Power Kite Forum

The Learning Curve

surfrockuk - 10-9-2003 at 03:30 AM

I'm new to kiting so I'm looking for some tips/tricks. We're flying on Newcastle upon Tynes Town Moor.

I purchased a flexifoil super 10 about a month ago and had not much wind since until last night. Therefore after some learning breezes the 10 MPH wind produced some real pull. I'm getting the hang of it but would like to know if there is a website with tricks and techniques on it?. I've read these forums and got some useful info, thanks.

Now then, my mate Dan got himself a Ozone frenzy a couple of weeks ago and we had problems getting it to stay aloft in the slight breezes. ...That is, until last night. In the 10 Mph wind we discovered that his Frenzy is 'straight out of compton' and provides awesome pull to-wit. We have developed a trick called 'Arse surfing whilst gripping the bar' and I have grass stains up my back. (its fun and we developed it by accident!!). Today I feel like Ive been in a press-ups competition. Can anyone provide some practical advice as to the learning curve on this beast??. Will we get better and if so how??. Info would be well appreciated. Cheers, Rob.:singing:

doomwheels - 11-9-2003 at 04:03 AM

Quote:
would like to know if there is a website with tricks and techniques on it?


The Super 10 is a pretty straight forward kite. It's not an agile kite but rather enjoys pronounced control signals from the pilot. In other words, pull hard right to turn right and hard left to turn left with not much else in between.

I suppose some Flexi lovers can tell you about the delicate finess of the 10's stalling manuevers, but there has only been one guy that could ever make them look interesting in my opinion.

The Super 10 is best suited for barrelling through heavy winds at high speed working out the biceps and pumping up the adrenaline. So dig in and have fun!

Quote:
Can anyone provide some practical advice as to the learning curve on this beast?


Ozone makes a fine kite and I'm sure your friend will be happy with it. Most power kites start performing well at 8 mph+ so I can understand that you weren't getting the feel for it on the slight breeze days. Save it for 10 mph+ and experiment with the controls. It's all a matter of spending the time to get used to flying quadline kites.

It's also a good idea to attend buggy meets and kite festivals. Other kiters often enjoy helping out newbies and can show you some good control tips.

Try also consulting the mfr's web site or owner's manual for tips and instruction.

Other helpful instructional sites can be found in the links section of this forum. Try the Power Kite Site. It's a good general info source for different types of kite flying.

BC

mandeee - 16-9-2003 at 11:06 AM

hi! Im in newcastle too so will look out for you on the town moor! Im interested (desperate!) to try kiting and kitesurfing - do you know of anywhere in the ne to have a go at it???? Im having a look on the web now to try and find somewhere. Ive just been on a windsurfing holiday but want to try kitesurfing now!!!

mandy

Moor fun to be had!.

surfrockuk - 17-9-2003 at 03:30 AM

Thanks for the info Bob. We're starting to get the hang of the Frenzy after a few good face drags!!. ...Leaning back is good. What do you think of the Blade III 4.9m as a power plaything/boarding kite for a learning novice like myself?. Is it too mad?. I'm very tempted to get one but have read mixed reports where as a frenzy 5.0 for myself (having used my mate danny's) seems to be the way forward.

Quote:
Originally posted by mandeee
hi! Im in newcastle too so will look out for you on the town moor! Im interested (desperate!) to try kiting and kitesurfing - do you know of anywhere in the ne to have a go at it???? Im having a look on the web now to try and find somewhere. Ive just been on a windsurfing holiday but want to try kitesurfing now!!!

mandy


Hi Mandy.

We haven't yet progressed to boards yet as we're getting to grips with the foils first. The Outdoor Trust based in Beadnell may do lessons or be able to point you in the right direction for surfing. Their details are : The Outdoor Trust,
Windy Gyle,
Belford,
Northumberland NE70 7QE.
Tel/Fax: 01668 213289

http://www.outdoor.demon.co.uk/

Maybe worth a try!.

If your looking for us on the moor our kites are a blue/yellow flexifoil super 10 and a massive Blue and White Frenzy. To avoid confusion, we will also generally have some foldy seats to keep it civilised and to crash on when we're knackered!. Flasks of Tea abound and tunnocks caramel biscuits will be evident. Feel free to come and have some banter. You can fly my flexi too if you like. I'm sure we'll be flying until the dark nights make it difficult but we're toying with the idea of attaching LED torches to the end of the flexi so if you so if you hear of UFO sightings, think of us. :singing:

Cheers, Rob.

doomwheels - 17-9-2003 at 10:55 PM

Quote:
What do you think of the Blade III 4.9m


Can't say that I'm much of a Blade fan, but it is all a matter of preference. Best thing to do is try one and see if you like it. There are other good kites out there like the JoJo etc so give them all a go and buy the one that suits you best.

Often, decent kite shops will take you out for a test run. Otherwise you may be able to find someone on a kite field willing to share for a moment. My best advice is don't buy any kite that you have not flown yourself. Once you have a kite in your hands, you'll know if it is the right one or not.

Good luck,
BC

jasonj - 12-11-2003 at 07:56 AM

more from Newcastle eh???
Hi I live and have recently started kiting at south shields on the sea front. theres getting to be quite a healthy scene there. There is a descent kite shop at whitburn on the main road who give free lessons when you buy a kite from them. A few buggies, boards and kite surfers can usually be seen on a weekend at the sea front and on the Leas if your after a chat with some flyers. If you see a guy crashing a 3.5 bullit then its probably me....:lol:

Anyone near me?

Stug - 23-5-2004 at 10:57 AM

im from redditch and i only know of 1 person with a blade but i havent seen him out for ages. i would like to know if he is on here

but i spose me an me m8 will be going high soon