Powerkites

What shoes to wear for windsurfing (in the water)?

admin — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 17:24:57 +0000

Hey,
I’ll be taking a windsurfing course pretty soon and I was just wandering what shoes would be suitable to wear besides wet suit shoes (costly, and can’t find them anywhere lol).
Cheers in advance!

If you are serious and and think you will keep it up after the course I’d buy a pair of windsurf boots, these will last until they fall apart. They are more suitable than normal wetsuit boots as they do not have a sole to give better feel and make it easier once you start to use the footstraps. I’ve had lots of differant kinds over the years but reckon the Atan ones I have now for the winter are the best I’ve had, these are 6mm neoprene but are also available in 3mm. I also have a 3mm thick O’Neil Superfreak pair for the summer, these have split toes which stop your feet sliding forward in the boots and getting sore toes. If you are sure you don’t want to spend the money just yet an old pair of trainers would do as long as you don’t mind cold feet although I’d have thought the school would provide suitable footwear along with the wetsuit.

What is an example of the destructive power of insecurity and jealousy in the kite runner?

admin — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 22:21:03 +0000

I have to find quotations in the book that show that theme. Thanks in advance for your help!

"Baba, have you ever thought about get ting new servants?" (8.63)

What’s a good windsurfing board/sail for starters?

admin — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 04:18:55 +0000

I started windsurfing this summer, and I want to know what would be a good choice for a board/sail to start on. Both brand/style and size (5′ 1" - 5′ 2") would be helpful. Thanks!

Brand doesn’t matter too much but a learner board like a Starboard Start or Go will not date. You’ll advance quickly and be able to sail in confidence in most situations. When you feel you have reached the limits of the board you’ll still want to keep it because your friends will be able to have a go on it and get started too. If you start off with a board which is too challenging you’ll find the conditions don’t always suit it, and you won’t be able to let your friends try it. You’ll also possibly end up with a board that you’ll have no use for if you upgrade. I have a learner board which haul out to play on when the conditions are too light for anything else, and I can teach others on it. All my other boards get broken, dumped, sold on, converted to garden furniture etc. A good quality learner board holds its usefulness and can always be sold on. You can even put a big sail and fin on it and use it for racing. Buy a true modern learner board though, not some old 3m plus regatta board that someone says is a great beginner board.

Do you have to wear a wetsuit when windsurfing?

admin — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 08:54:11 +0000

My brother and I were wanted to windsurf in Hood River, Oregon or the Columbia River? Just wondering. Also any windsurfing tips.

Hypothermia is always a concern. One rule suggests special clothing if the water and air temperature (combined) is below 100 degrees F. Inquire of other surfers. Wind evaporates water from the skin and also pulls body heat down. Take a lesson from a local instructor. It will be the best investment you can make to insure a great day!

How much would a full set of kiteboarding gear be?

admin — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 16:39:17 +0000

i want to get my own set of kiteboarding gear im tired of renting stuff all the time how much would a full set cost including the kite,board,harness,etc thanks

For a full set of gear, you’re basically looking at 2 kites (that should cover you for most winds), bars, 2 boards, a harness and then a pump (assuming you’re buying LEI’s). If you’re just beginning, you’re not going to want to buy the latest and greatest gear since you’ll probably beat it up a fair amount. If you decided to buy something in the 06-07 year, you’re looking at 150-300 for each kite and then something around 200 for both bars, assuming you buy used. For two boards you’re looking at around 300 if you buy cheap used stuff and over 1000 if you buy new. Harnesses run from around 50-150 depending on how much you value comfort. There’s a huge range in prices depending on age, use and quality. So if you go on the cheaper used side, you’re talking around a grand for everything and if you buy new it’ll probably be more than 2 grand. Of course all that being said, you don’t really need 2 boards, so you could save money there, but 2 kites is minimum.

What is the best kitesurfing kite to get?

admin — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 16:27:09 +0000

I would like to try kite surfing and wonder which power kite is the top one..Thanks

Agree with Sadem

and there is so much more to it than getting whichever one is the best.

The best thing you can do is go to your local kitesurfing shop and talk to them about it. Straight away they will know by looking at your size, build, body strength etc. They may choose a Cabrinha, Liquid Force or Ozone kite for you. More than likely they will strongly advise a trainer kite so that you get used to the way kites handle in various wind strengths etc.

Once you have 2/3 kites to choose from, perhaps go to eBay and find a better priced Beach Kite than your local store.

What would be a good power kite for a beginner?

admin — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 21:39:05 +0000

I’d be buying it as a gift for my fiance who has mentioned she wants one. I’ve just looked at a few shops and theres so many different types! If anyone could point me in the right direction I’d be very grateful. As for budget, I can’t really go above £300.

I got a Power kit from Cotswold uk for £50 its about 2 meters across i use it to pull my canoe.

For kiteboarding can you use a wakeboard or do you need a kiteboard?

admin — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 20:44:21 +0000

For kiteboarding can you use a wakeboard or do you need a kiteboard?

Beginner boards (long boards) are in the 150cm to 180 cm range. Advanced or short boards are in the 90 cm - 136 cm range. If you are just starting out, you probably want a longer board. Personally, I don’t see why you couldn’t, it might just take some getting used to its responsiveness if you are just starting out. I would advise taking lessons if you haven’t done it before and get an adequate setup to make your riding and progression more enjoyable.

I need help with a windsurfing part?

admin — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 20:44:18 +0000

I am looking for the part that you need on a windsurf that you put the sail into. I don’t know anything about windsurfing my friends and I just love water sports and found one for free on craigslist but its missing this part. And i would greatly appreciate it if you add a link on where to buy one thank you very much!

You need to be more specific with your question. The sail goes in the mast. Then the boom is the part you hold to. The rig (sail, mast and boom) attach to the board through the MAST BASE or MAST FOOT. Normally there is another piece between the mast base and the mast that is called MAST EXTENSION. The mast joint, is the part that attaches the mast base to the mast extension. If what you have is an old windsurf board, the mast base may be special because for early windsurf boards (say, prior to 1990) these parts were not standard, as they are now. Post a new question with brand and model of the board and maybe we can help you or describe what you are missing and what you have a little better (i.e type and diameter of the hole in the board, etc.).

What would I wear for a beginners windsurfing lesson?

admin — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 03:07:38 +0000

The main thing is will I do windsurfing with bare feet, or do I need to wear shoes?

depending on where you are windsurfing. a wet suit will be good and an windproof over jacket.as neoprene is not wind proof and wind on water is always cold. ( wet your hand and blow on in it will feel cold) and so will your body when you fall in. neoprene boot are the best to wear if you can get some or old pumps or trainers. if it really warm then a halter neck wet suit and bare feet will impress the the crowd