First Water Lesson Was A Disaster. Help!

[dewey]

And what ever you do, do it. Don't just complain. I think we have enough complainers already.

[liv2kitesurf]

whilst treading water in switching currents

Every five plus hours man - turns 4 times a day

with waves lapping at my ears.....

Of Course!
What did you expect - it's a water sport.
If its windy enough to kite there are waves - This is a good thing.

it started yanking me through the water

Later on that is where the board will come in... And the stoke will be fueled!

What are your secrets?

How do you get to Carnegie Hall from here?
Practice
Practice
Practice

Before you can cruise yous gotsta pay your dues

Whatever you do be sure to practice away from solid objects and innocents on the beach.
AND Understand your safety system-how to deploy it - and self rescue.

The view will be worth the hike to the summit!

This is a great post. Bob you are wise scholar, poet and kiter all in one (and I mean that with the most sincere and humblest respect).

l2ks

[wjb]

The view will be worth the hike to the summit!

That says it all !!!

[MehYam]

Also, grab a learning video and watch it. It's about 5-10% the cost of a real lesson for one of these, and it usually contains more than just beginner content, which will continually pay dividends down the road. The video helps you visualize and internalize what you're trying to do, which is actually the real battle.

Trust me, when you get on that board for the first time, your grin will cramp your face. You'll probably holler. And the next step after that, going upwind, isn't far behind, also holler worthy when you look back at the shore after your tack and realize you didn't lose any of it.

Keep it up, and stay positive. If you can't, then I'll buy your used gear.

[king kong]

Advice: Nat Lincoln - www.edgekiteboarding.com Have Nat take you out in the Delta during a flood and smooth Sherman Island winds and you'll have a different experience...

You'll get better in a weekend of lessons at Sherman than you would in a month of kiting (beach time) at Alameda.

[Proparoo]

Yes Yes Yes...

Nat & Julie's downwinders are the ticket!!!

You can start off with a lesson from Nat, and then graduate to an assisted downwinder with Julie and then just to the $20 ride up wind...

Even though I can safely launch off the beach at Rio, I still prefer a boat ride on weekends... Sooooo much fun...