Interested in Kiteboarding

OneEyedwilly · #1 05-26-2006, 07:18 PM

Hey guys, can someone give me some insider answers...

1} where are someplaces to buy this equipment

2} do you recommend and instructors/ shops

3} do i need to buy a trainer kite??

Thanks
Kurt

bryanleighty · #2 05-27-2006, 07:30 AM

Kurt..

take a look on the main page @ http://www.fksa.org... there is a learning section.

dont even worry about buying anything but a trainer kite until after lessons.. just pretend the stuff does not exist..

there are many trainers in the St. Pete / Tampa area ..

www.tampabaykiteboarding.com is a great place to start and a well known and respected group of instructors..

a trainer kite (if you have never flown a kite before) will help you first lessons go from ground to water much faster. you can get one for 150$ or less if you find one used.. learn to properly fly it and you will save time and money on your lessons.

its the dead season around here now.. get a trainer, learn to fly, get some lessons in the light winds.. by the time the season is back you will be ready to get serious in the sport ....

b

#3 05-27-2006, 09:05 AM

Kurt,

Bryan nailed it. I am just going to re-emphasize how we are entering NO WIND for 3 to 4 months here. I would put kiting out of my mind (the hope of actually learing to ride and get good .. at least locally) til Oct and then come back to it.

If you decide to pursue kiting now (really kiting) it could get frustrating.
However ,one good idea would be to get your board skills up and going by wakeboarding or hitting the cable park. That is a great first step and can be done with no wind. The trainer, as Bryan said, can be done in light winds. Please respect beachgoers or others and don't nail 'em with your trainer :x :evil:

Stevil Kenevil · #4 05-27-2006, 10:45 AM

Kurt-You can pick up a trainer kite at Watersports West(727)517-7000. A 3 meter Slingshot is 260(I think) which is pricier than other trainers, but you get what u pay for in this sport. The other trainers I have flown dont fly as well as the Slingy, and arent nearly as durable... I have a friend that might be interested in selling a Best 3 meter trainer, I will check the price for you and post it later.