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san carlos kiter
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| Joined: | Sun Dec 3rd, 2006 |
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Posted: Sun Dec 3rd, 2006 03:09 pm |
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| The kiteboarders are putting on a show every windy day out at the Hangout located at the beach Algodones by the Paradiso Hotel. For a preview of the action go to the kite blog at: http://kiteboard-mexico.blogspot.com.
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gwbuild
Member
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Posted: Fri Dec 8th, 2006 12:25 am |
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Watched those guys all last Winter.
We're getting ready to head down for 3 months here and kite-boarding is on my to-do list. Tips on the best way to get started (learning curves suck).
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san carlos kiter
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Posted: Fri Dec 8th, 2006 06:12 pm |
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A great way to get started is by watching an instructional video. I have never seen it, but I hear that "Zero to Hero" is a good one. You can pick one up on eBay at: http://cgi.ebay.com/REAL-Kiteboarding-ZERO-TO-HERO-Instructional-DVD_W0QQitemZ150067325388QQihZ005QQcategoryZ58133QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item150067325388
You could also pick up a kiteboard manual such as: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160058542909&ssPageName=MERC_VIC_RSEE_Pr4_PcY_BID_IT&refitem=160047228331&itemcount=4&refwidgetloc=closed_view_item&usedrule1=CrossSell_LogicX&refwidgettype=cross_promot_widget
Then get yourself some equipment. EBay is a great place to get some incredible deals on kiteboard stuff. I just helped a friend down here get a complete setup for about $650. Check out what he got as I would advise that you get similar stuff. (Please, if you see that kite420 is bidding don't bid against me.)
First, a 12 square meter kite, no older than 2005 because the newer kites are more versatile and safer. Example: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=003&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&viewitem=&item=130048950378&rd=1&rd=1
Kiteboarding magazine says "KITES: For 95 percent of the global kiteboarding population, a 10-12 meter low- to moderate-aspect kite is the perfect beginner kite. Going too large for your first kite will not only intimidate you, it will also be hard to work with and manage as a beginner."
Make sure that the kite comes complete with bar and lines. The 5th line system is great as a safety and for relaunching off the water and the bow kites are even more user friendly. They are sometimes called flat kites and also very similar are SLE kites and hybrids. They all cost a bit more but are worth it, especially for a beginner.
I recommend a board between 125cm and 145 cm. Example: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=011&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&viewitem=&item=320052293074&rd=1&rd=1
You'll also need a harness. I like the protection you get from an impact vest harness. We have had four cracked ribs just at our little beach in the past few years. Example: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=005&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&viewitem=&item=150061670821&rd=1&rd=1
To get the most out of your time on the water you may want to get a board leash. They make a retractable board leash that is very popular. You should wear a helmet if you use a leash.
Check out Kiteboarding on line, http://www.kiteboardingmag.com/index.jsp and subscribe to the magazine.
Then get yourself to the beach. It is worthwhile to get at least one lesson from a PASA or IKO certified instuctor to make sure you understand the safety procedures. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you come out to the beach.
Last edited on Sun Dec 10th, 2006 04:08 am by san carlos kiter
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Vince Radice
Moderator
| Joined: | Wed Oct 26th, 2005 |
| Location: | San Carlos, Mexico |
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Posted: Fri Dec 8th, 2006 09:48 pm |
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We have a lot of great inexpensive used Slingshot gear at the Sonoran Sport Center and if you purchase gear from us your instruction is free all winter long. We will work with you untill you are staying up wind. Used gear is great as a begginer since you will probably crash the kite a lot so it may not be a bad idea to wait untill you are really good at it to buy brand new gear. If you really want to kite in a variety of conditions you will need at least two possibly three kites. As a begginer though you will start out in light wind conditions so you will want at least a 12 meter or bigger kite for light air depending on your weight. You will also find a lot of really windy days that are way over you head here but if you are patient and wait at the beach as the sun lowers on the horizon the wind often starts to lighten up quite a bit and that will be the wind you will want to practise in. Also late morning before the wind starts to howl is a good time for begginers.
Once you get good you can start to sail the waves at la manga. San Carlos is a great place to learn you will love it!!!!
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gwbuild
Member
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Posted: Sat Dec 9th, 2006 09:02 pm |
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| Wow. Quite the stack of information there. I will start sorting thru it. Thanks.
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san carlos kiter
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Posted: Sun Dec 17th, 2006 03:23 pm |
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Great deals are available right now on Ebay.
Check out: http://sporting-goods.search.ebay.com/_Surfing-Wind-Surfing_W0QQcatrefZC12QQsacatZ22709QQsassZcloseoutQ2ddude
The 12M kites are perfect for our conditions here in San Carlos.
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