When I first started this sport, I was drawn to it by youtube videos of guys jumping not unlike most people. I started off with some 2 line stuff, then went to the twister and only got a 4m size. At the time I didn't have the knowledge or experience to know that at my weight and to be able to jump in calmer winds that I needed a huge lifty kite. Once I figured out jumping can hurt, I had abandoned that for traction and continued on a non lifty path. With the recently acquired large lifty fixed bridle kite, I feel like I completed an earlier mission and have a deeper understanding of flying a large fixed bridle. I was close when I had the 6.6 size but I had to use it when winds were high enough and becoming gusty in my area. It was then I knew I needed the 8.5 size for ease of jump and to achieve lift in the lightest wind possible but didn't want to do it enough to purchase such a kite. Now that I have one, it's quite satisfying to have tested what I believed to be true but had not actually done. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a dare devil and by no means come close to using the kites full jumping potential, but it is fun searching for that optimum wind speed that produces the lift and height that I'm comfortable with.

Sorry for the rambling

So, is there any goals anyone here started out with that haven't been completed or do you have similar stories where you have gone back to complete a mission that had been shelved??

Nice story!!

I'm in the middle of completing my mission. 15 or so years ago I saw kitesurfing for the first time and just HAD to do it. I had some lessons in Egypt 10 years ago, but then kids came along and it went on hold. I got back into kiting more recently but living hours from the coast I've naturally gone down the path of landboard (too painful) and now buggy (awesome!). Anyway I'm currently on family holiday in Fuerteventura (translation: "strong wind") and had my first return to water lessons today!! It went well, I got up and riding first try. Couldn't stay upwind, but I was at least riding. Finished on a sour note though, it started getting VERY busy at the spot, and I ended up crossing lines with somebody. I pulled the chicken loop straight away, no harm done as the lines had not twisted. His kite was free, mine in the water. I recovered his board for him, and apologised when I gave it to him. He unleashed a load of abuse. "shouldn't be on the water etc etc". I politely pointed to my instructor and suggested he take up any issue with him. And also asked if he was ever a beginner once.

Shame, I was having a blast. Got a boat session arranged for Friday so I can practice in open water!

Paul, still sounds awesome! Glad you were able to fulfil that dream.

Sean - you have great dreams too. Love your approach to things.

I'm on a family vacation in San Diego this week. It is a mini dream, but I got to fly my NS3s static in beautiful constant onshore sea winds. WOW! So that's what coastal winds feel like. :D

I'd been flying my inland jank for so long it had become normal. Only had my 2.5, 3.2, and 4.0m NS3s with me. Should have brought my 8.5 for some forearm bulging skudding.

Now.... My real next dream is to buggy some Western dry lake beds. Ivanpah is calling my name (I swear I hear it!). I've got a shot at this in November when I'm going to drive to Las Vegas for a meeting and will stay a few days over. Vegas is about a six hour drive for me and Ivanpah is just one hour or so after that.

Paul, your story is way better than mine. Glad you got to kitesurf!

Finally got up and rode last weekend. I mean like ACTUALLY rode on water. I felt comfortable enough to pop a little air. Then I threw caution to the wind and tried to get up on my strapless 5'8" tyrant, and DID (for about 3 seconds)!

I hear you about jumping with big kites, and slotting into the right feel. My Blade IV 8.5m was pretty amazingly floaty. Now just imagine what you could do with a depower

Another similar thing happened when I was struggling with my big, flat, rectangular board in the water. I was blaming the board for constantly pearling and not being able to turn so I invested in a split board with more rocker and side cut. Guess what? It worked!!! All of a sudden I could turn and ride over waves and pop. You're right, it sure is nice to have your theories played out just like you imagined them.

I once dreamed I wouldn't hurt myself doing this... oopsy

Just kidding... great story Sean... I am currently dreaming I will get some friggin wind to ride on a day that I'm available to ride it!

Me too Spencer, our 5 day forecast calls for light and variable wind which is code for no wind at all