Transition to Water
Moderator: MK
Transition to Water
I just want to put this out there and maybe get some info. Basically, after two seasons on snow, I want to get into the water. Kite flying won't be the problem, but water starts, planing, etc. will be. So, once I'm geared up for water, where is the best spot to get wet and do the old trial and error?
Re: Transition to Water
The only spot to do that safely is Malmo on Mille lacs. Shallow water allows you to get 5+ line lengths from shore and go up to 3 miles down wind in the shallows. Local launches are extremely unsafe for those learning to take the trial and error approach to learning. The community really frowns on people learning at our local launches in case something goes wrong and the spot gets shut down.
If you you really want to give it a go down here, Waconia on South to SSE wind, Lake Washington on a West wind, Bellaire/WBL on an straight East or West wind, are options because the wind will be sideshore.
If interested we offer jetski supported, on the water lessons. We work with you on shore first with a simulator to get the board stance down, then throw a walkie talkie equipped helmet on ya, take you out in the middle of the lake with the ski, and help dial in your board skills. You've dialed the kite skills, with a little bit of instruction we can get you having fun quickly and safely.
You're gonna love the water sessions.
If you you really want to give it a go down here, Waconia on South to SSE wind, Lake Washington on a West wind, Bellaire/WBL on an straight East or West wind, are options because the wind will be sideshore.
If interested we offer jetski supported, on the water lessons. We work with you on shore first with a simulator to get the board stance down, then throw a walkie talkie equipped helmet on ya, take you out in the middle of the lake with the ski, and help dial in your board skills. You've dialed the kite skills, with a little bit of instruction we can get you having fun quickly and safely.
You're gonna love the water sessions.
Tighe
Re: Transition to Water
Since Malmo is Mille Lacs it also offers cleaner wind and a better walk of shame experience (and less crowds & hazards) than the others. You will do some walking in the beginning, staying upwind on the water only comes with some practice.
I did lessons with Air Padre and Tighe's crew when I was first learning on the water. All totally worth it, avoided massive frustration, gear, body and ego damage. Experience on the snow does not prepare you for all the different variables that get involved on the water.
Local lessons in Minnesota are super valuable, because you learn the specific tips and tricks that are key to success in our unique environment. Padre is sort of like a dream world, reality can set in quickly when you start on the water around here. Best of luck whichever route you choose!
I did lessons with Air Padre and Tighe's crew when I was first learning on the water. All totally worth it, avoided massive frustration, gear, body and ego damage. Experience on the snow does not prepare you for all the different variables that get involved on the water.
Local lessons in Minnesota are super valuable, because you learn the specific tips and tricks that are key to success in our unique environment. Padre is sort of like a dream world, reality can set in quickly when you start on the water around here. Best of luck whichever route you choose!
Mark F
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steveb
- Posts: 2146
- Joined: Wed Nov 27, 2002 3:31 pm
- Location: sblain@frontiernet.net
Re: Transition to Water
If you can do it go to padre this spring. You'll learn more in one week in Padre than you will all summer here.
Tighes got a trip going down,mybe he has room for more?
Tighes got a trip going down,mybe he has room for more?
Regional Ozone Team rider
Re: Transition to Water
Thanks, I can't do Padre cause I just spend a week at Skyline and then mistakenly went to Vegas.
I'll stick to Malmo. So sideshore is best? What wind direction is that up there?
Technically, I've been up on a board before, but it was five years ago, and I was just learning how to fly the kite. Kind of a funny story. I was in Tarifa taking a lesson but the wind was to strong so we went to a neighboring town. I water-started, went for a 100 yard ride then crashed the kite into another kite, which ended my day. We also had to swim across a channel to get back to the car, and I didn't realize the tide was going out, not in, and wound up getting swept out a fair ways, and in the struggle to get to shore lost the bar and lines to the kite.
I'll stick to Malmo. So sideshore is best? What wind direction is that up there?
Technically, I've been up on a board before, but it was five years ago, and I was just learning how to fly the kite. Kind of a funny story. I was in Tarifa taking a lesson but the wind was to strong so we went to a neighboring town. I water-started, went for a 100 yard ride then crashed the kite into another kite, which ended my day. We also had to swim across a channel to get back to the car, and I didn't realize the tide was going out, not in, and wound up getting swept out a fair ways, and in the struggle to get to shore lost the bar and lines to the kite.