Scheduling lessons. personal experiences requested

[robert-g]

I also had my lesson with Sandy and her brother, and highly recomend them.
My experience with them is that the lessons never end. Once your a student of theirs they will always give you advice on the beach.

[Kaffwynn]

I third (or fourth?) the recommendation for Kitopia. I did a number of lessons with Sandy a couple years ago. She's amazingly patient and very clear with instructions. I never had lessons with Donny, but they both have a high focus on safety, and are great to work with. If your wife is also getting lessons (I think you mentioned in another thread she would be learning too...), I highly recommend Sandy. She made me feel very comfortable, and I was a very fearful beginner.

[NewBkiter]

Thanks for the replies everyone, much appreciated. Kitopia seems to appeal to the masses. I had a good 40 minute conversation with Sandy today and have been scheduled for June 26th morning and June 27 afternoon lessons. She emphasized that they go at your pace, fill in your background sporting to feel out where you should be, stress safety and practicing what you would do on the water on land first.

I was a bit amused at the description of how some schools will have you body drag and whip the kite from one end of the window to the other repeatedly thereby yanking you up and out of the water. Her take on it is that you don't do that when you are boarding so why practice. Sure it looks like fun but quite a bit uncomfortable as the harness rides up your body while you are getting launched into the air.

While I will miss the opportunity to be yanked up and out on a body drag I appreciate her view on it and definitely look forward to training with Kitopia. Donny will be my instructor for the weekend.

Again, thanks for all the feedback bay area kiteboarding members.

[rick]

NewBkiter: give us an update on your progress; how did the lessons go and where have you been practicing?