Exactly !Bitt wrote:1. I find that getting input, then practicing a bit by my own before getting new input is very effective. The body and muscles need to learn the movements and that takes time and repetition. I learn more if I split one hour of instruction into 4x15 min with 45 minutes of practice on my own between each part, than of 1 hour of practice with continuous feedback.Mr_Weetabix wrote:So, what do the other pair of students get out of their "lesson"? They might as well hire a kite and go off and practice by themselves.Peter_Frank wrote:
I dont agree with this, if you (as it seems) say this should be "normal" practice for all kite schools
Having another pair of students sharing one kite more, close by, usually those that got the hang of it the fastest during the course (or it could also be the second day of a course) - is IMO no problem and it does not make sense not to do this.
2. You are in a much safer learning environment. The instructor can watch out for you and help you during launch and landing (the most dangerous part), and come to the rescue if something goes wrong while on the water. That beats being on your own by a long shot.
Being in a strict supervisored environment, and going for the things learned and "mentally" interpreted, on your own - is imo a must, in order to learn (after the initial lesson/stages are carried out).
And there is by no means any comparison to kitesurfers going at it themeselves - where wind and wind changing, and kitechoice, and everything (the instructor takes care of) will go wrong....
In fact, most students WANT to try relanching f.ex - on their own, and ask it they can do that, shortly after they got it right a couple of times.
Because they know that things can not be learned by teaching/receiving instructions 100% of the time - as we all know wont work well
Whether the instructor will allow this or not, is of course an individual judgement of the student and session in general.
Another thing that many miss here, is that even if we could put an "ideal" school situation up in our minds, like 1 kite 1 student and 5 instructors with boats and knifes all over the place to leeward etc etc - it might not be possible at all to carry out - maybe not even close.
There will always be a risk - and it is all about to make it balance where it is reasonable.
But what "reasonable" is, is VERY hard to come to any agreement about it seems
Those having kiteschools seem to defend what they do, no matter what direction they use.
Those not having kiteschools, often tend to say it should be WAY more strict regarding safety and surveillance - as a "desktop" solution.
Others are close to the school situations in other respects, and have a different view on things.
Above is very natural and this is why it is not easy to agree on anything here
Peter