Okay. I looked through many threads before posting this, so if I missed what I was looking for, please don't shoot me. I didn't find a search engine on here.

As per the advice of several people here, I was hoping to find someone in my region to help me get started; either mentoring or training or both. I'm close to the Galveston area. I found the forum through a google search and found a thread for someone in the area (subsequently lost) but they weren't jumping and I didn't want to mix up the forum lines too much.

So I want to take the advice. I guess I also need advice on
where to find local talent and equipment.

thank you

Quote:

Originally posted by mdntdncr Okay. I looked through many threads before posting this, so if I missed what I was looking for, please don't shoot me.

BANG!

The search function is located in the upper left hand corner just below PKF logo. In the attached picture, the Search link is highlighted by a red rectangle. When using the search function, please be aware the default search window is the past week. Change that as you need to when doing searches.

I believe Dylanj423 is in the Houston area, but bullets down to Galveston when the winds warrant. I believe there are a few others and they should chime in soon.

Do a couple of searches on "jumping." Long and the short of that is that you should probably put that on the back burner for now. Work on getting a trainer and getting all your basic skills down until they are second nature. Then work from there.

If you haven't already, give this a read "Choosing Your First Kite"

Some PKF Retailers:

• Andrew at www.powerlinesports.com (Exeter, NH)
  
• Angus at www.coastalwindsports.com (Brunswick, GA)
  
• Corey at www.windpowersports.com (Las Vegas, NV)
  
• Dino at www.dakitez.com (Galt, CA)
  
• Don at www.kiteplace.com (York, PA)
  
• Jeff at www.bigkidkites.com (Renton, WA)
  
• John at www.powerzonekitesports.com (Bellingham, WA)
  
• Jon at www.kitebuggyspeedshop.com (Woodland,WA)
  
• Kent at www.awindofchange.com (Las Vegas, NV)
  
• Mike at www.bigmikeskites.com (McKinney, TX)
  
• RDavis at www.eastcoastkitesports.com/ (Delaware)
  
• Richardo at www.ripsessionkiteboarding.com / www.ripsessionkites.com (Richmond, British Columbia, Canada / Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada / Gresham, Oregon / Galt, California)

Starting out though, you will find some kites in excellant or like new condition in the For Sale section for a fraction of their original cost.

ATB,
Sam

Aaaauuuuggghhhh . . . .

I'm dead!

You're so right and I'm so wrong. I kept looking towards the upper right corner.
That's always seemed to be where it was. Please accept my apologies.

All of the advice has been noted. I've already looked on the sale board, etc.
But without knowledge, it's kind of foolish to be shopping.

I've kept most of my browsing in this jumping section only; but I do look forward to
hearing from so locals.

Learn to fly a kite so that it's totally instinctive before you start trying to jump ...!

And welcome! :karate:

Right . . .

Exactly why I'm looking for information and help.
And thanks for the welcome..

By the way . .. if I might ask. Why does it seem that everyone assumes I intend to
jump before learning to fly? I've read pretty much all of the warnings, etc.
I understand that developing skill and muscle memory are important before trying to tack
anything else on. It seems to me to be a very good reason to seek out others and
avoid what mistakes I can. Besides . .. Hobbies are nice to share, right?

Quote:

Originally posted by mdntdncr Why does it seem that everyone assumes I intend to jump before learning to fly?

It's mostly a matter of precedent...because so many before you have been unable to resist the siren call of the breeze through their shorts (before they were ready).

Sometimes with results that have scared local wildlife. :o

Deep down we are all PETA members and would like to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Some kites currently for sale to consider for your first kite:

HQ Beamer IV 3.0m
Flexifoil Sting 2.4
Peter Lynn Core 3.0 - Red (Clean and kite only) | Peter Lynn Hornet 3.0 | HQ Beamer IV 3.0

ATB,
Sam

Quote:

Originally posted by mdntdncr By the way . .. if I might ask. Why does it seem that everyone assumes I intend to jump before learning to fly?

Cos it's pretty tough not to get carried away been there, done that, broke the other

People Eating The Animals? Yep I'm one of them!

Well, thank you for the concern

Rest assured that I've no intention of doing something until I'm ready.
I have parts of my body that need to be put back in condition first.
If I tried to 'jump' right now, I'd probably be dragged along the beach like
some washed up sea slug or something. I prefer to control the kite rather than
let it control me. So I observe a lot, ask a lot of questions, analyze . .
then I jump :wink2:

It's a slow process, but it works for me. or at least, it has so far.

Like one of the kites listed by wolf, I'm probably more likely to get bitten by a different kite bug. Even so, one needs to know how to control the kite.

Quote:

Originally posted by Kamikuza People Eating The Animals? Yep I'm one of them!

In the words of Ron White
"What am I doing to help the environment?
I'm eating the cow!"

Start selling everything you own to build up your kite funds.... This addiction cannot be cured, only fed....Tell your wife and children they will have to fend for themselves from now on.....

I'm in Port Aransas, so if you get down this way give me a shout......

Borntofli is right.....get ready to feel the rage of your other half when you just ordered the 3rd kite in as many weeks.

They are like lays....you can't have just one.

(I was referring to the potato chips you pervs...get your minds out the the gutter)

So I'm still watching a lot of videos and advice and finally seeing some of those
really whacked out lifts where people just aren't meant to fly (without wings that is)
and it occurs to me that it might be nice to have a table of sorts that would give me a warning as to what size kite should be limited to what size wind. Perhaps I'd better buy that meter first, eh?


and lots and lots and lots of big fat pillows to duct tape around my @ :eureka:

The meter will help. The "table" may help as well but you will find that it changes with time and experience. I use to be overwhelmed by my 4m in 12 mph and now I find my 5m leaves me wanting more.