ex- windsurfer, quick study,looking for 1on1 lessons

[zekman]

Hello-
I am an ex windsurfer who hasnt been on the water for 9 years,
but I am a quick-study, strong and committed.
Looking for someone willing to push me hard and get me going...
Im not afraid of the wind, and can handle the pain....
just give me the insight and show me the way.....

Tell me how it is, what I need to do, and teach me the respect and
and understanding required to absorb the skills necessary to get out
there and live.

I can train in San Fran or Alameda on Friday afternoons or on Weekends
with advanced notice...

P.S. I taught myself how to windsurf at the Berkeley Marina
was sailing in 20k winds in 10 days......
but that was 20years ago....
still in shape, and still have the passion and drive
to get out there....

I will compensate you for your time as you see fit

[KirkTalon]

No mater how much experience you have with wind, and how strong you are kitting is a whole other beast. I have been surfing for over 37 years, am a fireman, confident , blah, blah, blah....YOU WANT LESSONS with a certified instructor. I full powered kite will show you no mercy and beat the shit out of you (if it doesn't kill you). Can be safe, the most fun you ever had for years to come but take your time. That said I am more than happy to help you in any way I can...It is my 2nd season so I am pretty new but I put a lot of time and research into it. Have been going to Alameda a bunch lately and will be at Sherman after doing a few downwinders with Nat from Edge Kiteboarding.

Best regards

Kirk

[VanSimms]

If you live in the east bay and want to learn at Alameda definitely go with KiteWindSurf, they have very experienced and knowledgeable instructors.
at www.kitewindsurf.com
or if you prefer Sherman Island check out Kitopia at
http://www.kitopia.biz/ they are also very experienced.

[Bob]

Tell me how it is, what I need to do

been surfing for over 37 years, am a fireman, confident , blah, blah, blah....YOU WANT LESSONS with a certified instructor

Go Buy a Trainer Kite
Go Fly a Trainer Kite
Go Fly a Trainer Kite
Go Fly a Trainer Kite
Take a Land Lesson
Learn safety and systems
Go Fly a Trainer Kite
Go Fly a Trainer Kite
Go Fly a Trainer Kite
Take a Water Lesson
Learn Safety and Systems
Go Fly a Trainer Kite
Go Buy your first Big Kite
Body Drag
Walk of Shame
Go Fly Trainer Kite at Little League Game
Body Drag (I know sounds awful but its wicked fun!)
Walk of Shame
Go Fly a Trainer Kite at Family Picnic
Walk of Shame with board
Go Fly Trainer Kite on Business Trip
Walk of Shame with board
Repeat Cycle as Necessary
Go Upwind!

I've been a water rat all my life, professional yachtsman/instructor for thirty years blah blah blah - I had to pay my dues, Swallow the Bay, play Superman and Trident submarine, use the last escape on the beach, etc. etc. etc. until I had solid kite skills, I could not get on the board. A basic truth of this sport is if you can not keep the kite in the air, any kite, then you are not going to get up on a board....When you can fly a trainer kite and talk on a cell phone at the same time (think car skills) your close.

As a PASA kiting instructor for four years (KWS) I've observed that skills of the students fall into a bell curve regardless of the blah blah blah factor. A rare one or two after an hour in the water get it and ride away while a few others pull the safety and end the lesson after their first run in with the power of a kite. The majority struggle and improve. --The single key factor on where you will fall on that curve will be your ability to keep the kite in the air and develop and control power from the kite at will --

Zekman - If your willing to pay a stranger off a website then you might as well do it right and pay someone who does it for a living.
You will learn safety systems and self reliance
You will learn about various styles of equipment (C and Bow)
You will learn proper technique for launching and landing etc. etc. etc.
You will learn the basics of kite flying (think Safeway shopping cart).
You will connect with the shop and locals
You will have Jet Ski support during your water lesson.
If you have the kite skills to keep the kite in the air and get the board on your feet (sounds easyÖ) then the instructor will be able to guide you through the water start and hopefully into a burst of balance on the board. If you can not keep the kite in the air you will be guided through the sequence of water re-launch and how to fly the kite while neck deep in The Bay until you can keep the kite in the air. Ultimately every lesson ends in self rescue practice.

If you are serious about learning this sport - begin by respecting its dangers and learn safety first. Know the sites you are kiting (land and water). Know how your equipment works and mentally envision safety before you even pick up the bar.

teach me the respect and
and understanding required to absorb the skills necessary to get out
there and live.

So locate a teacher who is certified to teach the sport...and be safe...