Hi all, just wanted to say hi! This is a really useful site and i've learnt a lot since receiving a kite as a surprise birthday present a few weeks back. I've only been out 3 times with it so far but following the advice on this and some other linked sites i had a great time yesterday.

I think the kite is only a cheapie- 3m Radsail (4 line) (handles not bar) from Amazon but it was good fun. I think i more or less got the hang of the very basics- solo launching, flipping when it landed the wrong, moving left and right, landing at the edge of the window. I also got a bit of an idea of the wind window. The wind yesterday was about 11 knots i think and i found i was really having to fight with the kite and was being pulled a lot. I really enjoyed it but today my arms and back are aching something rotten!! Perhaps a harness or something might be a worthwhile investment!! To be honest i couldn't imagine being able to control it in much stronger wind, although i guess as you get more use to it.....

There is lots of tips on what to try on your first outing but what do you guys advise i focus on now? My long term aim is to do some kite surfing but as i don't live near the sea it will just be a holiday thing. I thought if i learn't to power kite first then learning how to kite surf would be easier? I may also get a land buggy having watched some recent videos on youtube!!

Very grateful for any tips, advice etc. Sorry for the ramble... still buzzing a bit!!

Welcome to the forum, and the 'madness'! Seems like you found your "comfort zone" with your kite, so now go fly whenever you get the chance. The more you do, the better at it you will become, and soon enough you'll be flying without looking at it! Hide your wallet though. Hehe... :roll:

Welcome. I made it a personal rule not to buy more till I can control what I got. Haven't lost flesh in over a month, so I just bought a harness. As for muscle pain, I look at it two ways. I am building muscles thats why I am hurting and I would really like to fly for more than 15mins without getting tired. Have fun and hope to see you out there some day.

On the the distinction between muscle and joint pain:

Muscle pain is growth, you're teaching muscles to respond. That's very good at any age or skill level !

Joint pain is damage, you're doing SOMETHING wrong. That's very bad and will make you move all broken and stupid like me...

Save your back and shoulders on those heavy wind days with a proper fitted, fundamental harness of some sort. Nothing sexy or cool, just well fitted so it will bear the pull on those high wind days. I use my old LYNX climbing rig.

THEN, fly often. You'll learn something EVERYTIME if you're paying attention.

welcome......you are entering an addiction like no other--enjoy!

Thanks all for the welcomes and the advice ;-)

Quote:

Originally posted by greasehopper On the the distinction between muscle and joint pain:

agree with you there.
but i've always wondered what of tendon pain?
its neither a muscle nor joint, so is the pain good bad or neutral.
i'm leaning towards bad.

diamond, if you intend to go to kitesurfing, then maybe a landboard is worth considering. how much it will help when it comes time to get on the water? i dont know, but it will probably help more than a buggy.
but, a buggy will be usable on less forgiving terrain.

Welcome! :Ange09:

Hello diamond,

How are you doing with your board right now?