Gear
Frequently asked questions:
Question: Can’t I just buy a kite online and go to the beach?
Answer: Proper gear selection based on conditions, rider ability, and location all play an important part in the sport. If you want to buy a kite online, a good start is a trainer kite. Kitesurfing carries many risks that can result and injury to you or a bystander. It looks easy but it takes proper instruction to understand and than its about making good decisions.
Question: What is the best size kite to buy?
Answer: That would vary based on the weather conditions, rider weight, board options, and ability of the rider. Most kiters have a quiver of kites consisting of 2-4 kite of different size. Each size kite has a wind range for which that kite has been tested in. Here in the northeast, the most common sized kite you see vary buy the season. The summer months are lighter wind therefore 14M,16M, and even 18M kites are common. In the fall, winter, and spring, when stronger winds arrive you might find yourself using a 9M or 12m. If your new to the area, spend some time at the beaches and talk to some of the riders to see what they suggest.
Question: I took lessons and bought a kite and board. I can’t seem to ride at all when others are. Why?
Answer: Kite size and board size are important to starting out on the right foot. Someone new should use a large board. This is often an issue. Smaller boards are for higher winds while larger boards are for lighter winds. Boards make a big difference. Talk to an instructor before you purchase gear to make sure it willwork for you.
Question: Whats the best wind for me since I am new?
Answer: if you are new, you should be in the 15 knots range. Really work on your flying skills to improve your confidence. In higher winds things happen much faster. Take your time in lighter winds and master the basics.
Question: What makes a kite safe?
Answer: Its not so much the kite as it is the rider. If you take lessons you will learn on how to make good decision to prevent a situation from arising. More importantly if you have a situation you will know how to handle. Keep in mind most kite accidents actually happen on the beach in not in the water. When you get a new kite, understand how the release system works and practice it before you need to use it. Both Cabrinha and Slingshot have good quality systems as many manufactures do today. The first time you use your kites safety system should not be the first time you are in a bad situation. Each kite is different and learn to master this before your session.
Question: How do I find local riders if I am new?
Answer: In Connecticut, you should join the ctyahoogroups for kite surfers. Many of the local riders post on this group and if you have questions, you can post in the group for feedback. Plus its a great way to meet some of the other riders in the area. If you are in Mass, then you would want to join Masskiting. They have a great website with alot of great content. The members are a great group of guys and gals that just plain and simply love the sport and love talking about it.
Question: What else do I need to know?
Answer: Tons! Take lessons until you are comfortable, and then get on the beach and practice. Use the light wind days to work on the kite flying and body dragging skills. Practice launching and landing your kite with and without help. Stay close enough to shore and don’t take risks that you can’t handle. Remember safety is everyones responsibility and you are responsible for your kite.