Getting started

[Nicolli]

Hi folks,

 

Just about to start kitesurfing and I am looking for a little advice. I can already fly kites and do a bit of landboarding.

 

I have aquired a 9.7 airush and twin tip board. given my size 6'2" and 17.5 stone will this be adequate ?

 

My idea is to do some body dragging and get used to ditching the kite, water relaunching and become happy with the safety system. I then want to try moving on the board.

 

Do i need a flotation jacket ? what sort of helmet should I be wearing ? Got any other advice ?

[bucski]

It will be fine for learning to body drag and relaunching etc.. but to get going on the water you 're gonna need a lot of wind ( not recommended for learning) or a bigger kite - you'd be better of with a say 15m kite really.

 

As far as helmets go there a quite a few, Gath make a popular one.

 

What size is the board?

 

Hi folks,

 

Just about to start kitesurfing and I am looking for a little advice. I can already fly kites and do a bit of landboarding.

 

I have aquired a 9.7 airush and twin tip board. given my size 6'2" and 17.5 stone will this be adequate ?

 

My idea is to do some body dragging and get used to ditching the kite, water relaunching and become happy with the safety system. I then want to try moving on the board.

 

Do i need a flotation jacket ? what sort of helmet should I be wearing ? Got any other advice ?

[marqueemark]

As far as helmets are concerned I would recommend the Pro-Tec ace wake. Very comforable, better looking and most importantly provides better protection than the Gath/Gecko helmets.

 

Have you considered taking any lessons? A 2 day course is about £165 and should get you started quickly.

[Nicolli]

I have discussed lessons with a few people, most have said that as I can already fly a kite and landboard, paying for lessons could be a waste of money.

 

I am hoping to meet up with some local surfers and get some tips, maybe just watch for a while before trying to get on the board.

 

In relation to the size of the board, I don't actually know, I will have a look tonight and post back later.

 

Is a helmet vital ? could I use the helmet I already have ? or do I need a helmet specifically designed for kite surfing ?

[Airpowerd]

I have discussed lessons with a few people, most have said that as I can already fly a kite and landboard, paying for lessons could be a waste of money.

 

Could be alot of time struggling saved too!

 

I am hoping to meet up with some local surfers and get some tips, maybe just watch for a while before trying to get on the board.

 

watch , get videos, get advise and tips, sounds like an instructor to me :-)

 

Is a helmet vital ? could I use the helmet I already have ? or do I need a helmet specifically designed for kite surfing ?

 

Is a helmet vital hmmmm.. have a look at the do you wear a helmet thread, the best line there is would you let your kids NOT wear one, and if not why are you so special.

as for type i use a skate helmet others pay more for gekko's gaths etc its a style thing. but the first drag up the beach will make you glad you're wearing it

[monkeyinshower]

I started Kitesurfing using the helmet i use for landboarding. But the foam was quite spongy and took on a lot of water, so was a bit heavy and uncomfortable. But it did the job. I've got one of those Protec wake lids that someone mentioned earlier. -Is pretty good!

PS - I used to landboard (still do) before learning kitesurfing, I found lessons useful. Lots of helpful safety advice etc. And got me up on the board real quick.

- Cheers and good luck!

[Pablo]

I just use a cheapo Whitewater Kayaking helmet. It doesn't retain water and it's already saved my noggin from many rocks on the bottom of rivers. It also comes down fairly low on the back of the head which I hear is one of the prime spots for board strikes if you're wearing a leash.

 

Stuff is way cheaper when it doesn't have "for Kitesurfing" written on it. I picked up my large pump for $14 when the local store wanted $45 for the same pump with a different sticker on it.