Hi all,
I've been lurking around here for a while reading and learning, but decided to sign up and start posting! I'm from the UK - I grew up sailing, windsurfing, skiing etc. on the south coast. I've been in the US for 20 years now in Alabama but am about to move to Bradenton, Fl. I can't wait! I'm itching to get back out there - I've already bought the beach cat I'll be sailing and my windsurfers have been haunting me the whole time I've been living inland
I'm super-excited about learning to kiteboard. I taught myself to slalom ski, windsurf, wakeboard etc. but the stakes are much higher in kiteboarding it seems, so I'm happy that I'll be living in a spot where I can get some professional lessons locally. My plan is to spend time with an instructor until I feel confident enough to go solo and then look out for some used gear to get me started. I don't want to make a huge investment until I discover what type of riding I'm most drawn to.
There's one thing that concerns me though: I have lower back issues and have already had one surgery for a herniated disc. I'm wondering what kind of harness would be best to start off with? Seat/waist/shorts? I'm very familiar with a seat harness (with a sliding spreader) from windsurfing, but I can see that kiteboarding literally adds a whole new dimension (up!). Knowing that I'm not exactly going to be boosting high right away, but focusing on the basics, what would be a good harness recommendation?
Thanks! I'm excited that I'm going to be back by the beach - it's 100% my happy place. I may break out the windsurfers, but truthfully kiteboarding appeals a lot more.
~ Adrian.