Yello

[Z-Type]

Hi every1
Just wanted to announce that after almost a year of lurking around and checking out kitesurfing I finally bought all the equipment, and last sunday took the class, flew the kite and body dragged.
Just wandering what are good begginer's beaches around.
and what's the minimum wind speed I can kite?
The biggest kite I have is 20 m 04 Rhino, I'm around 220 lbs, and the board is 158cm x 39cm

[toby wilson]

I DELETED MY POST IN HOPES THAT YOU NEED TO COME BACK TO IT FOR REFERENCE. LISTEN TO THE GUYS AND TAKE LESSONS, YOU WILL HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE YOU NEED ONCE YOU HAVE TAKEN THEM.

-TOBY

[JoshTaylor]

Who taught you?

they shuold have taught you this stuff.

and body dragging through the water isn't enough, you need more instruction then that.


check out www.tampabaykiteboarding.com

[Z-Type]

heheheh I appreciate your concern Taylor but I'm not your average couch potato, I am prety good surfing, wakeboarding, wakeskating and I can do some freestyle magic on my stand-up like u never seen before :-)

So I doubt that getting up and jumping will be an issue, besides, many many moons ago I used to fly two line stunt kites and traction kites act exactly the same but with a gas pedal.
Anyway, I understand your concern as I have read about the ban in howard park and the necessity to keep this sport from being banned from any other beaches.

Having said that, watch out for me doing 900's on next windy day
:P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P

[Big G]

Welcome....now heres some free advise.....consider taking no less than 3 water lessons. It will be money well spent! A single injury could suspend your kiting experience for several months not to mention the possibiltiy of injuring someone near you.

Also, your new kite will thank you! Its going to be crashing many times...with you connected might I add. Consider additional lessons if this concerns you.

Good Luck and enjoy!

Big G

[Optionryder420]

Many factors in kiting man... should've taken more lessons before buying gear... I wish I would've.

I FINALLY got the right gear for me about a month or two ago... within those two months I started doing kiteloops, frontrolls, backrolls, raleys, deadmans, and a few other tricks...

Before that, I was riding upwind left foot forward and BARELY going upwind right foot forward...

[JoshTaylor]

heheheh I appreciate your concern Taylor but I'm not your average couch potato, I am prety good surfing, wakeboarding, wakeskating and I can do some freestyle magic on my stand-up like u never seen before :-)

So I doubt that getting up and jumping will be an issue, besides, many many moons ago I used to fly two line stunt kites and traction kites act exactly the same but with a gas pedal.
Anyway, I understand your concern as I have read about the ban in howard park and the necessity to keep this sport from being banned from any other beaches.

Having said that, watch out for me doing 900's on next windy day
:P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :PYes, that doesn't mean anything though. I too am good at surfing, used to waterski, snowboard, skateboard, and skimboard... i still got hurt because i didn't think i "needed" as much lessons as i did, and i learned my lesson.

trust me.. you may not think you need it but you do.

also, if you come out there and do something stupid and get even close to hurt or put someone in danger, us locals will GO OFF on you and you will probably never want to be seen in the kiteboarding scene agian. Thats how strict our locals are about kooks like you who think they only need one lesson and they can learn the rest themself.

Don't let me scare you off though, everyone out there are awesome people and always willing to help you. don't be afraid to ask for help.

[Optionryder420]

Josh's reply FTW!


Good stuff.

[Skyway Scott]

Well, good luck

[toby wilson]

Josh is one of our best riders in the area and the way he learned was through hanging out with one of the local instructors here. I did not use good judgement in my first post and for that I apologize to the rest of the locals.

Kiteboarding is not like any other sport out there and I agree with Gary that you need at least 3 water lessons. Don't be too proud and get your board shorts all up in a bunch man, take lessons. It takes a bigger man to admit that they might need instruction than it does one that wants to prove how tough he is or how much he knows from other experiences in life.

If you were an airplane pilot, would you just get into a helicopter and get behind the wheel of a helicopter and fly it? Probably not, this is exactly the same, take some lessons and you will see! We have had a lot of issues with new kiters just trying to put kites in the air and learning the hard way by getting injured. Do the right thing and don't be the next one...

[Stevil Kenevil]

Ztype-first of all, welcome to kiteboarding.
Second-Listen to experienced kiters advice, we have been down this road before.You may have mad skills in other sports(we all do as well), but this is kiteboarding. You are brand new, and can't possibly know the dangers involved with this sport. You are now dealing with mother nature, and she will win everytime.... Being a kiter is not about busting 900's, kiteloops and handlepasses. Its about knowing the weather patterns, rules of the road, and how to save your OWN ass when things go wrong.(rest assured, they will!)Its also about knowing when and where to launch, and when to call it a day. You are lucky enough to live in an area full of safety minded kiters, who are always willing to help you out.(as long as you're not hard headed, and think you can learn this on your own.)
You have a responsibility as a newbie to seek qualified instruction, and to FOLLOW THE PROGRAM ALL THE WAY THROUGH. Body dragging is a long way from spinning 900's, believe me....Be patient, this is a learning PROCESS. You have been body dragging, but how's you deep water relaunch? or,Self rescue? (two things that you life depends on in kiting)
We, as experienced kiters, need to keep a watchful eye at our spots for kooks. If you see someone who looks confused or like they don't have a clue, DO NOT LAUNCH THEIR KITE! TALK TO THEM AND FIND OUT IF THEY HAVE HAD PROPER INSTRUCTION. 1/2 a lesson isn't good enough.

Be safe, not sorry...
Happy Kiting!

[Skyway Scott]

Good post, Steve (and everyone on this thread)

We just want you safe, not sorry.

Please further your instruction and happy kiting.
It's a good investment in yourself and makes it clear to the community that you take our welfare seriously as well.

[shawnwar4586]

DO NOT LAUNCH THEIR KITE! TALK TO THEM AND FIND OUT IF THEY HAVE HAD PROPER INSTRUCTION. 1/2 a lesson isn't good enough.

Be safe, not sorry...
Happy Kiting!

Steve that would be verry un-sportsman like of you. :D :D :D :twisted:

[Stevil Kenevil]

haha Shawn...
I am working on being more "sportsmanlike" in my old age...
My opinion now has 40% more candy coating than leading brands... :wink: (should I change my name to Eminem?) :lol:

[Z-Type]

WOW
First, I must say nobody was this concerned about my safety since i moved out my parent's house............. :D

I will apologize in advance for my hard-headedness, but it's like a granite rock, mind you......

Now I didn't take half lesson, It was a 6 hours ordeal.
I learned that the kite is lounched from the edge of the wind window, passing other kiters, the guy upwind takes the kite high, and the guy downwind keeps it low and is "supposed" to yeld to the guy upwind.
I did deep water re-launch, I let the bar slide and crash the kite and then did self-rescue.

Furthermore, I'd consider taking more lessions if they weren't 100 $/h, matter of fact, at this point I couldn't afford them if they were 25 $/h.

Last thing I want to do is piss people off, but I just don't see anything else I need to learn other than getting up and riding.
And the first thing I need to do when I get up is learn to go upwind (kite on the edge of the window, all the weight on the back foot).

I am hard headed, and I've been hurt more times than some people had have breakfast and trust me I don't intend on doing anything stupid.
I welcome any advice here or on the beach, but please understand that I can't keep looking at the gear just sitting in my living room.......

[toby wilson]

We all understand the feeling, Z. We are just VERY cautious about who just walks out onto the beach and decides to launch a kite because the wind is blowing, not thinking about the ramifications of kite size vs. your weight vs. wind speed/quality/direction, etc.

You will see with time that all of the people that have posted here are great people and will be your good friends before you know it, we just HAVE to be cautious or we will ALL pay the price, and it WON'T be cheap!!!

That being said, who gave you your lessons? It is good to hear that you have had some pretty extensive lessons. But why didn't they work with trying to get you up and riding on the board? :?

We all know how your pocketbook feels, we all went through it and are now spending every spare dime we have on something kiteboard-related. If you have a wife or girlfriend, let her know that she will now come second. The truth hurts... :wink:

Anyway, at the very least, try to make sure you at least have a buddy when riding. We are all friendly (except for E-Bone :lol: ) and will be more than happy to help you in any way we can. Just remember, SAFETY FIRST!!!

It is good to meet you, hope to see you out on the beach real soon!

Toby

[Z-Type]

As I said before I am very aware of the dangers of kiting, for myself and everyone else in any way, and that's why I welcome all advice and critique.
The only reason I didn't ride with the instructor is because the wind died. hehehehehe and I will keep his name confidential so if I do embarass myself, it's only me... :lol: he did a great job in covering all safety measures ( for two damn hours) and all the rules of kiting and safe kite operation. From there it's all me.......

sorry if I sounded like a moron saying that i first bought all the gear and then took classes, but it was a great deal and I just couldn't pass it....
You'll see what I am talking about once you see what I got :D :D

anyway I give you all my scout word that I won't do anything stupid, and will consult more experienced kiters in case of any doubt.

You all look like really cool bunch and I have no intentions of making a jackass out of myself and phucking it up for everyone else.

Z

[Skyway Scott]

Z,

The fact that you are on here seems like a good sign.
Your response seems rational (not defensive or offensive) as well.
Sounds like you have a decent head start and are willing to ask/listen to advice. All good qualities to have. Seems to me if you ask for guidance and then take the advice, you can't really go that far wrong. (unless given really bad advice :shock: )

Hey... can you somehow bring wind to St. Pete for us ALL to have so you can practice and we ALL can ride? Good luck with it, and just ask the guys out there, we all just want to keep it safe. :)

[Z-Type]

cool, now we're all on the same page I will be praying to Jah for the rest of the week for SSW 25 MPH with gusts up to 35 just for the hell of it :evil:

[Skyway Scott]

OH YEAH.

[JoshTaylor]

cool, now we're all on the same page I will be praying to Jah for the rest of the week for SSW 25 MPH with gusts up to 35 just for the hell of it :evil:jeeze, already willing to go for the insanly high winds!!

for your sake.. pray for more like 18-23 :lol:

i'd prefure more like 25-30... but thats just me haha

[Skyway Scott]

I think Z is joking around.
I'll take that wind, however :)
Heck, 11 or better is alot nicer than what we usually get this time of year.

[JoshTaylor]

I think Z is joking around.
I'll take that wind, however :)
Heck, 11 or better is alot nicer than what we usually get this time of year.yeah i know he was

tru any wind that i can ride powerd up in is fine.

[Skyway Scott]

Accuweather has it blowin' TH. FRI and SAT!!! :D :P :!: :!: 8)

That'd be SWEEEEET!!

[Optionryder420]

NO! I work saturday and Friday...

It better be good on thursday...

Wait, Saturday I only work 10-3, nevemind.

[bayflite]

z,

did your instructor tell you(or has your research informrd you) that about 1 kiter a month dies.

x pect the un x pected.

these are not all newbies...if my memory serves me correctly it's over 50 kiters that are now dust in the wind.

some guys/gals are certified instructors and are still doing some idiodic stuff.

last time it blew real hard outta the east(last week?)i went 2 my favorite spot

....the one near bayboro harbor :wink: and saw a truck way at the south end with big ol signs on his truck "KITESURFING LESSONS".
I go do my sesh and as i'm packing up i see him launch a newb send him 2 the sand bar and then i was shocked2 c another newbs kite go up and start to walk out2 the sand bar...

2 newbs (kites spent more time in that out of the H2O) one instructor dead onshore winds...no chase boat.

Pretty stupid move...at least get a damn kyack!

[Stevil Kenevil]

That would make for some great video...Chasing down a newbie on a downwind death ride, in a kayak, Hawaii Five-O style.......(theme song playing on the Ipod) Where can I get my copy? :lol: :lol: :lol:

Book 'em Dano...... :twisted:

[toby wilson]

Accuweather has it blowin' TH. FRI and SAT!!!

That'd be SWEEEEET!!

Looks like I'm breakin' out the supa glu and/or nuskin, tape and gloves if this damn cut isn't ready yet, I can't miss any more good wind!!!!!!!! :evil:

[Z-Type]

Toby super glue works like a charm, used it a bunch of times with great results.

and Bayflite, one thing about me, if I can get killed doing something, it just can't be fun...... and have plenty of scars, cat scans, and x-rays to prove it :twisted: ......think rally racing, supercross, crotch rockets, powerlifting, stand-up freestyling, kick boxing, etc. etc.

I am 1000% positive that sooner than later I WILL push myself beyond my limits and end up getting hurt, and as soon as I am healed I'll do it again to see if I figured out where I made the mistake........I know it's stupid and retarded, but I just can't help it.....
to put it in words of Xander Xavier " I live for this $hit......"

anyhows, where's everyone planning on riding this weekend, if you want a newbie around you off course...

[JoshTaylor]

to put it in words of Xander Xavier " I live for this $hit......"

I think most of us here do, just when your trying new stuff, stay far away from the beach, it is hard not to show off near the beach. can't blame you for that, i do it sometimes myself, but learning new stuff stay out far, and if you can, do all your tricks out there.

[Stevil Kenevil]

Z-Most experienced riders will be in the gulf.Learning in the gulf is a lot harder/more dangerous due to waves,currents,beachgoers,etc.It is not recomendedYour best bet would be to try and book some time with Eagle for a downwinder.Its the quickest way to get up and riding.He will able to get you out to flat, shallow water where you can focus on learning the required riding/safety skills to make it in this sport.We are all atheletes in various sports, but this is kiteboarding. It takes most kiters 3 months to be able to ride upwind/jump, if they have gotten plenty of water time.Take your time and be safe.

[David]

"....the one near bayboro harbor Wink and saw a truck way at the south end with big ol signs on his truck "KITESURFING LESSONS".
I go do my sesh and as i'm packing up i see him launch a newb send him 2 the sand bar and then i was shocked2 c another newbs kite go up and start to walk out2 the sand bar... "


Well, I knew it wouldnt take long before I would be mentioned on the forums and only was refered to this one by a friend. I guess everyone has there opinion and has the right to express it. All I ask is for people to not jump to conclusions. Get the whole story before doing any kind of posting because people's reputations are at stake.

Lets see, Lassing Park. sand bar 300 yards offshore. Launch one person with own gear (not a student) who has completed all the appropriate lessons and knows all the safety protocols but did have to go through some grueling questioning before being assisted in launching. Other person, yes a student (one on one) who had completed all lessons leading up to board use. Star student in water relaunching, emergency releasing, and body drags. Again moving out to the sand bar 300 yards out to practice water starts and staying in the preassigned "play area".

Thank you for expressing your concerns and please continue to emphasize safety to all kiteboarders.