I recently saw a few videos on youtube.com then found my way here. I figured it might be a good way to get in shape. Right now I am 6'2" and weigh around 320-330lbs. I am looking for a kite that will pull me along the ground as well as maybe jumping once I have some experience.

Any help is appreciated, thanks in advance.

What kind of wind conditions do you have? What is your budget?

It is usually around 5mph, some days not so much. Hardly ever have really strong winds though. My budget is around 300-400$.

You sound like me
5mph you need like 10m open-cell foil ... best to learn to fly on a MUCH smaller kite though!

Should I get a something like around 4m? Then when I am ready to try more advanced things that I would need the extra pull for, get a bigger kite?


Also, I could go to the shore with winds around 10-15mph on average

I had some 2-line stunt kite experience before getting my first power kite - a 5m PL Rebble. So I knew the basics ...
IMHO if you have kite killers, go out ONLY in lower winds and basically use your f**king brain, you should be ok with learning on a 5m ... and it'll come in handy when you want to get on a board. I recommend a beach or grass field with a lot of downwind space

The general rule of thumb though, is get a 2-3m trainer kite, learn to fly it, discover the wind window and develop your experience aka what will superman-faceplant you and what won't.

Fill in some more details in your info - you might be able to go hand with some guys and get a better feel for it

Just a guess but these links might be of interest for you.
http://www.njbuggyclub.com/
New Jersey. Anyone from around NJ

also go here for good info

www.coastalwindsports.com

This site has great kite handling exercises


http://www.aksonline.com.au/index.php/kite-reviews/trainer-k...

Kiting is fun and healthy but I don't think it is that big a work out once you get comfortable with the sport.

Eventually the energy gets transfered through your harness and it is actaully possible to " rest up " while cruising!

Kiting is great fun and it is excersice just not exactly a cardio work out. Not too hard on somebody who is overweight but also not an ideal sport to lose weight. :puzzled:

If you stick with fixed bridles instead of depower, it can actually be a cardio workout if you really fly the kite. Depower might have you tensed up to channel the power but Blade is right, it won't strain you very much but at least you would be moving around. Flying a fixed bridle when it is pulling you will work out the arms, legs, and your core. I lost 20-25 lbs since getting into power kites and it has stayed off. Most of that was fixed bridle kites at first and now I'm about 50/50.

Those beach winds you spoke of would be a workout and would point you towards one of the commonly recommended beginner friendly kites in a 3m size.

hey, just caught this thread .

A bit of caution here , the jumping/ lift thing. most of the gear available for AERIAL stuff is only rated at around 285LBS. tube kites could be higher. def noted in the manuals for each product.

buggy cruising no problem, land board cruising no problem.

the swing out mass on 330lbs. really exceeds gear limits for aerials. conditions and gear for lift with predictability would be dangerous. there are limits, no limit on fun though! just be careful

great way to get in shape for sure.

Yeah, I figured I would be too heavy to get pulled off the ground. Hopefully it will give me the motivation needed to lose weight. I am checking out all the links everyone has posted and I really appreciate the help!

Most of the name brand power kites are not sold with lines and handles. You can get lines rated to 800lbs each if you want to go that high.

go just go ozone:frog:

Quote:

Originally posted by Bladerunner not an ideal sport to lose weight.

I'd agree to that

You'll strengthen your arms and lower back (or break it) but that's about it.

Harness pansies - come fly my 12m Ace on handles and we'll see how tough you are

Let's see ... Walk of Shame, upwind body dragging, endless walking to the kite for crash/setup/crash when learning, fighting the bugger when static flying ... I don't think it's good exercise but it's better than sitting on the sofa

The arcs all have "Not to use if you're 130kg or over" in manual's warning section

Welcome to the fat flyers club. I belong to that group and don't listen to the 'not able to lose weight' bunch. They are probably all pretty skinny.

Flying is great aerobic activity. it will build muscles everywhere and any activity over sitting on your arse will help with your weight loss. I lost quite a bit by flying and watching what I eat.

But I definitely don't advocate jumping for someone our size.

Light winds...you'll want bigger

But I would recommend a 3m or a 4m max to begin with. An HQ Beamer or a Peter Lynn Hornet.....maybe a twister at the most.

Get started with that and see where you need to go from there.

Gotta agree with Big Mike there, the ones that haven't seen a lot of benefit prolly started out with skinny genes to begin with. I've quit the cigs, lost about 40#, and most days feel at least 10 yrs younger than I am, but I started with weight to lose too! Just be careful that you don't have so much fun while getting your exercise, that you overdo it and hurt/strain something. Stay safe, but do have fun!

If only flying could add a few pounds! I seem to loose as well and can't afford it!!
But to much fun to stop.

I got a cookie recipe for ya roc, positively evil, :evil:I have been told. Guaranteed to cause weight gain. haha

i gotta disagree with all the "kiting wont help you lose weight"

I gotta say there was a direct correlation with the end of my kiting season, and the number on the scale.... and since i have been getting back out in the fields, i've been droppin weight.... i've tweaked my diet too, but the kiting plays a HUGE part of it. ive talked people out of a day at the gym to fly... and everyone of 'em said running 45 mins at the Y is an EASIER workout... Fixed bridal kite + Handles - strop/harness = MAD WORKOUT!!!

hey Roc I reckon its best to be a lean mean rootin machine

Rootin Aussie slang for horizontal folk dancing

What is horzontal folk dancing slang for? :saint:

farkin mate

Quote:

Originally posted by nocando farkin mate

LMAO!!!

LOL!!!
Aussie for foreplay: "Brace yourself, Sheila!!"

ROFLMFAO

Bob what kind of cookies? I like cookies. And I bake. So give it up man I'm jones'n
Jones'n= american slang for I NEED IT BAD MAN!!