[Whitey]

First of all thank for asking not just going out there and getting hurt.

Good list of questions. Some answers and points that may be helpful.

Most importantly you have not finished your lessons. You just got infected. Please take some more lessons and ask all these questions to your instructor.

1. If you are going to use your wife as a kite caddie then include her in a couple of your lessons with the instructor and get her properly trained to launch and land your kite. This will keep you and her from getting hurt. Launch and landing are the key moments when things go wrong.

2. Tuning the kite can not be done properly with out seeing the kite in the air. Your instructor can help you do this in your next lesson. Also the adustment points used on the kite vary with the wind conditions you are using it in.

4. Your safety leash should be hooked to a point on the front of your harness (preferably on your favored hand side) when you are starting out. This is to avoid getting pulled around backwards if you have to release the kite to the leash, and not being able to reach the leash release if required.

5. NO! Contrary to what you see and hear there is no such thing as complete depower. Letting the bar out will reduce the pull but in no way is it total depower. With out proper bar input by the rider a kite with the bar all the way out can create a bunch of power. Complete depower is acheived by putting the kite in the bag.

6. Water launch is not a terrible idea. Have your instructor go over the proper sequence to do this safely. Many times in our area this is the best method for a beginer, to get a safe distance from the beachgoers.

7. Once again you are not done with lessons. You are just the the point where you know what to ask, and how to understand the answer. Your best, and most rewarding lessons are ahead of you.

8. No need for line extensions at this point.

9. Yes you should avoid any days where it is gusting to 30. The max mph for your kite is based upon rider experience, rider weight, board size, water conditions, and quality of wind. With out knowing your weight the answer is just a guess at best. If you weigh around 175 lbs you should enjoy 12 to 18 kts on that kite and board as a beginner. Any more wind than that can be a hand full, and should only be attempted with supervision by your instructor.

Fear is generated in the human brain for a reason, self preservation! If you sense fear it is a good indicator that you are approching, at, or past your current safe limit. Listen to your senses and pack it up for the day without getting hurt so you can ride again on the next good day. This limit will increase with experience. Have fun, enjoy the wind.