New to the community and Kiting

Stay connected in the wind. This forum is for anyone who rides the wind, winter or summer, on whatever board suits their fancy. Share the stoke, find out where people are going, ask any question, share your discoveries, and discuss any esoteric idea you may have related to the pursuit of wind. Please keep it positive.

Moderator: MK

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KyleAST
Posts: 13
Joined: Sun Mar 14, 2010 3:59 am

New to the community and Kiting

Post by KyleAST »

Hey everyone,
Names Kyle, Im in Winona, originally from Racine WI. Just about to get my first trainer, then an 2006 F-one Bandit 9m, with a 140cm mutant board (not sure make). Really looking forward to this, flown a 5m once (kind of) in really light winds. Thought I would practice with some body dragging in Lake Michigan with a trainer, then step up to the 9m on the board when I have good control (cant afford lessons, so stuck with the sink or swim option). Looking forward to getting out and meeting some people on the boards, any recommendations feel free to offer them, I could certainly use some.

Thanks,
Kyle

P.S. If anyone is in need of a photographer, I could come up and shoot pictures with my Nikon D90 anytime
jerlane
Posts: 71
Joined: Tue Apr 11, 2006 5:18 pm

Re: New to the community and Kiting

Post by jerlane »

Hey Kyle,
Welcome to the board. You've got the right idea by starting here. This is a good and supportive community. If I were you I would rethink the whole "sink or swim" game plan. This is a sport where that's just not a wise decision as the "sink" aspect can have dire consequences. Budgetary concerns are certainly understandable, but I'm sure there's a better way for you to get started safely. Start talking to people here. You mentioned photography, maybe you could arrange an exchange of services with someone. I'm a long time windsurfer, but still a newer kite surfer, so I'm not your guy.
Good luck and I'll see you out there!
Jeremy
KyleAST
Posts: 13
Joined: Sun Mar 14, 2010 3:59 am

Re: New to the community and Kiting

Post by KyleAST »

Thanks for the reply, today I actually really flew for the first time. I met up with Pete, and bought his slingshot trainer and flew that for a while, Im gonna let it sit for a bit until I can afford a harness, but as a college student professional instruction is out of my budget.

I understand that its not the best way to go, and I know I will be sitting on the trainer for a good while before i step up. I would love to get together with anyone on the boards for a little large kite instruction. until then Ill be finding fields and beaches to fly my new 3m just to get the hang of it.

Absolutely had a blast today though, definitely a good time
Iceman
Posts: 74
Joined: Tue May 13, 2008 8:12 pm
Location: MTKA

Re: New to the community and Kiting

Post by Iceman »

Hi Kyle
Where do you live I have times that flying my trainers is still a blast.


2m Slingshot
2.4 flexfoil sting
3m Slingshot

Dave
KyleAST
Posts: 13
Joined: Sun Mar 14, 2010 3:59 am

Re: New to the community and Kiting

Post by KyleAST »

Im in Winona,

Im definitely feeling some soreness in the shoulders from flying the trainer yesterday. But it was still a blast. Managed to find a Dakine Pyro harness Im going to pick up from Ikitesurf.com. Im really getting amped about this sport, Ive always loved board sports and this adds an entirely new dimension, Im already checking wind forecasts :P
Cory M
Posts: 118
Joined: Mon Feb 12, 2007 11:57 am
Location: Chaska

Re: New to the community and Kiting

Post by Cory M »

http://www.kitesurfingschool.org/

Here's a site that helped me with the basics. Somewhat old content but mostly still relevant. I studied this and took both a winter and summer lesson.

Good move reaching out to people though. I myself am not the most outgoing by nature which did not help my learning curve. I tended to avoid where the groups were and still do to some extent. Trust that most kiters here are friendly and willing to give pointers. Just watching others can be a good way to learn too.

Good luck!
KyleAST
Posts: 13
Joined: Sun Mar 14, 2010 3:59 am

Re: New to the community and Kiting

Post by KyleAST »

Thanks for the site, definitely alot of good info on there. already bookmarked. Hoping my harness gets here before this weekend so I can fly on Sunday :)
Pete
Posts: 689
Joined: Thu Nov 28, 2002 12:17 am
Location: Rochester

Re: New to the community and Kiting

Post by Pete »

Kyle, you did a great job with that trainer, glad there was an abundance of wind.
KyleAST
Posts: 13
Joined: Sun Mar 14, 2010 3:59 am

Re: New to the community and Kiting

Post by KyleAST »

Thanks Pete! my harness just got put in the mail today (waist, not a seat like I was using before) should be here tuesday, then Ill be out flying the kite immediately to keep on improving my handling skills and trying to apply what I know about board sports to kiting before I actually jump on a board later this summer
Pete
Posts: 689
Joined: Thu Nov 28, 2002 12:17 am
Location: Rochester

Re: New to the community and Kiting

Post by Pete »

Kyle at Welch last Saturday...

Image

and

Image

The pond was about 60ft long?
KyleAST
Posts: 13
Joined: Sun Mar 14, 2010 3:59 am

Re: New to the community and Kiting

Post by KyleAST »

sounds like a good estimate, thanks for posting the sweet pictures. definitely a good time, if only i was able to hang onto that heel edge a little longer
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