Are trainer kites worth it?
Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2007 1:02 pm
I just moved to Alameda, and I'm thinking of taking up this great sport next season. In order to get a jump on things, I was thinking about getting a trainer kite to practice with during the winter, so when I take lessons in the spring I'll have some kite skills.
I'm a paraglider pilot, so I have an understanding of flying a wing, reading the wind, etc., and I also understand how important it is to have muscle-memory level skill with the wing/kite.
My questions are:
1. Does it make sense to work with a trainer kite over the winter? Are they similar enough to real kites in their flight characteristics that doing so will make it easier to learn how to kiteboard?
2. If it does make sense, should I get a 2 line or a 4 line?
3. Where would you recommend getting one from, and what makes/models would you recommend. I'm about 200 pounds, and don't plan to use it for snow or skating, just to practice for kiteboarding.
4. How much should I expect to pay for a good trainer kite?
Thanks in advance for your opinions!
I'm a paraglider pilot, so I have an understanding of flying a wing, reading the wind, etc., and I also understand how important it is to have muscle-memory level skill with the wing/kite.
My questions are:
1. Does it make sense to work with a trainer kite over the winter? Are they similar enough to real kites in their flight characteristics that doing so will make it easier to learn how to kiteboard?
2. If it does make sense, should I get a 2 line or a 4 line?
3. Where would you recommend getting one from, and what makes/models would you recommend. I'm about 200 pounds, and don't plan to use it for snow or skating, just to practice for kiteboarding.
4. How much should I expect to pay for a good trainer kite?
Thanks in advance for your opinions!