Where is it safe to give lessons? Where can Noobs kite?

[JRN]

These two subjects drew some of the most heated debate at the meet: Certain parties were against lessons anywhere in the metro, even off a jetski, well out in the lake, and far from obsacles, other boats, or other kiters. I have to agree that most of the metro beaches are not beginner friendly. How do you hope to prevent less accomplished kiters from joining in the fun, when they see us, tearing it up, with big grins on our faces? Anyway, I hope this spurs some discussion. Please join in. It is all our access that is at stake. No one likes rules, but at least have a say in the ones we can all agree on...I hope.

[Lee_Uptown]

The North Flats!!! I wish... Well, for noobs, I always point them to Mille lacs or somewhere with huge shallows. I pretty much spent two years kiting exclusively on Mille lacs until i gained more skills and experience to deal with varying situations. I never felt comfortable kiting in tight spaces and deep water until this year. It's really worth the drive to mille lacs because there is so much space and you can standup and walk back to shore if anything happens.
As for lessons goes, it is a no brainer that Mille Lacs is the place for it. As far as lessons go in Mille lacs, I would prefer to see instructors take their students/friends farther away from the beach where everyone rigs up. It's busy traffic, kiters going in and out. It is no fun having to avoid kites slamming around, and it's simply not Safe for the newbie! A good example is how some of our certified instructors do their lessons at Malmo where they take their students waaaaaay far out and I truly appreciate that. This is common sense and is good for both experienced kiters as well as newbies.

[magicninja]

I guess you must have went straight to pro status when you started kiting huh? No learning curve or anything must be nice. Get real, man. New kiters have the same rights to the water as you do. I agree that there are places to learn and places for more experienced riders. As far as I'm concerned I think most of what's proposed is well thought out and appropriate. It would behoove you though to refrain from making this a newbie bashing cause you were all noobs once and most of the questionable acts I've seen since I started kiting were made by experienced riders. How would those with businesses at stake stay alive without the noob clientele? Be real or be quiet.

[Lee_Uptown]

Let's keep the discussions here in neutral language. It would be appreciated to leave the mean comments out. This is not a noob bashing course, but more of informing noobs how not be bashed by certain mean lakes.

[JRN]

SORRY NINJA. That was meant to be funny, not newbie bashing. You prove my point. How can we say, "NO" to noobs & hog all the fun for ourselves? I will try to refrain from any attempt at humor from now on...I promise.

[jennb]

I didn't think it sounded like newbie bashing. This was a hot topic at the meeting and I think Jim was trying to get the discussion going in a lighthearted way.

[JimPat]

Thanks for everyone's input. Why are people not interested in hearing thoughts that don't match up with their ideas? I heard a viscious rumor that people in the meeting were not wearing their helmets; is this true? The windsurfers are very appreciative that the kiters on the beach are all on leashes! I'll come to a meeting if we all hook our leashes together and stand in a circle and start the meeting with Kumbayah.
We all need to unleash our sense of humor.... JRN-I always enjoy hearing from you and I am one who does appreciate your sense of humor and efforts to add levity to these serious but important conversations.
READERS TAKE NOTE! Don't take any comments by Kiters named Jim seriously - because we're NOT!

[magicninja]

Didn't mean to stifle your funny bone jrn. No worries.

[JRN]

Thanks Dan. LAST WINTER, WHEN NATE, RANDY & I HAD SEVERAL MEETINGS ON THIS SAME TOPIC, I was approached by a few beginners and asked that their interests not be overlooked. I'm guessing that the site-specific guides should include the best spots & recommendations for them as well. Maybe some common sense ideas would include moving down wind from the launch to avoid obstructing traffic. I'd like to hear from more newbies so they aren't left out. If the meeting is next weekend, we need your thoughts now!

[Dean Rizer]

More kiters at tight launch sites does make it difficult for kiters of all skill levels. For learning, try Lake Washington, Sportmans Park. It's great on S, SW, and west. Waist/ chest deep 300-400 yards out. Picnic tables and grassy set-up area, underused, lots of parking. Watch for occasional swimmers and please pay the $20.00 seasonal membership to the park.