Fixed bridle or depower

[jjesseday]

So I have returned to kiting and I'm going to give the land board another go. I tried a few years ago with a depower kite exactly two times and gave up and moved to buggying.  Well I've lost 60 lb and no longer can buggy in my area so I have decided to try land boarding again. I've got some fixed bridle kites that I plan to try first to make sure I like it before investing in more depower kites.  Do any of you prefer flying with fixed bridle vs depower?   I've got a 3.5 rage, 3.5 alpha, 4 m blade, and a 5 m beamer. Never flown the blade, just got that today actually and don't get my board for a few days.  Once the rain stops I plan to go out and give it a shot. I'm kind of thinking about using the rage first depending on the wind. Either that or the beamer.   Is there any downside to learning how to board with fixed bridle kites first versus just jumping straight to depower?

[igeighty]

In my opinion, learning a fixed bridle kite will give you the skills to control the kite more. However I cannot make depower fly so ignore what say

out of the three kites… the 5m Beamer would be the best to learn in approximate wind. It will be slower and easier to control than the smaller kites.fiving you more time to react.

i do know though that fixed bridle kites require a high amount of finessing to jump and usually end up deflating and landing you on your head so stick to getting know your board before launching it skyward.

I primarily fly buggy fixed bridle kites.

never really tried a land board. But there are tons of people here that have..

have you got anyone around that you can share tips ?

 

I

[jjesseday]

I think you are right about the beamer being the best pick for the learning!   I wish I could bug you again, I really do but there's just not a good spot for it where I live!  I love the thought of jumping and stuff but I don't know if I want to go down that road because I don't want to end up in the hospital!   Back and forth seems pretty fun though and I used to skateboard as a kid so I'm really hoping that I pick this up and have fun with it!

Sorry I forgot to answer your last question, no I do not know anyone locally that I can fly with but I'll get to hang of it I just need some practice and for it to quit raining!

[igeighty]

I have to add that I fly mainly in the clean winds of the beach. So that is better for fixed bridle as opposed to the gusty (lumpy) winds inland where depower kites would ride out the bumps more..

I have no real hands on with depower kites, other than a few years back. I do know that they can handle the gusts quite a bit better while just sitting in the air. Whereas with fixed bridle I would be moving the kite around to find the best spot. 

there are kiters everywhere. We just have to connect you with them

this forum used to be very active however Facebook groups have now taken over or all us old kites are just dead

but there is a wealth of knowledge here going back many years and I know a few old blokes are still lurking  so post as many questions as you want 

[jjesseday]

Thanks man I appreciate it! I am also lucky and fly only on the beach so I've got fairly smooth winds.  I remember feeling like the kiting sport was dying a few years ago when I got out of it.  Since I've gotten back in I feel like it's even worse.    Maybe I just need to start looking in the right places. I have joined a few Facebook groups but mainly the buy and sell groups.  

[bakersdozen]

11 hours ago, jjesseday said:

Thanks man I appreciate it! I am also lucky and fly only on the beach so I've got fairly smooth winds.  I remember feeling like the kiting sport was dying a few years ago when I got out of it.  Since I've gotten back in I feel like it's even worse.    Maybe I just need to start looking in the right places. I have joined a few Facebook groups but mainly the buy and sell groups.  

Welcome @jjesseday

Your best bet (at this stage) would be to do a 2 things.

1. When it isn't raining and it's a smooth wind at your beach spot - just go and static fly the kites you have. Start with the easy one's (beamer) and then work up to the angry one's (blade) depending on wind conditions. This will get you back into flying the actual kite again.

2. Find a spot that is local to you which has a decent decline on grass or dirt/gravel. Take your board and slowly work yourself up to manoeuvreing the board until you work out the ins and outs of how it works by itself.

Then, you will be ready to combine both kite and board and understand if you need to make the transition to depower or not. If your not THAT keen on leaving the ground, then you may have the quiver of kites you already need 

[jjesseday]

Thanks you bakersdozen.  This is great advice.  I'm actually more worried about being comfortable on the board then I am flying my kites. It is arriving today so maybe I'll try to ride it around the neighborhood. I'm half tempted to pull off the foot straps at first.  

[jjesseday]

Bakersdozen I should also add that I'd love to leave the ground but every review, instructions, and video I've ever seen say that eventually you WILL hurt yourself.  That's the only part that bothers me because I can't afford to be injured and not work.  But the thought of leaving the ground sounds awesome I must be honest!