Hey all. I'm thinking of flying down to Padre to get some lessons over a weekend sometime soon. I bought a, '03 Slingshot Fuel (13M) about a year ago, and have only had it out 2-3 times in the winter. Basically, I was scared as hell getting pulled all over the place in some gusts, and though I had some help from some very kind LAKAWA members, I still felt nervous going out alone.
I'd really like to do this right, as I love kiting, love the water, and really need to get out there!!
Does anyone have a suggestion of a place to go down there for lessons? I've seen several places on the Web, but I'm looking for any advice from first hand experience, and/or tips. I'm trying not to spend a fortune, and I have a free ticket down there. Do you think an intense 3 hour session could be enough? I don't really want to spend $1000.00 for a 4 day camp.
Thanks!
Advice for Padre Lessons?
Moderator: MK
So. TX is one hot tamale this time of year. Make sure you have some AC for the evenings i.e. don't camp out. They usually get some daily thermal SE sea breeze unless there is somthing weird going on like a good 'norther.
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/forecasts/TXZ25 ... ort+Isabel
It's usually fairly light (10-15) but consistant has heck in the afternoon. You might consider doing some assisted downwinders one day and then next, take a lesson and see if you can go back and forth or maybe get up wind.
I'd also look into renting a board down there to match your kite for the days conditions. It will also save you any hassle with the Airline too. Kites are easy to transport, boards... well, your mileage may vary between airlines.
There are many more guys on LAKAWA with more sessions than me in SPI. However, the island holds a special place in my heart. Belive it or not, my first time on the water was down there. I was able to stay upwind on my first session. It was amazing and so easy after instruction. Then I got spanked a few days later at the secret spot. I almost ended up in the shrimp farm as food. The conditions can be good in that hot Texas town. IT ROCKS!
Pictures:
The Flats
http://www.downhaul.com/kites/020531/
Secret Spot (I don't know if everyone goes there now. Starts with an "H")
http://www.downhaul.com/kites/020602/
Places:
http://www.southpadreislandkiteboarding.com/
http://www.kiteboardinc.com/
take pictures! Eric
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/forecasts/TXZ25 ... ort+Isabel
It's usually fairly light (10-15) but consistant has heck in the afternoon. You might consider doing some assisted downwinders one day and then next, take a lesson and see if you can go back and forth or maybe get up wind.
I'd also look into renting a board down there to match your kite for the days conditions. It will also save you any hassle with the Airline too. Kites are easy to transport, boards... well, your mileage may vary between airlines.
There are many more guys on LAKAWA with more sessions than me in SPI. However, the island holds a special place in my heart. Belive it or not, my first time on the water was down there. I was able to stay upwind on my first session. It was amazing and so easy after instruction. Then I got spanked a few days later at the secret spot. I almost ended up in the shrimp farm as food. The conditions can be good in that hot Texas town. IT ROCKS!
Pictures:
The Flats
http://www.downhaul.com/kites/020531/
Secret Spot (I don't know if everyone goes there now. Starts with an "H")
http://www.downhaul.com/kites/020602/
Places:
http://www.southpadreislandkiteboarding.com/
http://www.kiteboardinc.com/
take pictures! Eric
Go to the destinations section, here at LAKAWA>>Community>>Desinations. There are two trip reports for SPI. I used Jeff Hoxtell at http://www.airpadrekiteboarding.com/ for rentals, but he does a lot of lessons also. The other guys http://www.windsurfinc.com have a bigger operation, but I think they launch from their site. Jeff will launch you from South or North flats, which I liked better. He did a couple of downwinders with me that were great.
South Padre Island Kiteboarding is a good first stop. It's on the strip, they give good lessons, and I believe that they will credit some of that money towards equipment. Their website is http://www.southpadreislandkiteboarding.com
Phillip Money runs the historic windsurf shop http://www.kiteboardinc.com - worth the visit. He also gives kiting lessons and he's an awesome kiter!
Finally, even though it's quite a ways away, if you're driving head through San Antonio and stop at the Texas Ski Ranch http://www.texasskiranch.com/ It is an awesome cable park that really helps you work on some water skills. Worth the stop and the money!
Jeff
Phillip Money runs the historic windsurf shop http://www.kiteboardinc.com - worth the visit. He also gives kiting lessons and he's an awesome kiter!
Finally, even though it's quite a ways away, if you're driving head through San Antonio and stop at the Texas Ski Ranch http://www.texasskiranch.com/ It is an awesome cable park that really helps you work on some water skills. Worth the stop and the money!
Jeff