After years of watching first wind surfers, now kite surfers having a blast at my local bit of Moreton Bay (Wellington Point), I've decided to have a crack.

I had a brief chat to a fairly amicable fellow down there today trialling a new kite. He's from moreton bay kiting and gave me his web site details.

A bit of honest feedback would be really appreciated on:

1. Moreton bay kiting as an instructor service
2. Likelihood of me actually being able to get up on a bloody board...I'm 6'4, 110kgs and not gifted with surfing or boarding experience at all. I am fairly strong/fit though for 40+ if that makes any difference. Plus, I can handle my 5yr old daughters $10 Toyworld kite like a demon...

The second point is more because I'm not sure about the whole mechanics of kitesurfing, so don't know if size/weight is much of a factor.

It goes without saying that I'd only do this under some fairly expert tuition (yes, I've seen some of those terrifying youtub clips...), so any recommendations for mbk or other instructors would be really appreciated.

Thanks
Max

Thanks foos. Travel to Sandgate on a regular basis is not really an option for me - 60hr working week plus kids, wife, etc etc (why do you think I want to get out on the water...no mobile phones there!!!). I can however take the odd morning/afternoon off and I live at Wello, so I'll perservere with the location - thanks for the suggestion though.

Hopefully I'll see you there - I'll be easy to spot, I'll be the tall guy faceplanting every 3 metres in 6 inches of water...

Thanks Jas. What is it about Wello that makes it difficult? I would have thought the area around King Is or even the Thorneside flats would be a fairly safe bet (admittedly, I don't know squat about kiting itself..). If location is that great a factor, maybe I'd be better off leaving it until I take a few days off so time is not such a constraint?

In any case, I'll probably have to head up your way to purchase my first set of gear (assuming I don't get blown across the pacific ocean on my first lesson).

Rhys Porter said...

Hey Max,
Talk to Trevor Jack - He's a fantastic instructor, IKO qualified and pretty switched on when it comes to teaching in places like Wello. If anyone will get you safely through a lesson there it's going to be Trevor.

He teaches in a few places, Wello, Manly and the occasional one up here at Brighton. Have a chat to him and he'll talk you through the best options anyway.

Best contact is by email: [email protected]
or give him a call if you're super keen - 0408 152 414

Goodwinds,
Rhys - Kitepower QLD

Couldn't agree more with Rhys here Max.

Trevor is a very good instructor, He teaches at some other local and safe locations and knows what he's doing.
If you meet him you will not use anyone else, he does a lot of teaching with people more "experienced" in life

Brighton is a great place to learn but a long way for us southsiders.

Have fun, Chris.

Thanks heaps for the feedback all - really appreciated! I guess all there is left to do is pick up the phone and book in for my first lesson. I'm really looking forward to a new hobby/sport - life zips by too quickly to keep putting off a little time for play...work will always be there when you get back from the bay.

Cheers, and hopefully see you out there.

I might be using these instructors soon but I dunno if i wanna make the change from windsurfing or not! ahhhh!

Trevor is who I am going with to teach my fiance. Very safe and caring.

From my understanding he is off sailing but should be back soon, otherwise the website Rhys gave gives some fair solid information about Trevs structure and pricing.

Best of luck Max and see you down the point sometime soon!

We have a 2 for one deal this month with Red Ballon Days 9th Birthday Anniversary for wind or kitesurfing lessons. Book online at http://links.mkt2907.com/servlet/MailView?ms=MzU4NTI3MjES1&r=NjI3MDAzODU5MwS2&j=ODM1NTQyOTYS1&mt=1&rt=0

We teach at Sandgate on the northside of Brisbane, much safer environment. You can get to us by public transport (direct train ride from city to Sandgate), or if you are flying in, we can pick you up from the airport. We are located 50m off the water right on the beach, also have accommodation, webcam (www.surfconnect.com), free wireless internet or web stations, huge LCD TV, kitchen, hot showers and toilet facilities. You can also use all you spend on lessons as credit towards the purchase of equipment at the end of the lessons.

But if you cant travel to Sandgate, Trevor is your best choice on the southside of Brissy.