I finally went for lessons last weekend at Dollymount Beach in Dublin. Winds were around 15-20 knots, onshore, sun was shining. Perfect conditions. It was unreal! You just don’t appreciate wind until you get out on one of these things. The kites themselves are huge. We were flying 11m ones, and the force you get being pulled by these things is awesome! After two days of lessons, I even managed to stand up and go in the direction I was after 🙂
I would definitely recommend lessons to anyone who intends to get out there. It’s a difficult thing to master on your own, and you need to make sure you know how to do it safely. Safety is the name of the game. It great fun, and you’ll get more out of it someone lays the groundwork for you. Spending a few hundred on lessons may seem like a lot, but it’s cheaper than buying all the gear (which is pretty expensive) and then deciding it’s not for you. Lessons also allow you to become a member of the Intl. Kiteboarding Organization, which gives you access to insurance – just in case you need to get rescued by helicopter or something 😉
The technology is only quite new and the gear changes quite substantially from year to year. If you are going to do it, you need a 5 line kite with a quick release & chicken loop – features that are only 3 years old. These things allow you to release your kite in such a way that it loses all power and doesn’t fly away. I have heard horror stories of what can happen with kites, people getting dragged onto stuff etc. This sort of thing is far more likely to happen if you’re using old kites that you can’t de-power in case of an emergency. If you are getting lessons in dodgier parts of the world (the Caribbean comes to mind) DO NOT go out there unless you are sure that the gear is safe. Read up on it first.
If you like it, but are looking for something a bit cheaper, mountain boarding could be the way to go. You get pulled along the beach on a skateboard with large wheels, getting dragged by a power kite. I also did that one on the weekend. It’s great for when the wind is off-shore, and no water means it’s not quite as cold.
I’m definitely going to continue with it. It’s great fun, and a water sport that you can actually do in Ireland without traveling to the other side of the country. My plan for summer is worked out.
Anyone looking for lessons in Dublin, should definitely give the guys at Pure Magic a call. Great instructors, super clued-in and friendly.