A good friend of mine wanted to try kiting. We had a blast today. Started with the 4m star unhooked, then hooked in, then went to the peak. He was able to do some small jumps by the end of the 2 or 3 hours we were there. It was great to share with someone interested. I think the hook is set.

Awesome!... I have still yet to get someone fully interested... though I have tried. Get him on PKF and its all over!!!

I told him to join PKF. He is totally fixated on jumping at the moment as most of were when we started. I didn't get him in the buggy yet, but I will and I'm pretty sure that will open his eyes to how much fun buggy is. I buggied for awhile so he could see it. Conditions were perfect today for all things kiting and teaching. It was blowing about 10-15. Enough that he understands the true power but no so much where it was dangerous. We'll see, hopefully he sticks with it. He seems to have a good feel for it which helped a lot.

I met up with Shaiedge yesterday to show her the ropes. Her 3.3 Buster will arrive this week. Wind was less than perfect but I left her understanding all she can do with 4 lines and handles. Wind died just as she was going to get a shot at the 7m Pulse. She is a natural and already has lessons booked. With the situation being what it is around here I encouraged her to work and invest on her water skills.

That's cool Ken, until now I have only been able to teach unwilling captive participants (my family). Today was the first time I could teach someone with a genuine willingness to progress. I don't own any traditional fb kites anymore but the nasa stars on a bar are an excellent kite for teaching. 2 line control and forgiving. Also helps that I don't have to worry about damage from crashes.

What kite did you guys use?

We used my trusty 2.5m Profoil. She was such a good pilot that she had trouble allowing herself to crash it nose down. She figured out on her own to bring it down with brakes and flip it at the last minute.

That Profoil is one kite in my kit that has paid for itself many times over.

Ow that is nice to read. PKF is packed with helpfull peeps so this is the right place if your bud wants to learn all about jumping and kiting.
Most important....have fun. Thats what matters no matter what skills someone has.

Just introduced a 22 year old guy at a graduation party to kiting. Same method. 4m ns2 and Peak 1 (6m). He was the fastest learner I've had yet. I've found the ns2's are an extremely quick introduction and then the Peak has got to be one of the most user friendly kites to introduce depower. 20 minutes and he was competently flying the peak in 13ish winds. Pretty good for an impromptu lesson.

I've introduced two new guys to power kiting after they said they wanted to do it. I told them how to go about starting and steered them to this site. Unfortunately both didn't listen and went out and bought big depowers right from the start thinking they could just skip all the beginner nonsense. Of course both of them got discouraged fast and sold their stuff before they knew how great the sport could be. Unfortunate Just lucky neither were seriously hurt.

Yeah, I doubt either guy I've shown how to fly will stick with it. Pretty much just a one time static thrill most likely

Man, I broke my girlfriend's arm letting her fly my 3.5m Reactor, and she was just mad because that meant she didn't get to fly again later in the week to learn how to buggy. Anyone want to buy a Reactor?

Man, Errol... I felt bad for both you and her when I heard... i know she got some good pain pills but still... OUCH ...and I'm sure it was rough on you too since you probably got her set up on the kite.

I am working on a new kiting partner- my awesome bride, She actually flew some at Jekyll under Andrews tutelage and really enjoyed the butt skudding. Then memorial day she decided to join me at my local field to "watch" and "maybe" try again- I think using a bar to hook them is the trick, had her riding (use that term loosely) in the buggy and she even completed a few turns. cant wait to go again
S

Quote: Originally posted by Demoknight

Man, I broke my girlfriend's arm letting her fly my 3.5m Reactor, and she was just mad because that meant she didn't get to fly again later in the week to learn how to buggy. Anyone want to buy a Reactor?

Sorry to here about the injury.

This has always been a bit of a concern for me when introducing people to the sport.

When I was riding for Ripsession I would assist customers with a safe introduction to their purchase. The owner liked to call what I was doing a " free lesson" . I am not certified and am sure I wasn't insured. I made a point of clarifying my situation even if I was dealing with an experienced pilot purchasing there 1st flysurfer before we started the " introduction ".

The experience made me very aware of potential liability issues. I still make it a point to let folks know they are learning this sport at their own risk. That I am not an instructor and suggest they follow up my " introduction " with certified lessons.

Very good points.