After a few requests for a demonstration of the Self Rescue being done in deep water here it is.
Self Rescue Refresh
Heres a little video we made at Holbox Kiteboarding School to help refresh your memories on how to self rescue using a 4 line kite which flags out to a single front line.
Maybe its been a while since you last practiced? If so get out there and give it a try. You never know when you might need it.
Top 10 Tips : To help you become an independent Kiteboarder
Both Cathy and I have seen many students go on to progress to become independent kiteboarders. This can be a tricky time for beginners looking to take their first steps away from their instructor so we’ve prepared some advice to try to help you. Follow the link below to learn more.
http://www.whenitswindy.com/wp/?page_id=178
We were also given a couple of nice photos to remind you that Hazards on the kite spot come in all shapes and sizes.
Buena Onda en Holbox
Having fun in Holbox earlier this year. Good winds, good friends, great times.
Holbox Kiteboarding School – Season Starts Now!
We were greeted on Isla Holbox once again with welcoming smiles from old friends and some nice breezes. Tomorrow we have a Norte blowing through and some time to enjoy the big winds and small kites.
The lessons at the school are filling up fast. Looks like it could be a nice season.
Holbox, Mexico for the winter!
Holbox means Black Hole in Mayan. For most people lucky enough to have visited Isla Holbox it does seem to live up to its name. You won’t want to leave and many people spend more time here than they originally intended. We are currently planning our 4th visit this winter. We intend to be there from November through until May.
Here’s a short Kiter’s guide to Holbox
Kite Repair – Ripped, blown out, leaky kite. What now?
Kite repairs
You finished your last session with a bang?
You’ve ripped your kite in two, blown out the leading edge or just made a small tear in the canopy.
You have a few options:
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DIY Repair – often possible with small rips, scuffs and leaks.
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Kite Doctor – Professional Repairs are normally needed for bigger rips, blow outs etc. The repair should be as strong as the original kite and aesthetically pleasing.
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Recycle – Nearly all damage can be repaired, though sometimes the cost may exceed the value of the kite or the canopy may be worn out. If you choose this option please get in touch and throw it my way, I can recycle it.
Its always a good idea to carry a kite first aid kit for those little easy to fix emergencies. Click here for details.
Whatever you do, no matter how tempting it is. Do not fly the kite again until its fixed.
Where are we now?
We’re currently based in Ulcinj, Montenegro for the summer at Sandbox Kite Club. The wind has been light for a week or so but has just really started to kick in again. We’ve had 3 solid days teaching students from Switzerland, Germany and Austria how to ride, and all of them are ripping along nicely now.
Jonny’s sewing machine has been running regularly as there has been a high demand for repairs. Canopy rips, leading edge blow outs, leaky valves. You name it they’ve been put back into the sky and are flying once again.
Just a couple of km down the beach there is a river mouth. Its a stunning place to ride with flat water and wind against current set against reed lined banks and wooden shacks with traditional fishing contraptions erected outside. Can’t wait to get back down there for some freestyle and photo sessions. Here are a couple of pictures from our season at Sandbox so far.
Cathy riding her new Axis Nuskool down at the river
Jonny flying overhead on his Axis Limited
Jonny having fun waiting for students to arrive.
Which Kitesport is right for me?
Which kitesport is the one for me?
Powerkiting is the best and easiest one to start with as it will develop many of the basic skills needed for any of the other more advanced sports. It doesn’t take long before you can tame the wind and experience its power. Also great if you have no access to large expanses of windswept water sand or snow. A couple of exposed football fields are often all the space you need.
Kite Landboarding / Buggying are both adrenalin fuelled alternatives to kitesurfing for those who don’t wish to get their feet wet. Speed freak, freestyler, cruiser or racer this sport will work for you. Pads and Helmets are a must though as the ground is much harder than your body. Landlocked kiters love this sport but it truly comes to life on a huge hard sandy beach with clean onshore breezes.
Snowkite (kite-ski or kite-snowboard) If your lakes are frozen and the fields are covered in snow and you like to try something a little different, give this a try. Learn to blast around on the flats then even progress to climbing hills… Yes that’s right you can eventually ski or snowboard uphill!!!! Who needs a chairlift?
KitesurfingIf you want to head out onto the water, carve some waves, pop some wakestyle tricks, boost huge air with massive hangtime or just cruise around this will be your choice. Kitesurfing is possible in an immense number of locations worldwide and the equipment is quite small, giving you the freedom to travel to exotic islands with turquoise waters or just do it down your local spot with your friends. To get a better idea why not look at some of out Kite Videos
Better still give them all a try, the number of combinations of kites and different boards/skis/buggies/surfaces will keep you interested for years to come.
If you want to know more check out How to : Learn to kite
If you’d like to see some more kiteboarding photos
Top 10 things to remember from your Powerkite Lessons
Top 10 Things to remember from your Power Kite lessons
Most of the time when we learn to powerkite our focus is mainly on the fun part, flying the kite. Use this list to help you remember key safety points so that you can enjoy the sport even more.
- How to choose a safe kite spot
- How to check if the wind and weather are suitable for Kiting
- How to rig your kite safely – Red usually marks the left side of the kite, the lines and the control system.
- To check your safety system works every session
- To check your equipment for any signs of damage or wear and tear before flight
- How to launch and land safely with an assistant
- Where the areas of high and low power are in the wind window
- To maintain a safe distance of at least twice the line length upwind from any obstacles, people or animals.
- Respect the kite spot and abide by any safety restrictions applicable to kites
- Carry and know how to use a line cutting safety knife.
For more info click here – How to :learn to kite
