Power Kite Forum

Wife + Kite = ??

Purely Luck - 14-8-2013 at 06:40 AM

Hey all, I was just wondering how kiting has impacted your life in regards to your marriage.

My wife and I started kiting together, but she bailed very shortly after. (Too much power and too steep a learning curve for her liking)

Now it is just one of those things that she tolerates. LOL

However, it is nice that she went through the kite school with me when we were first started out. When we go out she is able to help me launch my LEIs and knows a lot of the safety should something go down.

It makes it hard to buy kites however. I know that should I even mention buying another kite I will be in the guest bedroom for a week. HAHA

How about you all? How on board is your wife with your obsession?

Demoknight - 14-8-2013 at 08:07 AM

I am not married with her yet, but she is almost as addicted to kiting as me. I let her fly my little 2.0m Prism that I will put in anyone's hands. She loves flying that thing. Then, a few weeks ago, she asked to have a go at my 5.0m Tensor. It spanked her. She was on her butt immediately, then spun around on her back, and was drug 15 feet before she remembered that she is supposed to let go of the handles and let the killers do their job...

She has since learned to handle the power really well, and loves flying the 5.0 now. I gave her a shot at the 8.0m Toxic in some light winds, but she wasn't able to keep it in the air just yet. I have to admit, it took a lot of practice for me to even be able to fly it well myself and I have been flying kites for over 20 years. I am going to buy a buggy in the next week or so, and she is especially excited for that. She is convinced that she can learn to do that with me, and is already talking about starting to attend some of the larger buggy conventions around the States every year.

flyhighWNY - 14-8-2013 at 08:55 AM

My girlfriend (no marriage in ssight) pretty much just added Kiting to her list of things to tolerate.. She does enjoy the fact that I take her boys AND daughter out with me, as wel as the look on my lil guys face when he sees the kites flying and me zipping around in the buggy. If she knew the total $$ invested in my hobbies (kiting is one of many as is case for othes here) I'd be chained to the............ Once I can get another buggy and bring her tandem I think she'll like it even more.

cheezycheese - 14-8-2013 at 09:02 AM

Kiting is a sore spot in my marriage. I get all kinds of attitude a week before and after a kiting event... :(

soliver - 14-8-2013 at 09:20 AM

For us it was on brink of becoming a sore spot. At first she thought it was cool, but I got a little too obsessed and spent a little too much $$$. I've kinda had to chill out a little. She is tolerant and frequently even supportive, but I am cautious with it. I try to fit my kiting time in when it won't interfere with time with the family. Or sometimes I take the kids along in the tandem, but that has its difficulties as well. The problem is more my obsessive tendencies than the actual kiting.

She is supportive as long as I don't get too bonkers about it. She is way SUPER awesome and I do prefer her over the kites :)

lives2fly - 14-8-2013 at 09:32 AM

Not married but i make it pretty clear to anyone I date that kiting is a non-negotiable activity. If its windy I go kiting for at least a couple of hours.

Happy to give them the other 20 hours of the day!

I'm intolerable if i don't get to go though so most women realise its best not to mess with it :) My last serious grilfriend kited anyway. That was pretty cool.

Purely Luck - 14-8-2013 at 09:36 AM

Man, that sounds very similar to my story soliver.

We don't have kids yet, but just like you I think it is more of my obsessive tendencies than the actual kiting.

And just like you, my Wife is one amazing woman!

Edit: Also, over the weekend I learned how to sail on a butterfly sailboat. I took her out and showed her the ropes and sailed with her. She manned the sail and I ran the tiller. We had a blast. (Not as crazy as kiting and it allowed us to do it together)

So if any of you guys want to get the wifey involved with some wind thing, try sailing. It is a very easy transition to from kiting.

abkayak - 14-8-2013 at 09:55 AM

my wife respects the fact I would have cheated on her like the rest of the scum men her friends have married...a mans gotta stay busy...at this pt she doesn't look at it as sharing me w/ the wind..but that I’m out of her hair..I do take care of all my responsibilities around the house first..well, unless there is a slight breeze anyway...damn perfect marriage, we were meant for ea other

Cheddarhead - 14-8-2013 at 11:03 AM

I'm pretty lucky that my wife accepts my power kiting obsession. Tried to get her on board with the power aspect with a little beamer, but that garnered little interest. Went to a couple kite festivals and she fell in love with the stunt kite aspect of the sport. She isn't a very physical type of person so just as well. At least she loves some sort of kites and likes to be out with me sharing the wind. She recently picked up a Prism Quantum and absolutely loves to fly it. She already is looking at adding another to her quiver:D So I can say I'm rather fortunate.

Demoknight - 14-8-2013 at 12:13 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Cheddarhead  
I'm pretty lucky that my wife accepts my power kiting obsession. Tried to get her on board with the power aspect with a little beamer, but that garnered little interest. Went to a couple kite festivals and she fell in love with the stunt kite aspect of the sport. She isn't a very physical type of person so just as well. At least she loves some sort of kites and likes to be out with me sharing the wind. She recently picked up a Prism Quantum and absolutely loves to fly it. She already is looking at adding another to her quiver:D So I can say I'm rather fortunate.


Have her try out the E3. I have an E2, and E3, and I just love the big stunt kites. They can do anything you want to do, from the stimple zooming around, to dancing and flapjacking all over the place in light or relatively strong wind. Prism definitely is one of the best stunt kite makers out there. I haven't seen many that give the same kind of quality.

Cheddarhead - 14-8-2013 at 01:56 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Demoknight  
Quote: Originally posted by Cheddarhead  
I'm pretty lucky that my wife accepts my power kiting obsession. Tried to get her on board with the power aspect with a little beamer, but that garnered little interest. Went to a couple kite festivals and she fell in love with the stunt kite aspect of the sport. She isn't a very physical type of person so just as well. At least she loves some sort of kites and likes to be out with me sharing the wind. She recently picked up a Prism Quantum and absolutely loves to fly it. She already is looking at adding another to her quiver:D So I can say I'm rather fortunate.



Have her try out the E3. I have an E2, and E3, and I just love the big stunt kites. They can do anything you want to do, from the stimple zooming around, to dancing and flapjacking all over the place in light or relatively strong wind. Prism definitely is one of the best stunt kite makers out there. I haven't seen many that give the same kind of quality.


Thanks, I'll try to steer her toward that one next. She thought the Quantum was a great start since it's an easy flier. Not to fast where she can really get a feel for stunt kites before upgrading. Prism really does make some nice two line stuff!

WELDNGOD - 14-8-2013 at 02:15 PM

Man,I got the best girl in the world! She goes kiting with me ,kayak fishing,and still will go fetch me a beer. Life is good... :D

here is her first buggy lesson @ WWBB https://vimeo.com/22749846

shehatesmyhobbies - 14-8-2013 at 05:14 PM

Well as the namesake says! <--- That's how it started with my wife. Well not just about kites. It was about everything hobby wise, the kites, the R/C planes, R/C trucks, Four wheelers, guns, you name it, I was up to my knees in it. For the most part when I first got into the sport, I started piling kites in the corner of the living room, then buggies in the shed, then all the time out flying. She didn't really mind and she doesn't really hate my hobbies. She would rather I just pick one and do it. Well,, I got rid of everything but the kites and guns. (and the wife):D

She goes out with me from time to time to fly, especially when I take the kids. She doesn't want to fly herself, but will help the kids if I am running by on the buggy. I'm in the business and also involved in many other ways with kiting now, have friends all over the world, and I wouldn't trade it for any thing. She still tolerates it and basically knows that when the winds up and it's time for me to go fly, she just gives me a kiss and says "Bye" and be safe!

3shot - 14-8-2013 at 10:32 PM

What a great thread. I've got a great wifey too. She always puts up with a lot of my sh#t. I, like many, have more hobbies than time. Bowhunting, fishing, shooting, metal detecting, kiting, etc. She is very supportive though. She has really took a liking to kiting. Not so much wanting to fly, but the time me, her and my two kids spend together when I fly. She kicks back in the shade, and the kids usually play and such. A pic-nic lunch usually happens every time too. She is very much looking forward to JIBE this coming year. All because of kiting. She was a little overwhelmed at the start of this year with kite buying, but things have settled out now with my quiver and buggy. However, they are going to get daddy some great buggy upgrades this Christmas. It has given more time together as a whole for the family. My oldest got her first HQ 1.4 this summer, and is getting hooked too. Trying to find wifey that purple 1.8 flexi bullet she likes or a 2m green Ozone flow. We'll see. Either way, she's cool with kiting. :D :thumbup:

rocfighter - 15-8-2013 at 06:11 AM

Like some of you have said, I was found by a great lady. Not only did she take me on (some of you know what that involves!) but also my kids and my hobbies. From fishing to sailing and kiting. She supports it all. Now as part of my physical therapy we are riding bikes. She supports me in all of my hobbies and needs. And even makes sure I take my meds every day. Although maybe that one is for her!!!
But she is always there for me either helping or participating or just making sure I am not over doing (which happens to often) She is the best.

PHREERIDER - 15-8-2013 at 10:02 AM

i am daily on the wind, water and land... and the wife is grateful!

the wind has been by far cheaper than therapy, though it has nearly taken my life numerous times, it has truly elevated my spirit and i am grateful for it

bigkid - 15-8-2013 at 10:39 AM

I would like to add a 3rd piece to the kite-wife thing, a few others may agree as it is the best part for me.
Without a great wife that still allows me to play, bought a motorhome to travel the country side to every kite event, supports my spending and stock pile of stuff, LIFE would not be possible, in more ways than you can imagine.
Kite- Life- Wife. I am a lucky kid.

crazyherb - 15-8-2013 at 12:39 PM

Just tell her:
I could be at the BAR!!
(kidding)

She knows it's my "workout" time...and I will allow her to TRUMP kiting for domestic duties without reservation.
So, she's pretty accommodative...
I think balance is the key, even though I could kite everyday the wind allows me to.
This may be why I haven't lost interest in 10 years...

KYTE SLINGER - 17-8-2013 at 05:40 PM

Might have a look into Revolution kites she still might like to fly a four liner but w/o all the pulling and it's so much better control.. less stress in the arms & back flys in light winds all the way into 25+ winds with certain vented models

Lots of vids up on the internet to see what all the potential they offer

http://www.revkites.com/

Kamikuza - 17-8-2013 at 05:51 PM

Mine plans kiting holidays . . . hello from Thailand :D

riffclown - 17-8-2013 at 06:05 PM

Wife + Kite = ??

I'm pretty happy with both..

crazyherb - 18-8-2013 at 12:57 AM

My equation is more like:
(Job + Wife + Kid + Sleep + Eat + Domestic Duties + other basic needs met) - Remaining Time = KITE TIME!!

This equation CAN and sometimes DOES go in the negative but can be regained by sacrificing KITE TIME.
Mind you, not totally eliminating KITE TIME....but giving up a few hours can easily get you back into the positive.
Also, consider marginal wind conditions...these can be VERY valuable in making up negative KITE TIME.

One MUST keep in mind the other variables also known as DISTRACTION (i.e. Posting to PKF, Surfing the net, TV, Nachos, other hobbies).

I still want to kite EVERY DAY the weather will allow though....don't get me wrong.... In fact, enough typing...need sleep to kite tomorrow!!
ROCK ON!!

Clive - 18-8-2013 at 01:43 AM

The prettier half had a try flying a 2m method static whilst I flew a 4m showing her what to do, unfortunately she put it to the edge of the wind window and dropped it in the surf, and has never picked one up since and doesn't want to.

However she will come to the kite days with me, chat with the boys, go get extra kites from the car, act as film crew. Shes coming for a week at next years big meet so I can't complain..... Plus she's got lots of first aid training if we need it.

Cheddarhead - 18-8-2013 at 03:07 AM

Forgot to add, my wife also likes to be there with the camera when I make a spectacular crash. Something about the skidding on my head part that she want's to get on film and post for all to see. She thinks that crashing is much more interesting. I swear she's after my life insurance policy!:lol:

shaggs2riches - 18-8-2013 at 10:33 AM

My wife doesn't mind at all that I kite. She cringes whenever I mention wanting new gear. The past couple years, the rules are I must sell something to fund something new. Pretty fair deal considering. She is willing to go camping, and deal with the kids for a few days, next time we head to B.C.; so that, I can take a three day lesson camp. If I jump up and decide I want to kite or enjoy my other hobbies, she usually says "have fun dear". I have learned to pick my days carefully, so I can get the most from the sessions I go out. She does get tired of me asking her if she would like to try one of my hobbies. I hope one day she will take it up. But that is probably as likely as me taking up scrapbooking or reading Twilight Fanfiction. All around my wife is pretty damn great.

Feyd - 24-8-2013 at 05:08 AM

Wife + Kite = One of the hardest chargers I've ever met.

I thank the stars everyday that I'm lucky enough to have a woman that not only shares my interests but excels at them.

I'm a lucky SOB.

BeamerBob - 24-8-2013 at 09:44 AM

Mine at least doesn't block me from kiting. It's a sore spot because in a house of all boys she feels left out when it comes to kiting. She has never once even touched a set of kite handles though. The closest we come to sharing the sport is on a beach with her under the umbrella, in her chair with a good book. She came to Ivanpah once...... to unlock my car after my son locked the keys in the car. She didn't unbuckle her seatbelt or turn her car off. Like I said, she isn't resistant to me and the boys kiting, just doesn't want to share. She is into all the other outdoor activities like biking, hiking, inline skating, kayaks and camping. So not so bad in total.

greasehopper - 25-8-2013 at 08:34 AM

Spousal Units... ? Kites have NOTHING to do with spousal relationships. That's an illusion we propagate to avoid dealing with the root problem, achieving and maintaining balance. One can easily substitute any number of activities... or inactivity for the word Kite and the result will be the same.

Very few creatures on this rock can deal with living in captivity and my aversion to domestication developed long before I got into this game. In fact, the few times I gave connubial bliss an honest effort, it nearly ruined me and I'll carry the scars to my grave. Then again, I carry burn scars as well but that doesn't mean I don't like to play with fire from time to time. I just use a longer stick these days.