I posted this same thing on several other forums and everyone keeps saying the same thing.. .Take lessons.

Here's the kicker.. I have an alotted budget that my wife has given me as we're expecting towards the end of this summer at which point "toy" shopping will come to a hault to a great extent. I've been landboarding and flying my 4.5 without much trouble on land for some time now. Had a 5m a few years ago that I flew for awhile as well. I realize that if you're not careful you can get yourself seriously injured or even killed, which is why a lot of people suggest lessons. However, with the budget I have been given it is basically enough to either take lessons or buy the equipment and learn on my own. I also realize the frustrations of self taught in this sport..as it probably took me far longer to learn how to fly a 4 line kite then if I had been shown how to fly one from the start.

I had thought about just taking my 4.5, buying a bodyboard and basically body dragging til I got use to that, then possibly moving up to a larger kite and trying out that stuff. I've practiced lifting to a stand on land using techniques that I got from several teaching videos, and have also been practicing flying without looking so much at the kite.

I'm not sure what size kite though I should get for the conditions around our area or for my weight, nor do I want something that is going to be overly difficult to control and learn with (not seeking to get killed or seriously hurt). Not too concerned at the moment about being about getting air, etc. moreso just want to learn and do it safely.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. If lessons is the way I need to go then that's what I'll do and will just have to wait before the purchase. Atleast then I suppose I'll feel a bit more comfortable and confident in myself and choice of kites if/and when I'm able to purchase one.

Thanks~Joe

One great thing about lessons is that you will have the opportunity to use their gear and therefore get an idea of what kites to buy when you have the cash. Kind of a "try before you buy" situation. If you buy kites first, you may spend your budget and end up with the wrong gear plus no training.

Another thought... the kite you need for learning may be different than the kite you would like after just a few lessons. Learning by yourself you will use a rather stable/slow kite whereas after experience would want for something better. Since lessons greatly quicken the learning curve, you may save money by learning on beginner gear and then purchase something a little more advanced as a result of your training. Your instructor could help you pick out something more appropriate for your skill level. Some schools even offer sales discounts to their students.

Lastly, you're probably less likely to learn correct safety tips that only come with experience. It'd be too bad if you had to learn the hard way something that others could have easily passed on to you in a lesson.

There is a reason that everyone keeps telling you "Take Lesson".
It's the voices of experience?

Am guessing that because there are larger kites involved along with other things that add to the risk of getting injured or killed is why people are suggesting the lessons. As well as the fact that it's easier to learn by being taught then on your own.

Am curious though why people don't suggest lessons for people landboarding, snowkiting, etc. as often though.?. If you look at some of the things Chasta does with his kite you would almost think it would be safer to learn on the water then land.

I'm headed out to Ca. early this may so I'm hoping to take some lessons while out there. They all seem so spendy though or relatively decent prices for lessons, but they get you because they only teach one little part of what you need to know and you end up paying for several 2hr courses which sometimes add up to be more then just one spendy class that teaches everything.
Guess we'll see... Thanks you guys..
~Joe

It would be nice if there were as many good buggy, ATB and ski schools as there are for kitesurfing. If this were so, I would recommend more people sign up for lessons. I guess as of yet there has not been enough demand or interest in land-based instruction to afford many schools.