Hi there, who and where is a good point of contact to start learning? And where is a 'better' place to buy some gears.

or how about another brain teaser: how long is a piece of string?

Shaan, you really can be a f*#k wit sometimes, this is a perfectly legit question from someone wanting to start out and you go and say shit like that. How about something constructive for once in this entire forum, instead of getting all pig headed and "I'm the greatest".

Any-way mate, try calling on Bayswater Wind and Kite, they should be able to see ya right.

ooh! so sorry to ruffle your feathers mr. guest. i thought my response was quite legit as well. it meant, the original guest might have to get a little more specific if they want some quality info, like what area they are in, what places they have already tried to buy gear at etc. - no insult intended to you or them.

otherwise they will get lame, general and bland advice from nobody (which does include you).

how about something constructive for once, instead of getting all pig-headed and "i'm the most anonymous!"

jess dont go to them f#*kwits at baywater wind & dickheads .they dont even know how to fly a kite... go see the boys at kiteworks ph 09 3580991

steady on tiger! i haven't seen you out @ orewa lately - wassup?

check this out: www.kitescool.co.nz

Well I'm a newbie who came in here looking for advice about where to get started but this forum is a real turn off. And whats with all the guest users. Talk about put a guy off kiting. Might as well try that pole gripping thang

Newbies - guests and otherwise -
Send me your mailing address via This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - I'll send you some back copies of the mag - there are a number of schools and most of the retail outlets - which you can then follow up in your region.

Don't be put off by what you read here

Regards
Steve
Publisher Wind and Kite Mag

Jeez - if that put you off, just wait until you go fot your first kite and whoops! you pull on one side of the bar a little too hard and hey presto! you're a hood ornament on some big fella's car + a broken limb or two. All we're doing here is testing you, to see if you really have the nads to kite. Apparently not...

You guys that have the "nads" are the ones who will spoil the sport for the rest of us by making the general public anti kiters.

It takes skill and respect for other beach and water users to be a good, safe kiter. Skill is more important than strength! And ATTITUDE is the most important bit... that is the RIGHT attitude!

I've heard that up in Auckland there are inconsiderate kiters who won't help you launch or land your kite and they won't even lend you a pump... Come on guys, help those around you... It'll make for a safer sport!

Happy Kiting
Su

Agreed - skill is far more important than strength. Disagree - Ak kiters are all pretty cool and willing to help launch and land your kites - you may just have to learn how to indicate that you want them to help (yell, scream, whistle them out of their latte). But you're not getting the point - if a little razzing gets you this wound up, just wait until your first big dumping!

Maybe I have lost my marbles but yesterday had to go down in history as the plonkers day out on the water.

I was out kiting at 6pm at Takapuna
We were asked by the local surf club to keep an eye out for the public as there was a Triathlon starting at 6:30. Most of us headed out into the big blue so not to smash to many skulls while improving on our already perfect SLIM CHANCE moves.. lol..

Not only was the beach packed with people and a few hundred athletes but also there was a learner kiter and his instructor. Directly down wind and with in 30 meters of him was 3 kids barely able to walk playing on the edge of the water. I asked the instructor if they could try another beach, as today was not the day for learning on Taka beach. My response was we would only be another 20 min.

An hour later the beach was maxed out with all the supporters of the athletes and my local fan club. I was still amazed to see Tom and Jerry was still learning. Toms skills had improved somewhat thanks to the local public who were willing to help each time the kite struck the beach.

What is the point of teaching some one on a beach like Takapuna on a hot summers day with a couple 100 people standing around you? Take the drive up to Orewa were you have a bit more space.

I recon by the end of summer we will all be able to spend more times with our dogs and cats THANKS TO PEOPLE LIKE TOM AND JERRY !!! and looking back at the days were we could kite surf on any beach.

peter g: if this forum puts you off kiting, you are quite right - pole gripping is for you. we kite because it's fun and feels good - not because of what other tweakheads say or do.

any other 'newbies' - if you're specific about what you want to know about kiting, there are over a hundred kiters here who would be more than stoked to share their knowledge on many subjects. this has been proven over and over again in the pages of this site, at the beach, and at pubs across the land.

Kiting etiquette should be one of the first things you learn. But how the hell are you going to learn it when your dumb-ass instructor hasn't got a clue and takes you out at Taka's on a crowded summer avo? Go figure. Come on - use your brains. If you don't have any, then just follow printed kiting guidelines.

Hi all, I'm in AK and wanting to start out, like you all say there is a heap of knowlege here which I will abuse, if it's cool with you guys and girls.

So then, where in Ak is a better place to get gears and lessons. Any help is appreciated.

Marco thru' Pt Chev Sailboards is pretty good - 09 815 0683 - he taught me and I'm still alive. The guys at Kiteworks are good, or try Lee at Anabatic in Orewa (just make sure he takes you to the other end of the beach). Have a few goes first before you plunge in and buy gear, then you'll know more about what you want to buy - and what brand. Luke at Windscene in Takapuna is a kiter and could give you really good advice and sells Wipika & North (+others?) - best figure out what brand you want - they all offer different features - then shop around and battle them down. Or buy second hand - nothing older than last years stuff - which is REALLY cheap and still really good.

See you out there - and yes, I'll launch and catch your kite and give you all the help I can (specially if you're a hot chick)- just remember to stay away while you're learning (regardless of hot chick status or not).

Bring back Osma Bin Kiting!!!

- get me brothers name spelt right!
OSAMA BIN KITING

original guest: some good advice there from tangled. cruise around the shops and familiarise yourself with the brands, the deals and the characters involved.

if you find a set-up that appeals, get into it!

if not, call me and i will personally outfit you with 2003 slingshot and underground kit to suit your weight and riding ambitions (kite, bar, lines & board for $2000) and give you as many free lessons as you require to get you stomping upwind. how's that? > 027 226 3203

Shaan you is a saint

After refusing to lend my big ,expensive, shinny new pump, I have seen many a visiting kitesurfer to Auckland passed out on the beach after blowing up their 16m with their MOUTH.

yes i know - 1 n

Hey Shaan, I could be keen on the deal for $2000, am 95kgs and keen to get into it. I live in AK. What type of gears you reckon you could hook me up with?

Dan
021-555-145