Carl Spackler - 6-3-2009 at 04:13 PM
Hey everybody,
Thanks for checking out my post. I've been flying stunt and parafoils the last few years (the biggest is 1.2 parafoil). To me, there's nothing
better, but I recently saw some dudes landboarding...it blew my mind. I've been online checking out equipment and I have no idea what I need and how
much it is going to cost me. If anyone can recommend or give some veteran adivce. that's be awesome. I basically looking for a resaonably priced
set-up for landboarding(kite, board, harnesses..the works) I'm from New England. I'm 195lbs.
A thanks in advance for everyone that throws a nugget of truth my way.
mgatc - 6-3-2009 at 09:57 PM
Hi Carl,
Welcome to the forum. There is a ton of information to be found within this forum. A great place to start is with a post a couple up from yours titled
"Looking for newbie setup advice!!. Most of the basics are covered in this post.
Cost can be mitigated by buying used. A LOT of kites have been swapped on this forum. Good people, good transactions, kites delilvered as promised. I
ride an MBS Comp 90 board but there are many others out there. Check posters quiver list (at the bottom of their posts) to see what type of kites and
gear they are using.
Ask lots of questions and always put safety first. This pastime is quite a leap from stunt flying although that is an excellent stepping stone.
Mel
bigben91682 - 7-3-2009 at 06:43 AM
I'm still a newb myself, but I would say start with a intermediate kite to learn how a larger kite pulls, something in the 3m range, that's what I did
and I'm very glad because even a 3m pulled me around a bit in the stronger winds (ended up on my belly once or twice). Check out Beamers, I think
it's universally agreed that they are a great all around kite for beginners and experienced pilots alike.
Eventually you can progress up to a depower, which is the step I just took. You'll be glad you had some time with a smaller kite to learn how they
behave and how they pull once you get a large kite in the air.
Mgatc is right on the money with looking for second hand gear, this forum is a great place for that. I've bought 2 kites throught this forum and have
had nothing but great experiences. Another bonus of buying used is the previous owner is typically more than happy to provide advice and help with
your new (their old) gear. They are very familar with the ktie you now have, which you won't always get with a kite shop.
Also mgatc said, safety first! Practice activitaing safety's so they become second nature. Start with a small kite (but bigger than your 1.2) and up
from there. A lot of people get hurt by starting with a kite that is too big for their ability.
B-Roc - 7-3-2009 at 07:10 AM
Where in New England are you?
Agree with the others. Used is a good way to go if you cand find a deal cheap. Since you know how to fly dual and sport line kites (and given your
weight) I'd say a 4m may be a better size kite for you to start at and lower aspect is better (beamer like). Local kite stores for us are http://www.funwithwind.com/store/dynamicIndex.asp (owner is Jim) and www.powerlinesports.com (owner is Andrew).
There are a number of riders in New England so if you get out and about maybe you can hook up with one of us and try some gear before you decide what
is right for you.
flexiblade - 7-3-2009 at 10:27 AM
Welcome to the forum, go get a 3m kite - then practice - practice - practice - practice- practice - practice! I know that you've already flown a
stunt kite and that will definitely help quicken your learning curve - but you need to be able to react instintively when the truck your tied to does
whatever it wants -
case in point -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIIO1RzzDyA
This is a guy with experience too. Gusty winds got him that day - and the strange thing is he did the right thing which is hard to do in that
situation - he let go.
So, practice - practice - practice - practice- practice - practice!
Sthrasher38 - 7-3-2009 at 11:44 AM
Welcome to the forum.
Carl Spackler - 9-3-2009 at 03:53 PM
I'm from CT, but spend some time in southern VT and RI.
Thanks again to everyone for all the replies, it's been totally helpful.
Carl Spackler - 9-3-2009 at 04:03 PM
I really appreciate all the advice. This forum rocks.
Bladerunner - 9-3-2009 at 04:30 PM
YUP, you stumbled on the BEST place for advice right off the bat !
The advice about getting a 3m and get flying is right on.
While you are flying the 3m and getting completely addicted to the power you can decide exactly what you want out of the sport. Everyone needs that 3m
to get started so that one is a no brainer.
Check out the tutorials at wwwcoastlwindsports.com and also www.kitesurfingschool.org . Both are well put together and will help you get the " big picture "
Try and find the local crew. NOTHING is better , Accept formal lessons.
Once you master your 3m you can move on. By then you will know if you want to just ride a mountian board or do something else as well. We ride surf
type boards, wake type boards, skis, snowboards, Buggies, mountain boards and blades ! Depending on what you want to ride and a few other factors your
next kite will be the one that you want to study the choices.
As folks mentioned the for sale section on this forum will probably be the source of a better deal than you would find buying new. The second hand
market is slow so it is a great time to buy that way ! That would apply to other kite forums as well. Trust anyone on the good sellers list from this
site.
bigben91682 - 9-3-2009 at 06:29 PM
I'm in Albany NY, which is sorta close to Southern VT, about an hour from Bennington. I also frequent SW NH near Keene, don't know if that's close to
where you are...
If you are ever in the Albany (or Keene) area I've got a 3m Beamer you are welcome to try out. I'm in the process of getting and learning ATB so I
may have a board shortly as well....