VANCOUVER ISLAND WINDTALK

I just got back from Maui - took a four hour lesson at kite beach; now I really want to get going with this!

I have some old gear that I bought second hand a few years ago and haven't used at all for fear of killing myself and lack of time. Big Naish directional board, Naish ARX 12m kite, DaKine seat harness.

After looking at gear evolution and esp re safety features i'm a bit concerned looking at my bar and lines - no apparent safeties besides the kite leash.

1. Should I forget the ARX setup all together in favor of newer stuff with better safety considerations? Bow kite?

2. What about adding a different bar with safety features to my existing kite?

3. Suitability of the large directional? (I don't windsurf and have no idea how to jibe)

4. Suitability of the seat harness? Any drawbacks to an impact vest type harness? (I broke a rib on Maui and would prefer not to repeat it)

5. How best to learn about the local scene (esp IV and Nitinat) and get going without getting hurt or pissing anyone off?

Thanks,

Chris.

Hi Chris,

1. I would say you should keep the kite, there is nothing wrong with it.

2. I would get a new bar, preferably an Ocean Rodeo punch-out bar, as they are the safest on the market. the lines you should be able to use.

3. I would consider putting a 5th line on, though that isn't necessary.

4. Keep the seat harness - many prefer them (including me). Eventually you may want to switch, who knows.

5. Keep the board, it will be fun for light wind days! You may want to pick up a twin tip though, as you will soon progress past that board for every day riding.

6. GET A HELMET!

7. To learn about the local scene, if at all possible, take another lesson locally. www.strongkiteboarding.com is a good place, and will give you insight to Nitnaht and advice about local beaches. IV can be a great place to learn on summer afternoons.

Good luck!

Paul

Hey, I'm new to the game -
the OR punch out bar/leash on 5th line saved my ass from going into the trees, twice. super easy to instantly depower th ekite and halt the out of control yank.
the 5th line saved my ass on the far side of the lake when I crashed the kite, and off of clover point in the poo stew, also used it as a depower when it got super windy/getting back to the beach.
Highly recommended- worked for me very well through the steep part of the learning curve.

almost forgot - an impact vest is a very good investment. Bosun's Locker has some, and if you can't find one there, check out wakeboarding vests. They also provide good protection.

One piece of advice would be to try to team up with a friend or make friends with someone else that is learning so you can assist each other through the learning curve. I would get out yourself or with a buddy a couple times seeing that you've already taken lessons, then take another short lesson to get your bad habits corrected. a couple hundred bucks seems like a lot but not if you consider that it can get you ripping and having fun very quickly compared to struggling your whole first summer, like I did.

Keep the board, they get you out riding when the wind is light. When the wind doesn't blow you can at least sit around and laugh at your board!

Have fun!

thanks for the answers guys

i hope to get everything teed up and get out there soon!

chris.

here's a plan, get a hot tub, they are fun every day

Welcome to the dark side...I-view should have some good learning weather in the next few days. You only need ~ 7-10 knots E.-S.E. @ the airport. If the tide is out launch from the beach. See you there.