Over the last last couple of months I spent some time in SC trying to learn how to kiteboard.
Over the thanksgiving holiday I spent 10 days in SC with a total of 5 days on (mostly in) the water. Over the Christmas holiday I was there for 2 weeks with a total of 7 days on (more on than in this time).
First of all I would like to say that San Carlos is a great place to learn in the winter time. The prevailing winds are northwesterlies and this means a sideshore wind at the kiteshack beach, great for launching! More importantly, for begginners, is the fact the the shore to the south of the beath swings around to the west which means that beginners getting blown down wind get blown up on the beach, not out to sea! I spent many hours completing the "walk of shame" after getting blown down onto the beach but that was way better than having to get rescued by a boat.
The overall learning experience was great with lots of help from people like Don, Jeff, Scott, Carlos, Dave, and Vinnie, on the beach. Don was very helpful with his advice on setting up my kites and launching. I used to windsurf alot and found that kiteboarders are just as friendly and helpful, just wanting to see others out there having a great time. The hardest part was sorting thru all the info that was imparted on me. Vinne helped especially with his one liner "just let go of the bar". (Learning to wipe out correctly seems to be about half the battle.) Vinnie also helped with some needed kite repair in his shop, Sonoran Sports, dropping what he was doing at the time to get me back out on the water. I found it was mostly about learning how to be safe and then getting time in, and then on, the water.
I am now doing some decent reaching, even heading up wind sometimes, and starting to work on my transitions. What a hoot Kiteboarding is!
The water in SC is a little cold in the winter but a good wetsuit takes care of that and the perfect beginner coastline and consistent winds more than makes up for it. The local kiters on the beach are the friendliest around. Thanks to everyone for all the help! I can't wait for the next trip to SC!
Last edited on Thu Jan 11th, 2007 12:02 am by jfranta
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