Power Kite Forum

how much room is needed to learn to MTB / Skate?

furbowski - 19-10-2008 at 08:17 AM

hiya...

I live in a place with small beaches, max 20-30m of wet medium pack sand when the big low tides come through. That would be between the water and the soft sand, max 200 to 300 meters long. The winds in my area need to be onshore to be flyable.

I've been flying for about a year, currently getting a bit bored with jumping and scudding, been wanting to move on for awhile, starting to body-drag and begin getting into the water, need to get a harness and work on draggin up wind next, but I want to begin moving on land as well. I've got a reasonable land-based fixed line foil quiver and not much money.

So the question is, is it worth getting into skates or a board given my conditions (cheaper but the beaches are very small) or just concentrate on the water (doable here but $$$$)

Any opinions greatly appreciated!

furbo

Bladerunner - 19-10-2008 at 09:22 AM

2-300 meters is enough room but I wonder about your surface ?
Some ATB's come with larger / wider wheels but most standard wheels don't run well on Boundry or English bay around here. Is you beach any more firm than that ?

I would suggest that while you have warm water and nice beaches you are in a good position to work on kitesurfing ? While your Blade has the disadvantage of being open cell it is still a good kite for kitesurfing in the right location. Even the Crossfire and a big surf board You chould get a ride. If you get it worked out on a surf board the ATB will come easy !

furbowski - 20-10-2008 at 01:09 AM

hey BR yeah my beaches are softer than boundary / english bay, so i guess wheels are out...

last time I was body-dragging I was using the blade, dunked it three times (flukey low winds), but I can usually get it flying in 15 mins and dry in 25... As I get on I guess I'll get more practice! My favorite beach has a small river coming in, so fresh water washes at the end of the day will be easy....

yes, some kind of "zero prestige" kiteboard setup will be happening! And a harness used from the local windsurf shack will get me going!

thanks for the info...