Dear Forum, As a wave sailer and witnessing the kite boom. I've started lessons to have an opinion. Seems its difficult for the wind and direction to aline for lessons. Is that a kite down side? Are there seasoned wave sailers who made the switch only to return because the kites seem to not suit certain locations and conditions. Friends who have gone to kites because equipment was simplier seem to now have as much kite gear as they sailboard gear. Maybe the hardcore now have both. East coast 11 - 16Knots summer average seems the free wave option still gives the most bang 4 $$. cheers MickD
I kite and windsurf as there are positives to both:
Kiting : +ve more compact equipment +ve more fun in the 14-20 knot range +ve more fun when its flat or small +ve can use a normal surfboard +ve good over shallow reef
Windsurfing: +ve better for small / restricted / rocky launch areas +ve safer in the event of equipment failure (always have a big board to swim in) +ve safer for extreme wind (>40knts)
Using a normal surfboard to kite with allows me to use smaller kites with shorter lines changing my style of riding back to a windsurf style!
if you need to ask then i am sure you will be stoked on the kite.
i went from windsurfing to kite windsurf 50/50 and back to dedicated windsurf (wavesailing) 100%.
however there are times when the kite would be handy - like pussy little shorebreaks in onshore wind.
for down the line cross off 4ft plus - its wavesailing all the way for me. I could still have alot of fun with a kite in flat water or small mushy waves though..
nah its to hard to many injuries only girls and gays do it and your grandma would like to come along and watch you , i say stick to windboarding its safer
