is.
Then get with Toghe or one of the instructors for some basic kite time. Good luck.

[WildBill]

KSweeny,

Spring lake is doable and best on a south and slightly west wind in a medium wind speed of say 20 MPH. When the wind really cranks it gets gusty, swirling and streaky. I kite it in the winter and windsurf it in the summer. I will probably kite it in the summer once in awhile when I get better at it.

I guess Cedar lake is good; I think it was said for a south wind. There's another pond just down 282 that looks like it would be great on a south wind. I'm surprised Stroh hasn't checked it out.

Keep with it and I will do the same.

Cheers ............ Bill

[KSweeney]

Thanks for the advice, guys! I appreciate it.