Starsky wrote:Im sure Ill take some heat for this, but lessons are not the only way into this sport. Sure for the complete joe public they are the best option, but I personally think that any good to excellent swimmer with prior sailing experience and a healthy amount of both common sense and self preservation instinct can safely teach themselves how to kiteboard. Previous boardsport and general athleticism is also a bonus, but we have seniors who are self taught around here. We have a healthy kite population, but due to various environmental reasons we have no organised instruction available to people. I, and many around here have and will selectively sell used equipment to people looking to get into the sport.
This is simply the truth, and many many many riders on here sell to total beginners whithout a second thought.
Most of the regulars around here learned before there was much in the line of organised instruction anywhere let alone locally.
I certainly tell people to get lessons as the questions are frequent and often asked in casual fascination, but I'm happy to inform people about going the self taught route safely should they truly show the required interest and possess the required personality traits and experience.
Well obviously people are perfectly allowed to try to kill themselves in whatever fashion they want, however, the spots are not at all suitable for self teaching...simply because of other people.
My advice to get lessons stems from two things...first of all it is much much more efficient and safe for the person...secondly and not at all any less important..it is safer for people around. If it is a wide open beach and no one else around have at it...otherwise take a lesson.