Power Kite Forum

Hello from a new guy

wrigley - 2-12-2015 at 11:39 AM

Hello PK forum!

I am new to the sport and wanted to introduce myself.

I caught the bug a couple of weeks ago after flying a friend's Symphony Beach 2.2 in 12mph winds... was instantly hooked and couldn't get the smile off of my face for hours.

I have been researching/reading this forum in an effort to educate myself on the sport as quickly as possible. I have also u2'd a few folks on the forum asking new guy questions and have to say that the friendly responses and warm welcomes have been appreciated greatly.

I am located in the San Diego area. My interest (at this point) is fixed bridle, standard traction kiting. No jumping. San Diego winds aren't great (4-8mph usually) so I find myself looking out my office window and checking the trees for movement so I can take advantage when it kicks up to the top end of that range.

I am taking it slow and have heeded all of the safety first warnings (I wear a helmet and skate pads when I fly.) I am also thrilled to have the opportunity to (safely) introduce my young children to the sport... they absolutely love to watch me "fly the big kite" while they fly their 1-liners with mom.

Anyway, thanks to all for the help received thus far. I hope to learn from you all going forward.

Regards,

Scott in San Diego

Windstruck - 2-12-2015 at 11:55 AM

:D

Good stuff. Are there any SoCal kiters out there on PKF that could point Scott towards some primo spots in his area for traction kite sports? I thought perhaps the kitesurfer crowd might have some insights along with access issues in such a populated area.

Really cool that you have your kids joining in with the fun. I know I've loved kiting since a little kid too. Welcome aboard!

hiaguy - 2-12-2015 at 12:20 PM

Welcome to the addiction Scott.
Since you've been doing your homework, you've probably already seen this:
http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=28759#pid27...

My first "foil" was a Symphony 1.8... produced the same smile and it hasn't left in years. It's good to hear that your kids are enjoying this too... they'll soon be watching dad fly their education funds :lol:

PS: As much as Bigkid and Weldingod would like to consider this the PKD forum, we also let other brands sneak in from time to time :yes:

wrigley - 2-12-2015 at 12:28 PM

Quote: Originally posted by hiaguy  

PS: As much as Bigkid and Weldingod would like to consider this the PKD forum, we also let other brands sneak in from time to time :yes:


LOL - fixed! Freudian slip? ;)

Oh and yes... the "What kite should I buy" post was one of the first ones I read.

Thanks for the welcome guys!

abkayak - 2-12-2015 at 12:34 PM

Welcome!
we need to work on the quiver
and i find your avatar depressing

ssayre - 2-12-2015 at 01:03 PM

Welcome. I started on a stunt foil as well and never looked back. good times ahead.

rectifier - 2-12-2015 at 02:57 PM

Welcome to the sport!
FB kites are the most fun to fly, in my opinion. You will learn a lot about kite control and the wind. Good choice and happy flying!

skimtwashington - 2-12-2015 at 04:28 PM










Windstruck - 2-12-2015 at 05:24 PM

Quote: Originally posted by skimtwashington  











Great video, but man, that song sucked! I'm a big fan of Peanuts but the attempt at song always seems to fall way short.

WELDNGOD - 2-12-2015 at 05:54 PM

Quote: Originally posted by hiaguy  


PS: As much as Bigkid and Weldingod would like to consider this the PKD forum, we also let other brands sneak in from time to time :yes:
dollar for dollar you can't beat 'em. And they look bad a$$ as well


3shot - 2-12-2015 at 07:06 PM

Welcome to the forum wrigley. Tons of proper knowledge here to share.

I've also heard it called the NASA Star forum I thought???:dunno:
:D:D:D

volock - 2-12-2015 at 07:36 PM

Welcome to the forum and there's too many kite options, so I wish you the best of luck deciding on what you want. This forum is not only full of great information, but some pretty awesome and friendly people.

I still love my HQ Beamer, and let people learn on it, but it's not a great kite one in motion on the buggy... My Prism Tensor (also available as a first kite) has worked out much better in motion. The PKD's they're referring to, I own the 1.5 and 2.2m of and are great kites static and in motion. The only downside I've seen to them, is size for size, they generate a little more power.

Windstruck - 2-12-2015 at 08:30 PM

Quote: Originally posted by 3shot  
Welcome to the forum wrigley. Tons of proper knowledge here to share.

I've also heard it called the NASA Star forum I thought???:dunno:
:D:D:D


SSDF perhaps? Single Skin Devotion Forum? :lol:

Wait for it..... Flying bedsheets comments incoming! :moon:

BeamerBob - 2-12-2015 at 08:47 PM

Welcome! I too started on a 2 line delta and then got a symphony that I flew for years. Then I got a Beamer as my last kite. :duh: Let us keep you going in the right direction.

wrigley - 2-12-2015 at 10:14 PM

Thanks gents... as I practice and learn more I will definitely be asking for advice.

I just couldn't believe the power generated by that little 2-line Symphony 2.2. It felt a lot like hooking into a steelhead trout on a fly rod - only difference being the "fight" lasted as long as the wind held out!!!

So very addicting. By the end of that session, I was out of breath and already contemplating which kite to buy first.

Luckily, I have a local friend with a few FB kites that he let me try over Thanksgiving break. I spent many hours over 5 days flying everything he had. My favorite was his 4m Twister... scared the piss out of me once or twice but the winds were only about 4 or 5mph. I was "on the brakes" and out of the power zone the majority of the time.

OK... now to go and sell off some of my old toys to fund the new addiction :thumbup:

P.S. I think Charlie Brown needs to work on his scudding skills... he gets dragged at 1:14

Devoted - 2-12-2015 at 11:05 PM

Welcome to the forum and into the kite addiction.

I read you wanted to take it slow. Hahahaha...once you get that smile on your face, I cant remember anyone not taking it fast.

There is tons of knowledge over here. Feel free to use it and ask questions. It is a friendly bunch here willing to help.

Have good winds and save flights

bigkid - 3-12-2015 at 05:51 AM

Quote: Originally posted by hiaguy  
PS: As much as Bigkid and Weldingod would like to consider this the PKD forum, we also let other brands sneak in from time to time :yes:

I haven't had a good laugh in quite a while, thanks.
Welcome to the second reason to sew up your pockets, first being the spouse.:lol: I wouldn't get rid of my kites for anything or my better half.:o

Lots of good stuff here to get into this sport, and empty your pockets.
Find someone or someone's to hang with and try out the kites before you sell the house to finance your addiction. Talk on the forum doesn't come close to real life experience with any kite but it's better than wandering blind as you buy and sell the entire gamut of used kites.