Please practice launching on land with your kite students!!!

[knyfe]

I had it today at 3rd Ave that a kiter launched the first time on land although he had several lessons. Kite teachers, tell me how can this happen that you only throw your students out in the water with the jetski and NEVER do a launch at land with them?!? This is more than unjustifiable, its hazardous for them and for the sport.

If you do a jet lesson, end with them at 3rd and teach them how to launch! No way around. This IS an essential part of your job.

It seems that we really need a Teaching certification LMG (or Zeev or some one else) was talking about. Initially I thought it sounds like a kite police but now I think different.

Georg

[Don Bogardus]

I totally agree!, ground school launch training is probably the most
important part of the kiteboarding lesson, as this is the single most
dangerous aspect of practiseing.
A student should understand that when launching, they ALONE are
responsable to feel through lines if their kite is in the right spot in the
window, and know how to "dance" to ensure the kite comes up with
power and control!.

[elli]

I think big chunk of the accidents happen on launching and landing on land. That's at least from what I have seen. Third Ave is one of the sketchiest launches, because of the butter smooth mud.
Not to mention that one guy told me that his instructor told him to launch a bow kite unhooked at third ave. Talk about certification.

[adamrod]

Yeah, launching at 3rd ave at high tide is quite a skill. It's important to keep your weight back so that when the kite comes up you can get some good speed sliding on that goo. Face plants aren't nearly as fun. also, keep one hand down so you can grab your board while slipping down to the water. plus, extra style points if you drag your hand in the mud. :)

in all fairness however, 3rd ave is sketchy, but it doesn't hold a candle to sherman island.

i actually enjoy helping newbies launch. i feel like i'm giving back to the sport, plus, i figure it's better i help them launch than they do it alone and have problems. then, as you walk them out to the water, attach the leash to their board and toss it out behind them, I get all misty eyed as I remember what it was like, those first few sessions, when your first waterstart was so exciting and making it back to the downwind beach was cause for celebration. I almost miss it....

[Greg]

the devil is into details... so I'm going with darwin.
peace- out,
L.M.G.

[Don Bogardus]

Natural Selection?!?!,Is that anything like "premature ejection?" :mrgreen:

[elli]

Natural selection does not work here. The instructor goes to the next generation but the student does not. Darwin obviously did not take kite lessons :)

[Greg]

i beg to differ..

every one knows leashes are bad, but still...
helmits are smart, but once again.
the list goes on and on...
kiters like cats, they dont hurd well...
after years of push'n reform,
all i got was older....
now i conform.
darwin was right about natural selection,
and i believe it will work for kiting too.

spilling blood is our nature.
L.M.G.

[windhorny]

I got my first lesson from someone who kitesurfed the whole time but was never stupid enough to do half the things I hear here. It is possible that the teacher actually DID teach the correct stuff but the student is a numbskull. Dont forget that we are in an area in physical contact with Oakland-home of some of the stupidest fuc*ing people on earth.

[knyfe]

... spilling blood is our nature.

do talk about Zeev? ;-)

I still insist that the teacher should do it with their students. If the student does not do it its fine but other way around is the bad thing.

Whenever I guide someone out at 3rd I explain them the leash & helmet issue. I assume some are already sick of it ;-)

Stay safe, and teachers teach safety, thats what I propose. Nowadays the newbees dont need to take the hard round as some of us did without even having the chance of get lessons several years back. G