fluke242 - 14-3-2011 at 09:39 AM
Hi PKF Members,
I am looking for private land-only kite lessons. In all my searching in SoCal the lessons are for kiteboarding only. I would like to try out ATB and
buggy and learn more about proper power kiting.
I recently moved to Santa Monica and bought my first kite. So far just a HQ Rush Pro 300 (2.8) Trainer with bar. I am already eyeing my next kites
and will try handles next. I only have 4 hours of flying in and what a riot. Not to mention a great work out!
Sooooo much fun! Thanks for any training suggestions or offers!
John
ripsessionkites - 14-3-2011 at 03:11 PM
Dino @ Dakitez
tridude - 14-3-2011 at 03:15 PM
I thought Dino was norcal........................this guy is in socal....................never heard of land lessons other than the school of hard
kncoks.......................most of us know that school........................what about Domindo and Lunchbox.....................
:duh::duh:
action jackson - 14-3-2011 at 03:21 PM
Your so close to NABX.net, that I would go there and absorb what you can from the best!............aj
BeamerBob - 14-3-2011 at 03:30 PM
Many shops will meet you at a flying place and let you try stuff out. It's a great way to sell gear and make you a regular customer. They probably
won't charge you because that would be taking on liability. A day or 2 at nabx in Primm NV would really open your eyes to what is possible out there.
It might not be the best place to learn bugging, but you could fly about any popular model kite sold because of all the dealers and mfrs found there.
It's only about 2 weeks away too.
Bladerunner - 14-3-2011 at 04:37 PM
There is no formal course available to become a teacher of ATB or buggy so beware of anybody claiming they are certified. Without certification it's
tough to get insurance. Without insurance ...
We give complimentary lessons to new customers in order to insure their fun and safety most good dealers do. Otherwise it is mostly meeting up with
other folks and feeding off of each other. There are a few folks in SoCal, Lunchbox + ??
It is short notice but BY FAR the best education you can get is to join us at NABX www.nabx.net If you can make it , swing by the Canadian flag and ask for me. I promise you at least 1 hour of 1 on 1 instruction + can set you up
with some kites to try. Rooms are cheap and the parties are fun ! Even if you can just make the weekend you should try to swing it!
This event is in Primm. Not too far from you ? If not then you have a LOT of great folks to catch up with from Vegas.
ripsessionkites - 14-3-2011 at 04:47 PM
Dino can drive his Cube around California for cheap :P
I have no idea where he lives, but Im sure there are a lot of kiters closer to you.
land is more informal than water
like everyone said, you must try to hit NABX. 
lunchbox - 14-3-2011 at 06:37 PM
Hey John,
I live in Agoura Hills...about 30 miles north of you (18 miles from Malibu). I don't know anyone that teaches kitebuggying or landboarding
neither....all water.
...but having said that, kiting is (IMHO) about 85-90% kite skills) so taking a lesson from a place like monkeyair.com or malibukiting.net might prove
helpful. You'll start with the trainer or if you're comfortable with that, they'll put you on a bigger depowerable kite and you'll learn scudding and
basic kite control. Once you're mastered this, learning to buggying and landboard is not as hard as it would seem. Kite and board placement are the
real critical elements.
You can also meet me at Oxnard or go with me to El Mirage and I can give you a few pointers. The beach is probably a better place to start as the wind
is usually a lot smoother and the sand is more forgiving. Only problem around here is that other than El Mirage there aren't too many places to board.
Wind is usually sideshore at our beaches so your tacks are small. Can be a good downwinder if you have a ride back however 
Well hope that helps and if you want to get together, let me know. I try to go at least once on the weekend...if the wind cooperates of course.
Pete
fluke242 - 15-3-2011 at 12:00 AM
Thank you all!! Such awesome suggestions and support. I am into casual learning and it makes sense why there are no land
instructors.
NABX sounds perfect and I appreciate your offer Bladerunner! I am going to try to make April 1-3. What is the hotel of choice or is
there an existing NABX thread on this forum?
Lunchbox I would love to join you some weekend and happy to make the trip. Let me know if you go this weekend or so.
Thank you all again for helping out a new guy.
John
fluke242 - 15-3-2011 at 12:11 AM
Another NABX question - do I need to register?
So far thinking of staying in Primm. Haven't flipped a coin to see which hotel yet.
flyjump - 15-3-2011 at 06:33 AM
yeah you'll need to register, and if you check the NABX forum section on the main page of PKF you can find it quickly. They have links to the hotels
and a special code that'll give you somewhat of a discount. Only 2 more weeks!
Bladerunner - 15-3-2011 at 06:49 AM
You will not regret coming out .
If you want to join us on the Playa then that crazy insurance thing means you must register. Please DO stay with us + use the GROUP CODE for your room
discount. Every room booked is a + for our power with the hotel.
The Free beer, food , T shirts +++ and parties make the entry fee clearly worth while !
geokite - 15-3-2011 at 07:12 AM
Today is the last day to use the group code for the low room rate.
fluke242 - 15-3-2011 at 09:09 AM
I just booked my hotel with the group code! I will arrive around lunch time Friday and will have the entire weekend to enjoy some kite action.
Now off to register for NABX. !!
Seanny - 15-3-2011 at 09:15 AM
I think it's fair to say that the NABX is the biggest traction kite expo in the world. Or at least, most definitely in North America. You will have an
outstanding time Fluke I can't think of a better way to learn to buggy and ATB
then do spend a few days with the world's best. And they're a great group of guys :P
geokite - 15-3-2011 at 09:35 AM
It is also the second largest kite gathering on the west coast, behind WSIKF.
fluke242 - 15-3-2011 at 09:38 AM
Thanks, Sean!
So far I am overwhelmed how nice people are in this sport and particularly on PKF. My previous hobby was so-so for friendly outgoing types, home
audio.
I am officially registered as a participant! :D
John
fluke242 - 15-3-2011 at 09:59 AM
Changed my plans a bit and will arrive Thursday evening. I will send a couple U2U's sharing contact info to help meet with a few of you and please
feel free asking for mine.