Power Kite Forum

Total novice needs help!

Cameron - 15-6-2007 at 01:53 AM

Absolute begginner in North West of England (merseyside)...seeks nice patient person to help her fly a god damn kite without continuely crashing it. Am aware that there are all sorts of horrible rules on these beaches as to flying, just need some advice from someone who lives up here and knows whats what.
My kite is only little...Symphony 1.2...it was a present thats mostly been sitting in it's handy bag. But I'm really keen to learn and move on to bigger and better things, I just need guidance and advice!
Please don't laugh at me :puzzled:
Any advice is appreciated, at present I probably shouldn't be allowed on beaches as I'm a saftey hazzard... as I said I'm a total novice!
Cameron.

wjb - 15-6-2007 at 06:40 AM

Hey thats the same kite I started with. It is almost harder to fly that kite than a bigger one because it turns so fast. In a strong wind it flys around like an angry bee. Keep up with it, you will get it. I'd help, but your a little far from California. Good luck, Wade

VOL - 15-6-2007 at 06:45 AM

Hi,
My first foil was a Sting 1.2 and my 10 cents worth is to say start in low wind. You'll soon pick up on it.
Pete

acampbell - 15-6-2007 at 09:24 AM

A few things I remember from my first 2-line foil....

Always let out all the line on the ground before you fly. Do not launch the kite over your head into the wind and then let out line as it climbs like you might have as a kid with a single line kite.

Start the kite on its back with the trailing edge upwind (towards you). Use soft weights to keep the trailing edge down Use bean bags or palstic bags with sand, rice, or dried beans - something like that. If the kite is not an annoying handfull without the weights then you may not have enough wind to fly. They will fall off as you launch.

Step back to inflate and step back agian to launch and take the kite to the zenith (directly overhead) and get your brearings there. Steer with small movements by pulling on the respective line for the direction desired. Always keep your hands in front of you and together. It's natural to try to moves your arms out to the side to steer and to twist your body all around. It looks hilarious but doesn't help. Hands together and out in front always.

For more steering input, pull with one hand and push with the other.

From the zenith, start with small turns to one side then the other then back. Go farther out as you feel comfortable, and eventually try flying it down lower accross the window (down in front of you).

Practice and you will be an ace looking for more kite (but will always have a soft spot in your heart for that one).