new to sport

[TampaNick]

hey guys the names nick im interested in kite boarding. Just bought a HQ Scout 3m to start learning how to control kites looking for any advice on using these kites while i wait for it to come through the mail. i also will be looking for a kitesurfing instructor want a good one any points to the right direction would be appreciated

what wind speed should i be looking for using this kite?

what obstacles to stay away from

any other questions that i dont know and should ask. you guys could answer for me and i would appreciate it thanx in advance

[TampaNick]

sorry guys just realized i posted in wrong spot plz move to the learning threads

Instructors, you can call watersports west, or you can drive down to the skyway during a west or east wind (around 12-14mph) and look for "Randy" in the trailer... he's almost always there. Look for the black flags with a flying fish on them. He teaches right there on the spot.

Most of our instructors are pretty good, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

TBKA may recommend some instructors also... Steve for example.

[LSUkiter]

Scott's right on that. I started during the summer a year ago cuz I couldn't wait. Awesome wind on my first lesson, every other lesson was sucky light winds. I can relaunch the hell out of a kite becuz half my lessons were in such light winds, I ended up with my kite in the water constantly. Extremely frustrating and annoying. Lack of winds combined with a horrible work schedule led me from taking about 12 hours of lessons as opposed to the usual 6. I was completely happy with my instructor, it just got frustrating because my progression was so slow.

[TampaNick]

would it be good to start off on land with a board? will the trainer kite have enough power for this? what kinda pull should i be expecting with this kite with a summer wind?

[Kiteboarding Tampa Bay]

Your best bet right now is to take the Intro to Kiting class at Watersports West in Largo. Its 75.00 and about 2 1/2 hours of info. You go home with study materials, links, and a ride guide CD of area launch sites. Do that and fly the trainer kite as much as possible.

There's a ton of local and safety info here:
www.kiteboardingtampabay.com
and here: www.tbka.org/forum/

If you come out to the beach with your trainer I will show you some land excercises that you can practice on.
Thanks for seeking advice and learning safely, our locals apprecitate that!