So that's IT!

[jetpack]

Click..Click...Boom! It finally CLICKED!

Today was the day. Wow. Don't know how it happened but it happened.
Today it all clicked. Just crazy. I couldn't stop smiling for the 90 mins I was
out there. Seriously.

Steve-O told me to go hit Sunset today cause it was gonna blow. I've been
at this for about 2 months and maybe 10 times out there. (30 hours'sh)

So I head out at 1pm and setup up at Sunset Beach. I was the first one
out there. I little nervous and I was thinking, "They must know something
I don't". Ignorance is not bliss.

So I setup anyway and the wind seems OK. Around 2pm I get onto the
water with the launch help of a windsurfer.

My first 45 minutes I head out to Howard and back. Twice, and I only lose
about 50 yards down wind each run. I walk back up the beach to relaunch.
After the second run I'm tired and take a brake.

Obviously I went too soon cause now three other kiters are setting up.
Quick text to Steve-O telling him I'm still alive, a gatorade and some rest, I'm
ready to get back at it.

3pm. This is where things got fuzzy. I launch, get strapped in and head out
towards Howard. Then of all a sudden, the tunnel vision I had been
experiencing in the beginging, went away. Just poof. It was like..
"oh yeah...duh..that's how it works!"

I could focus all at once on the board, the kite, the wind, other kiters. It was
pure bliss. I was going upwind back and forth just smiling & thinking Steve-O
was worth every penny!

Tyler

PS- In my euphoria I left my leash. Anyone?

[troubleshooter]

It gets better. Becoming comfortable and reacting to things involuntarily is part of the sport (and neccessary if u want to continue kiting).

If you dont get that "click" or whatever you may call it you need to rethink your involvement in the sport. This is not for nervous people or those who are not patient. Over reacting or not reacting can cause real problems.

Just wait til you do your first boosts if you so decide. That tunnel vision feeling will be back again. Then, one jump, you will be airborn, know where your kite is, feel your board enough to keep it on your feet, and rembember to sheet out and redirect your kite for a landing.

Baby steps. It all about baby steps. You dont have to save the world in one day.

[Steve-O]

Yo brother. I have your leash. So glad you had a great day. I knew you were ready. There is always going to be a first day you go it alone, and you did it. You now have that confidence you can build on. Couldn't have asked for better conditions. Congrats and I will hang on to your leash.

[H]

Welcome to the addiction