Hey guys,

I have been wanting to get in to the sport for a few years but haven't made the plunge yet. I think it is time!

Thought I would see what people recommend as the best way to start.

I was thinking maybe 3-4 lessons and then I could head out on my own?

Also what gear is recommended for a beginner? I would want to eventually get in to some small beach waves so wouldn't mind some more all-round gear. I am about 6"5' and 95kg as well.

Based in Sydney. Better to suck it up and deal with the cold and learn in winter while it is quieter than to deal with other kites when busy in summer?

Thanks!!

Hey mate,

Welcome to the kiting tribe mate. As most will tell you here, lessons are a must! The quantity will depend a bit on your progression and budget, but ideally you want to be at the stage where you can board start, ride both directions, and to be getting to the point where you can ride cross wind. I'm sure some of the other forum guys will give you some recommendations for instructors in Sydney.

Gear-wise, i'd wait to have your lessons and then start the conversation, when you're beginning i'd tend to go for something secondhand and cheap, you'll potentially trash it anyway and what you want for learning isn't the same as what you want once you've progressed a bit.

My personal opinion on the lessons is to wait until there is going to be consistent wind. If you start learning in variable conditions with big gaps between lessons, you'll basically be starting again each time. You'll get maximum progression from being able to go out consistently with lessons close together, to me any lessons before that you'll be essentially paying twice. Opinions may vary...

Good luck, see you on the water!

Hi Ryan

Jack gave you great advice. I wouldn't recommend learning in the winter either, winds are too inconsistent and dangerous. Just wait till the beginning of summer so you have the whole rest of the season to practice.

Many newbies go head first into learning, buy gear and lessons without realizing what's actually involved. Depending on many factors you may progress very slowly, slowly or if your lucky at the pace advertised by most schools (independent kiter riding the board in 5-6 hours, which in reality in unrealistic for most people).

The best thing you can do is gather as much information as possible about the learning process, equipment, wind conditions, locations, safety, etc. etc. There are countless online resources. Start by reading learning threads in the Newbies section of this forum and eventually you'll cover most topics.

Knowledge is key in becoming a safe and independent kiter and will also make your progress quicker once you start your lessons.

Some would recommend to purchase a small trainer kite to practice flying in the winter before lessons. This is fun and you will understand a few basic from doing this, however I've had many student who over-flew these trainer kites without any supervision and simply have dangerous bad habits that are hard to break during lessons once they are put on ''real sized kites''... So trainer kites are optional really.

Take your time shopping for lessons as well, stay away from cheap group lessons and schools who ''guarantee'' you'll be riding the board in just a few hours....those are schools who typically deliver more of a supervised kiting ''experience'' rather than actual lessons.

Start going to local kite beaches and talk to local kiters, offer help to launch and land their kites and watch them setup, pack down etc. They might be the ones who save your ass and/or your gear later down the track. Ask about their learning experience and where they recommend to take lessons.

Christian

These guys will take you out to the middle of Botany Bay and follow you with a boat. Probably the safest lessons you'll get.

www.kiteboardinglessons.com.au/

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cbulota said..
.... trainer kites (form) dangerous bad habits...

Can you please elaborate. I didn't think there was anything wrong with them.

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Freddofrog said...

cbulota said..
.... trainer kites (form) dangerous bad habits...

Can you please elaborate. I didn't think there was anything wrong with them.

Just that trainer kites are a bit 2 dimensional
Not having the slidey Upy downy bar bit that is really the biggest part of kite control.

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Freddofrog said..

cbulota said..
.... trainer kites (form) dangerous bad habits...

Can you please elaborate. I didn't think there was anything wrong with them.

Just think about what people do with trainer kites most of the time: they fly it through the power zone non-stop doing aggressive figure of 8's. To do this, you must have 1) a heavy hammer-style grip on the bar due to amount of power being held through your arms and 2) a wide grip on the bar so the kite actually turns faster.

Now imagine someone doing this for countless hours, it becomes an ''automatic'' process, involving unconscious movements.

You now give that student a 4-line depowerable kite for the first time, what do you think they will tend to do ? Grab the bar with the hands wide, super firm grip, pull the bar all the way in and drive the kite through the power zone.... I don't think I need to explain the consequences of this. You'd need to teach students on a regular basis to observe that trend from heavy trainer-kite users.

However, those aggressive movements developed from the trainer kite come in handy when it comes to water starts in low winds or downwind body drags.

Trainer kites can be a great tool, but can also slow down your learning process when transitioning to an inflatable kite, depending mostly on how you've used it.

As I always said, it's easier and much quicker to learn good and safe habits from scratch rather than breaking bad and dangerous habits that have been there for a while.

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kkiter said..
These guys will take you out to the middle of Botany Bay and follow you with a boat. Probably the safest lessons you'll get.

Being kept safe during your lessons is important, but learning to become a safe kiter is something completely different and much more important...unfortunately something a lot of instructors don't dissociate. Having tools like boats to teach from and/or radio helmets are awesome teaching tools, but can easily make the student dependent on those.

I remember teaching in a shallow water school where at times the tides got a bit high making it a deeper water spot. Because none of the students were trained well enough for board recovery and self-rescue, we had to pull the boat out each time the tide got a bit high to rescue them and their boards. It's funny how they actually were expecting to be helped where in fact all instructors know that should teach each student to become independent kiters... In other words, there is a good chance you will progress much quicker with boat support (and radio helmets), but that won't necessarily make you a safe and independent kiter, sometimes quite the opposite of that Boat Kitesurfing ''lessons'' in Bali are a perfect example of that...

Maybe go down to the Penrith Cable Park and learn to ride. Left foot forward, Right foot forward, Sideways facing forward and sideways facing backwards. Then when you get a kite in your hands, your feet will already know what to do.

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cbulota said..

Freddofrog said..

cbulota said..
.... trainer kites (form) dangerous bad habits...

Can you please elaborate. I didn't think there was anything wrong with them.

Just think about what people do with trainer kites most of the time: they fly it through the power zone non-stop doing aggressive figure of 8's. To do this, you must have 1) a heavy hammer-style grip on the bar due to amount of power being held through your arms and 2) a wide grip on the bar so the kite actually turns faster.

Now imagine someone doing this for countless hours, it becomes an ''automatic'' process, involving unconscious movements.

You now give that student a 4-line depowerable kite for the first time, what do you think they will tend to do ? Grab the bar with the hands wide, super firm grip, pull the bar all the way in and drive the kite through the power zone.... I don't think I need to explain the consequences of this. You'd need to teach students on a regular basis to observe that trend from heavy trainer-kite users.

However, those aggressive movements developed from the trainer kite come in handy when it comes to water starts in low winds or downwind body drags.

Trainer kites can be a great tool, but can also slow down your learning process when transitioning to an inflatable kite, depending mostly on how you've used it.

As I always said, it's easier and much quicker to learn good and safe habits from scratch rather than breaking bad and dangerous habits that have been there for a while.

Fair enough, turning speeds are vastly different.

I found trainer kites great, even just learning about the power window right through to, knowing where the kite is without watching it and how to dive the kite and do a water start on land.

And now, it's still good fun for the kids.

Thoroughly recommend them.

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kkiter said...
These guys will take you out to the middle of Botany Bay and follow you with a boat. Probably the safest lessons you'll get.

www.kiteboardinglessons.com.au/
[/quote


Just contact me mate i will teach you for free no worries

I used a trainer kite and started in winter! How did I survive? :)

I'd totally give a trainer kite a go.. I basically sold mine for what I paid so it was well worth the $20 I 'lost on it. :)

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RosieKB said..
I used a trainer kite and started in winter! How did I survive? :)

I'm surprised you didn't die from boredom.

There's only so many loop de loops that you can do before dementia sets in.

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waveslave said..

RosieKB said..
I used a trainer kite and started in winter! How did I survive? :)

I'm surprised you didn't die from boredom.

There's only so many loop de loops that you can do before dementia sets in.

True dat.

I waited until I could do power dives, figure 8s etc one handed with eyes closed, before taking lessons. Kiting is supposedly 80% kite skills so trainer kites definitely helps, just bear in mind cbulota's points and you'll be fine.

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Crusoe said..
Maybe go down to the Penrith Cable Park and learn to ride. Left foot forward, Right foot forward, Sideways facing forward and sideways facing backwards. Then when you get a kite in your hands, your feet will already know what to do.

What he said, damn fine idea. If you can kill it on the cable park then the hardest bit (getting up and going on the board) becomes the easiest bit!

Plus you're not marking time all winter, and your girlfriend will get used to the concept of you disappearing for hours at a time and then coming home and going straight to bed.

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ryanb12 said..
Hey guys,

I have been wanting to get in to the sport for a few years but haven't made the plunge yet. I think it is time!

Thought I would see what people recommend as the best way to start.

I was thinking maybe 3-4 lessons and then I could head out on my own?

Also what gear is recommended for a beginner? I would want to eventually get in to some small beach waves so wouldn't mind some more all-round gear. I am about 6"5' and 95kg as well.

Based in Sydney. Better to suck it up and deal with the cold and learn in winter while it is quieter than to deal with other kites when busy in summer?

Thanks!!

I learnt thru winter after a few lesson at the end of summer, and I survived You've just gotta be carefull and be aware of weather changes/fronts etc and only go out when conditions are right. Which unfortunately is not very often.

Not sure what side of sydney you're on, but I was pretty happy with lessons from kitepower at brighton. Best place for advice would be instore. You get too many varying opinions online (including mine...).

I think you're on the money with the idea of 3-4 lessons. Only problem is it might be tricky finding lessons this time of year. Most places only do them thru summer.

Im also the same height and weight, 12 & 14m kites would be a good starting point for you. Then later on look at a smaller kite for stronger wind days. As for brand, wait till you have lessons and see what kites you use in them. Sometimes its good to buy the same kite you had in lessons so your already comfortable with it.

You'll find that you will be best off learning on a twin tip (maybe something biggish around 148cm) in flat water before heading to the beach on a surfboard. Once you do get to the beach on a surfboard, you'll never look back!!

Summer does get busy and it can be a bit scary dealing with crowds when your learning, but it'll be easier than learning in winter. Summer wind is smooth and predicable. Winter is gusty and crap. Plus, when its crowded, theres people around to help you.

Go and get as many lessons as U need till u can kite out and back to same spot. Learn to Self launch and land under guidance of Instructor.

It will be the Best money you'll ever spend

Thanks everyone, I appreciate all the feedback and responses!!

Definitely think I will head out to the Penrith wake park to get some practice in.

You need a couple of lessons to start.

The most important skill is to detach if in trouble. You will be able to find the kite preventing injury is a priority.

Most of the skill is in flying the kite and learning with depower is very important.

Once you can fly the kite body dragging while turning the kite needs to be mastered, walking back up the beach with the kite in the air is also helping your kite control.

Water starting was the skill I struggled with most. Soft hands, let the kite pull you up, start kiting with the bar out ,easier said than done.

Tea bagging, go 100 metres downwind, sink in the water with the kite above you, try an come back to shore.

Kurnell in a NE at low tide is excellent because you can touch the bottom 100 metres out from shore, I would recommend booties because you can cut your feet on the muddy bottom, it is not a lovely sand bottom past the low tide mark. It is not as good as bare feet but I have seen lots of beginners with feet cuts so the compromise when you are beginning might be worthwhile.

If you have trouble starting on a twin tip a surfboard may held and if you want to end up in waves I would learn on surfboard, you will get out of the water easier

Then it is time on the water.

All the instructors around Botany Bay are good and most fellow kiters are helpful.

Good Luck

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ryanb12 said..
Hey guys,

I have been wanting to get in to the sport for a few years but haven't made the plunge yet. I think it is time!

Thought I would see what people recommend as the best way to start.

I was thinking maybe 3-4 lessons and then I could head out on my own?

Also what gear is recommended for a beginner? I would want to eventually get in to some small beach waves so wouldn't mind some more all-round gear. I am about 6"5' and 95kg as well.

Based in Sydney. Better to suck it up and deal with the cold and learn in winter while it is quieter than to deal with other kites when busy in summer?

Thanks!!

Hi

Be warned, this sport is highly addictive, I've seen people completely change due to the amount of fun they introduce into their lives!! :-) But I'm guessing you already have a sense of that?

Winds in winter are no more dangerous than winds in summer, they are just wind. I admire user cbulota, but I think his use of the dangerous word is a bit misleading. (not maliciously intentional by him at all though) Cbulota is a very experienced instructor.

Trainer kites definitely help learn the wind window and basic kite control, 10-15 hrs use of one is all it takes. Shops like Kitepower in Sydney rent them, well worht the investment of $ and time.
Avoid expensive group lessons in Sydney, especially by any operators that charge $300 for 1 hr of tuition from a boat (while you watch 2 other students for the other 2 hrs, and supposedly learn from watching). Insist/choose 1 on 1 lessons, for all your lessons, you should only need 2-4

Look at kites that have some crossover ability like the Ozone Enduro, that way you can learn in Botany Bay, but will have a kite that works really well on a surfboard over at wanda too. If you really get hooked you will need more than 1 kite, and based on your weight I'd recommend nothing smaller than a 12 as your first, then once you know you want to stick with the sport you can add a couple of other sizes say a 10 or 9 for medium strength day and something like a 7M for the stronger winds Sydney definitely gets both in summer and winter.
Boards, go for TT's in the 1.38 to 1.42 length and 39-42cm in width, or surfboards around 6' to 6'6", basically a short board you could paddle and ride in medium sized waves. Strapless means you can just use any surfboard, if you want to ride strapped you either have to add them yourself or buy a dedicated kite surfboard new from a shop or used (seabreeze classifieds has tons). Don't buy old used kites, buy new or as new as you can afford, they just work better and will last longer with less trouble, and have the best latest safety systems too. There are lots of options for getting a good package deal, especially if you get lessons from a shop that sells new and guaranteed used gear.
Some schools do not operate over winter in Sydney, check with the guys at Kitepower if they have started up again, they only do 1 on 1 lessons, and are the longest running and most experienced in Sydney. The reason schools stop is not because of dangerous winds (professional schools do not operate in storms) is because the student pool dries up due to the cold weather, and because winds are less frequent and reliable, as well as from a direction that is more gusty and much colder, when they do blow.

My advice would be get a trainer kite now (hire) and learn the basics, then find out when lessons start and get them early so you then have the entire summer to practice and improve, and have the most fun!

Regards
Steve
Ozone kites distributor
Owner of Kitepower
Kitesurfing instructor