Hung,
I agree with you in that the "extreme" or "dangerous"
depiction of kiteboarding should be dropped.  I kite
in conditions of 15-20 kts and it is far from extreme.
  Above 20 kts such as yesterday here on the west coast
of Florida and I resort to windsurfing where I have
more experience and feel comfortable up to 35 kts.  As
with any sport, one can take it to the extreme and
that's what gets media attention.  Just look at the
newscasters/storm chasers out on the southeast coast
of Florida in the height of hurricane Frances.  They
even admit that they are stupid for being out there.
Sensationalism sells and there is certainly more
sensationalism than ever before with this hurricane.

Also, one thing you have brought up in the past is
that the kites need to have 90-100% depower
capability.  I don't know of any LEI kite that has
that feature.  The manufacturers need to somehow
develop this capability.

George
--- Hung Vu <hungvu2000@...> wrote:

> In the past, almost everyone considered kiting as a
> dangerous sport
> (probably due to not sufficient data nor awareness)
>
> Similarly, We did the same on
> http://kitesurfingschool.org and paid
> quite a bit of attention on safety.
>
> The combined effort of many kiters and manufacturers
> seems pay off
> nicely as most kiters and manufacturers is now aware
> of the safety
> issues of kiting and works on improving the safety
> of the sport.
>
> While labeling kiting as a "dangerous sport" helps
> kiters to be aware of
> the safety issues, it also create an "extreme",
> "rebellious" image of
> the sport.  This "extreme", "rebellious" image of
> the sport may have
> been used by some local authority as an argument to
> ban kiting at some
> locations.
>
> The reality is that kiting can be a very safe sport
> compared to the
> others.  Locally, We have been kiting around here
> since 1998 and until
> now haven't had a single serious accidents compare
> to snowboarding which
> had quite a few accidents in its first few years of
> introduction to the
> local scence. (last March, a snowboarding
> instructors hit me in the back
> while I was snowboarding with my son and I had to
> stay in bed for 3 weeks)
>
> Kiting has been mature so much now with a networks
> of schools across the
> globe and online information such as
> kitesurfingschool.org that can
> guide newbies through the safety issues of the
> sport.
>
> We will continue to spread the awareness and work on
> improving the
> safety issues but the information is fairly readily
> available now at
> schools and online sites.  Maybe it's time to drop
> the "dangerous sport"
> label for kiting?
>
> Maybe it's time to use the following phrase to
> describe kiting safety:
> "Kiting is a reasonable safe sport as long as one
> follows proper safety
> guidelines ..."
>
> Hung.
>
>
>




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I did some experiement with 80% to 90% depowerable LEI and found that
while it is possible to do so, it would deform the leading edge during
power stroke.  So for LEI it may not be possible to do so without
effecting the performance of the kite unless someone come up with a
new innovation.

Many have told me that the Seasmik kites have 100% depowerable system
in the past but for marketing reasons, most of us have never even
tried them.

Some modern kite (especially 2004) depowering has improved so much now
that I am not sure that a depowered kite (long chicken loop fully
extended) can seriously harm a kitesurfer anymore...

However, the best way is not to permanently hooked in to the chicken
loop until they can come up with some new innovations.

Unhooked riding is becoming more and more popular and that is making
kiting safer ...

Hung.

--- In ksurfschool@yahoogroups.com, George Sarris
<jakefarley2000@y...> wrote:
> Hung,
> I agree with you in that the "extreme" or "dangerous"
> depiction of kiteboarding should be dropped.  I kite
> in conditions of 15-20 kts and it is far from extreme.
>  Above 20 kts such as yesterday here on the west coast
> of Florida and I resort to windsurfing where I have
> more experience and feel comfortable up to 35 kts.  As
> with any sport, one can take it to the extreme and
> that's what gets media attention.  Just look at the
> newscasters/storm chasers out on the southeast coast
> of Florida in the height of hurricane Frances.  They
> even admit that they are stupid for being out there.
> Sensationalism sells and there is certainly more
> sensationalism than ever before with this hurricane.
>
> Also, one thing you have brought up in the past is
> that the kites need to have 90-100% depower
> capability.  I don't know of any LEI kite that has
> that feature.  The manufacturers need to somehow
> develop this capability.
>
> George
> --- Hung Vu <hungvu2000@r...> wrote:
>
> > In the past, almost everyone considered kiting as a
> > dangerous sport
> > (probably due to not sufficient data nor awareness)
> >
> > Similarly, We did the same on
> > http://kitesurfingschool.org and paid
> > quite a bit of attention on safety.
> >
> > The combined effort of many kiters and manufacturers
> > seems pay off
> > nicely as most kiters and manufacturers is now aware
> > of the safety
> > issues of kiting and works on improving the safety
> > of the sport.
> >
> > While labeling kiting as a "dangerous sport" helps
> > kiters to be aware of
> > the safety issues, it also create an "extreme",
> > "rebellious" image of
> > the sport.  This "extreme", "rebellious" image of
> > the sport may have
> > been used by some local authority as an argument to
> > ban kiting at some
> > locations.
> >
> > The reality is that kiting can be a very safe sport
> > compared to the
> > others.  Locally, We have been kiting around here
> > since 1998 and until
> > now haven't had a single serious accidents compare
> > to snowboarding which
> > had quite a few accidents in its first few years of
> > introduction to the
> > local scence. (last March, a snowboarding
> > instructors hit me in the back
> > while I was snowboarding with my son and I had to
> > stay in bed for 3 weeks)
> >
> > Kiting has been mature so much now with a networks
> > of schools across the
> > globe and online information such as
> > kitesurfingschool.org that can
> > guide newbies through the safety issues of the
> > sport.
> >
> > We will continue to spread the awareness and work on
> > improving the
> > safety issues but the information is fairly readily
> > available now at
> > schools and online sites.  Maybe it's time to drop
> > the "dangerous sport"
> > label for kiting?
> >
> > Maybe it's time to use the following phrase to
> > describe kiting safety:
> > "Kiting is a reasonable safe sport as long as one
> > follows proper safety
> > guidelines ..."
> >
> > Hung.
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
>
> __________________________________
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> New and Improved Yahoo! Mail - Send 10MB messages!
> http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail

Switching kites are very cumbersome while switching boards is fairly easy.

Recently I start to rig only 1 kite and switch between 2 boards when the
wind varies.

It's effortless to ride back to the beach, grab another board (larger or
smaller) when the wind change and ride out again.

P.S., The 2 boards should be around 1500 to 3000 cm2 smaller/larger in
size to notice differences...

Hung.

I have the 2004 Carinha CO2 w/ recon system.  I haven't flown
anything but these & they depower instantly if you pull the red ball.
It basically lengthens the 2 center lines (leading edge )by 8-10 feet
& the kite falls.
--- In ksurfschool@yahoogroups.com, George Sarris
<jakefarley2000@y...> wrote:
> Hung,
> I agree with you in that the "extreme" or "dangerous"
> depiction of kiteboarding should be dropped.  I kite
> in conditions of 15-20 kts and it is far from extreme.
>  Above 20 kts such as yesterday here on the west coast
> of Florida and I resort to windsurfing where I have
> more experience and feel comfortable up to 35 kts.  As
> with any sport, one can take it to the extreme and
> that's what gets media attention.  Just look at the
> newscasters/storm chasers out on the southeast coast
> of Florida in the height of hurricane Frances.  They
> even admit that they are stupid for being out there.
> Sensationalism sells and there is certainly more
> sensationalism than ever before with this hurricane.
>
> Also, one thing you have brought up in the past is
> that the kites need to have 90-100% depower
> capability.  I don't know of any LEI kite that has
> that feature.  The manufacturers need to somehow
> develop this capability.
>
> George
> --- Hung Vu <hungvu2000@r...> wrote:
>
> > In the past, almost everyone considered kiting as a
> > dangerous sport
> > (probably due to not sufficient data nor awareness)
> >
> > Similarly, We did the same on
> > http://kitesurfingschool.org and paid
> > quite a bit of attention on safety.
> >
> > The combined effort of many kiters and manufacturers
> > seems pay off
> > nicely as most kiters and manufacturers is now aware
> > of the safety
> > issues of kiting and works on improving the safety
> > of the sport.
> >
> > While labeling kiting as a "dangerous sport" helps
> > kiters to be aware of
> > the safety issues, it also create an "extreme",
> > "rebellious" image of
> > the sport.  This "extreme", "rebellious" image of
> > the sport may have
> > been used by some local authority as an argument to
> > ban kiting at some
> > locations.
> >
> > The reality is that kiting can be a very safe sport
> > compared to the
> > others.  Locally, We have been kiting around here
> > since 1998 and until
> > now haven't had a single serious accidents compare
> > to snowboarding which
> > had quite a few accidents in its first few years of
> > introduction to the
> > local scence. (last March, a snowboarding
> > instructors hit me in the back
> > while I was snowboarding with my son and I had to
> > stay in bed for 3 weeks)
> >
> > Kiting has been mature so much now with a networks
> > of schools across the
> > globe and online information such as
> > kitesurfingschool.org that can
> > guide newbies through the safety issues of the
> > sport.
> >
> > We will continue to spread the awareness and work on
> > improving the
> > safety issues but the information is fairly readily
> > available now at
> > schools and online sites.  Maybe it's time to drop
> > the "dangerous sport"
> > label for kiting?
> >
> > Maybe it's time to use the following phrase to
> > describe kiting safety:
> > "Kiting is a reasonable safe sport as long as one
> > follows proper safety
> > guidelines ..."
> >
> > Hung.
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
>
> __________________________________
> Do you Yahoo!?
> New and Improved Yahoo! Mail - Send 10MB messages!
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After having kited since 1998 and taught kitesurfing for a few years, I
started to realized that kitesurfing is "not dangerous" if done properly
- proper kitesurfing safety guidelines are followed (especially since we
had no serious kitesurfing accident locally since 1998 while we had
numerous snowboarding accidents since then).

Neither kitesurfing has to be extreme and the sport can be enjoyed by an
average mom-and-pop.

I thought I was the "first" to discover this fact.

So I did a very quick search on Google.  To my surprise there are other
sites and schools out there who claims that either kitesurfing is not
dangerous or they can teach one can be not dangerous to oneself or the
others:

     1- http://www.more-than-boards.de/schools/Kitexcite.php?newlang=uk
        "To learn Kitesurfing is not dangerous and brings a lot of Fun"
     2- http://tarifainfo.com/en/kite-surfing.html
           " Kiteboarding in Tarifa is not dangerous if done with the
necessary caution, and learned with qualified instructor."
     3- http://www.kiteboardcabarete.com/oct03/english/courses.htm
        "We recommend 8 hours of training to become independent in 2 lines :
             - to be competent in safety : not dangerous to oneself and
to others."

The other schools and manufacturers need to put some level of safety
assurance to their teaching and equipment...

Hung.



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

In its early days, kitesurfing is a VERY DANGEROUS sport as nobody know
what to do or expect.

RickI was one of the first victims of the chicken loop (I was somewhat
responsible for its popularity) and he in turn became the ambassador of
the kitesurfing safety cruisade (great work Rick!).

Over the years, most of the danger of kitesurfing is very well known.
There will be more accidents for sure but most of them will be very much
repeativety.

Kitesurfing safety issues and work around are pretty well-known and very
well documented at schools or online.

It's time for the manufacturers to take a stand regarding safety and to
be more responsible.

One of the manufacturers I know of is Litewave who takes a very serious
stand regarding safety (no board leash - as board leash is dangerous).

All other kite and board manufacturers need to take a stand regarding
safety: How safe their equipment is and what to do to make it safe...

Hung.


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

The sport has matured drastically in the last few years, there are tons
of information available for us to get kiting acceptable by the local
authorities:

1- Kiters to manage kiting risks and become less paranoid (need to act
cool and in control - keep posting those techniques to make kiting safer

2- Manufacturers to take a safety stand behind their products (quite a
few already did)

3- Schools to take a stand behind their teaching methodoly and ensure
that the students will be "not dangerous to oneself or the others" at
the end of the course (isn't this why the students should take lessons
instead of learning by themselves???).

These will portrait a more control, reponsible kiting community...

I actually predict that kiting will be accepted globally as kiters,
manufacturers and schools will join force to get respect from the local
authorities.

P.S., Yesterday, a windsurfer died while windsurfing near our local spot
in 30 to 40 knots wind (2 hours away). My condolence to his friends and
family. Windsurfing is not a dangerous sports but accidents will happen;
so will be kiting.

Hung.

Just flown a demo 2005 kite yesterday.

It is much better than 2002, 2003 kites and definitely better than my
"old" 2004 kites.

So what make new kites better: new, better design or simply new marterial?

Hung.

If I were to guess at what makes them better it would
be the design.  I don't think the material would make
that much of a difference.  Also, what kite did you
demo?

George
--- Hung Vu <hungvu2000@...> wrote:

> Just flown a demo 2005 kite yesterday.
>
> It is much better than 2002, 2003 kites and
> definitely better than my
> "old" 2004 kites.
>
> So what make new kites better: new, better design or
> simply new marterial?
>
> Hung.
>
>




_______________________________
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Can't tell what I am demoing yet as they may make more changes...

I think newer material also make some differences as the kite may be
slightly deformed when well used.

I'm planning to be at Surf Expo next week-end, will Ivan be gone by then?

Hung.

--- In ksurfschool@yahoogroups.com, George Sarris
<jakefarley2000@y...> wrote:
> If I were to guess at what makes them better it would
> be the design.  I don't think the material would make
> that much of a difference.  Also, what kite did you
> demo?
>
> George
> --- Hung Vu <hungvu2000@r...> wrote:
>
> > Just flown a demo 2005 kite yesterday.
> >
> > It is much better than 2002, 2003 kites and
> > definitely better than my
> > "old" 2004 kites.
> >
> > So what make new kites better: new, better design or
> > simply new marterial?
> >
> > Hung.
> >
> >
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________
> Do you Yahoo!?
> Shop for Back-to-School deals on Yahoo! Shopping.
> http://shopping.yahoo.com/backtoschool

How were the 2005 kite better? Range/lift/safety/depower?

--- In ksurfschool@yahoogroups.com, "mopman365" <andrem@c...> wrote:
> How were the 2005 kite better? Range/lift/safety/depower?

For this particular one:

Range: Slightly better than or same as 2004, for sure better than
older kites

Lift: Better when jumping

Safety: More of a function of the bar & safety system unless you want
to say that since a kite can depower more, it is safer

Depower: Insane depower. Better than 2004, for sure better than older
kites

Responsiness: Very responsive

Hung.

Based on the latest forecast track Ivan should be
hitting the Florida panhandle near Panama City well
clear of Orlando. By Friday Ivan should be in Alabama.

For loads of information about Ivan visit
http://www.crownweather.com/tropical.html

Enjoy the expo,
George

--- hungvuatnetcomdotca <hungvu2000@...> wrote:

> Can't tell what I am demoing yet as they may make
> more changes...
>
> I think newer material also make some differences as
> the kite may be
> slightly deformed when well used.
>
> I'm planning to be at Surf Expo next week-end, will
> Ivan be gone by then?
>
> Hung.
>
> --- In ksurfschool@yahoogroups.com, George Sarris
> <jakefarley2000@y...> wrote:
> > If I were to guess at what makes them better it
> would
> > be the design.  I don't think the material would
> make
> > that much of a difference.  Also, what kite did
> you
> > demo?
> >
> > George
> > --- Hung Vu <hungvu2000@r...> wrote:
> >
> > > Just flown a demo 2005 kite yesterday.
> > >
> > > It is much better than 2002, 2003 kites and
> > > definitely better than my
> > > "old" 2004 kites.
> > >
> > > So what make new kites better: new, better
> design or
> > > simply new marterial?
> > >
> > > Hung.
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > _______________________________
> > Do you Yahoo!?
> > Shop for Back-to-School deals on Yahoo! Shopping.
> > http://shopping.yahoo.com/backtoschool
>
>


__________________________________________________
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This question has puzzled me in the past and for sure to the others.

Without going in to details, it's all about the positioning of the front
lines and back lines relative to the Center of Pressure (COP) or Center
of Force (COF) of the kite.

But the COP is also changing based on the position of the kite, the wind
speed and also the shape and curve of the struts (including the very end
struts - this is why ALL modern kites have end struts).  It is also
dependent on the length of the end strut comparing to the middle strut.

While a kite is flying, these elements are constantly changing such that
a kite with the right variables can generate a "MACRO" feeling of
capable of depowering more than the others.

Normally, a kite that can depower more can also overfly more but that
can be fixed by some characteristics of the struts and that in turn
makes the kite slightly less efficient and that in turn needs ....
(over most people head now ;-)

To sum up, these variables are so subtle and so "vast" that a kite will
always deliver a MACRO feeling of depowering differently than another.

That's the beauty of this sport, no matter what you fly, you WILL BE
DIFFERENT than another kitesurfer unless she/he is flying the same kite
of the same age as you are.

Hung.

I met Roberto Spitale in summer 2000 while kiting in his back yard at
Costamba, Dominican Republic (there are MUCH more to kiting in DR than
just Carabete - it gets boring there after a while).  BTW, the most
recent Kiteboarding Magazine has an article recommending kiters to go to
Carabete [ Tom, please be more adventurous and talk about more exotic
destinations, let's say Phan Thiet for a change; otherwise people may
say that kiters are ....... ]

Roberto was still an addicted windsurfer and was learning to go upwind.
I gave him a few tips back then.

Recently, I heard that he became an expert kiter, saved Eric Hersents
life (kite designer for EH kites) and became the official KITE DOCTOR.

Check http://www.ehkiteboarding.com/news/VIPdoctor/  for various photos
of Roberto kiting in his back yard (boys, I miss kiting in his backyard
sooooo muuuuuch)

What a life!!!

P.S., There are MUCH more to kiting in DR than just Carabete !  Be
adventurous and find them out as I will not tell you ;-)

P.P.S., At least, try Salina as it is pretty well-known...

Hung.

The first in a series of articles on kiteboarding exhibitors at Surf Expo
2004 has been uploaded.  Surf Expo is a large international watersports and
apparel tradeshow held every year in Orlando, FL, USA.  New kiteboarding
products for 2005 were on display.

I also got to meet Hung after communicating online for years.  It was great
to talk with you in person Hung, hope you had a good trip to Florida!

Broadband version with large images (FOR FAST CONNECTIONS) at:
http://www.fksa.org/viewforum.php?f=84

Dialup version with small images (FOR SLOWER CONNECTIONS) at:
http://www.kiteforum.com/phpbb/viewforum.php?f=131

Individual exhibitors will be treated in a single article when a lot of
content has been provided as in this first case.  In other instances a few
exhibitors will be grouped together.

FKA, Inc.

transcribed by:
Rick Iossi

I have been using the 2005 Patriot 13.8 from KiteLoose for some times
now and have been puzzled by the kite.

Hooked into the chicken loop, the kite behaves similar or better to any
excellent 2004, 2005 kites: very fast, smooth, amazing depowering
capability.

However, when in the fixed loop or unhooked, the kite behave like a true
"unhooked kite": pull like a truck with lots of pop-up power (even in
very light wind if tuned properly).  In the event that you haven't riden
any modern kites, some of them can't even fly well unhooked!!!

For me, this is an ideal kite allowing me to ride in different styles
without having to change kite.

I have been wondering what make the kite behaves that way and I think I
found the answer in the curvatures of all the struts of the kite (7
struts total and even the end struts at the wing tip curves similar to
the other struts) and the shape of the kite.

I would compare the Patriot to a manual transmission car: it can be as
rough and tough as you want or as smooth and mellow as you want...

The more I play with kite designing, the more I find that there are so
many variables one can play with and if one can get the variables right
(as in the case of the Patriot), one can get a very different result
from the others...

P.S., The only down point of the Patriot is that when you launch the
kite unhooked, it can deliver more power than you want....  In any case,
you can always set the trim strap to maximum depower and simply DROP THE
BAR when the going get tough...

P.P.S., Even with the amazing depowering capability of the Patriot I
don't recommend launching hooked in to the chicken loop yet (until Eric
can get it to 90% or 100% depowering capability ;-)

Hung.

In the early days, nobody took lesson as there was none available.

I bought my Wipika and Fone board in Paris in 1998 and the serial number
on them are less than 100 (hints: there were less than 100 kiters
world-wide back then).

I created http://www.kitesurfingschool.org in August 1999 (while in
Tampa, Florida) and many have learned from ever since (including many
pro kiters, IKO, PASA instructors and many others).

And suddenly there were many accidents (mainly due to the introduction
of the chicken loop- I was somewhat responsible for its popularity).

Now most of the dangers are pretty well known and very well documented

Should a new kiter take lesson?

Should a new kiters be certified? (IKO, PASA, Kitesurfingschool.org, etc.)

P.S., I only want to poll the opinions of the other kiters.

Hung.

I am convinced that any newbie shoud take at least two classes to avoid
accidents.  kiting looks pretty and smooth when others are flying but it is not
the same  when a new one is trying it. Kiting looks like is soft and you should
be strong with the bar, but it is totally the oposite: The kite could pull you
so hard and you should be very soft with the bar. Taking lessons is safer and
quicker to learn...

Tatiana Pacheco
Hamline University,
MN 55104
6519173255

Absolutely lessons should be taken.
How many? who should give the lessons?
I think it depends on the student. I've seen very few people who could
progress without a minium of 2 lessons. without lessons, how can you even guess
the things that can go wrong?
Take a lesson. Your instructor should feel confident enough to tell you  that
you need more lessons.
Phil Burke


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Lessons are a must Hung.  I took a half day lesson(and this was after kiting all
last winter on the ice.) and think that is a bare minimum.  In my short time in
the sport I have gotten in trouble and have seen some others do the same. 
Trouble is, it is hugely addictive and sometimes this affects our decision
making.  I shutter to think of the potential for serious injury.  I love your
kitesurfing school and read everything I can get my hands on.  I always think
safety first.

Keep up the good work.

Tom
   ----- Original Message -----
   From: Hung Vu
   To: ksurfschool@yahoogroups.com
   Sent: Monday, September 27, 2004 3:46 AM
   Subject: [ksurfschool] Should a new kiter take lesson?


   In the early days, nobody took lesson as there was none available.

   I bought my Wipika and Fone board in Paris in 1998 and the serial number
   on them are less than 100 (hints: there were less than 100 kiters
   world-wide back then).

   I created http://www.kitesurfingschool.org in August 1999 (while in
   Tampa, Florida) and many have learned from ever since (including many
   pro kiters, IKO, PASA instructors and many others).

   And suddenly there were many accidents (mainly due to the introduction
   of the chicken loop- I was somewhat responsible for its popularity).

   Now most of the dangers are pretty well known and very well documented

   Should a new kiter take lesson?

   Should a new kiters be certified? (IKO, PASA, Kitesurfingschool.org, etc.)

   P.S., I only want to poll the opinions of the other kiters.

   Hung.



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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi there, This is my first post!! horay!!!

I purchased a kite and thought this should be a laugh, watching
everyone else made it look quite easy. Well nearly gave myself
whiplash first time!!!

Brought some DVD's and all the mags, but booked myself a lesson,
while my other half watched me!! and not only did I have a to-die
for instructor, it made me more confident and much more aware of
saftey etc.

Even though it was UKŁ100 and we only got 1/2 day wind I cannot wait
to do my 2 day course...just need the weather here in England!!!!

Thanks for all the info, great group.

And would recommend a lesson for anyone.
Regards,
Tx



--- In ksurfschool@yahoogroups.com, "Pam S." <pamst@s...> wrote:
> Lessons are a must Hung.  I took a half day lesson(and this was
after kiting all last winter on the ice.) and think that is a bare
minimum.  In my short time in the sport I have gotten in trouble and
have seen some others do the same.  Trouble is, it is hugely
addictive and sometimes this affects our decision making.  I shutter
to think of the potential for serious injury.  I love your
kitesurfing school and read everything I can get my hands on.  I
always think safety first.
>
> Keep up the good work.
>
> Tom
>   ----- Original Message -----
>   From: Hung Vu
>   To: ksurfschool@yahoogroups.com
>   Sent: Monday, September 27, 2004 3:46 AM
>   Subject: [ksurfschool] Should a new kiter take lesson?
>
>
>   In the early days, nobody took lesson as there was none
available.
>
>   I bought my Wipika and Fone board in Paris in 1998 and the
serial number
>   on them are less than 100 (hints: there were less than 100
kiters
>   world-wide back then).
>
>   I created http://www.kitesurfingschool.org in August 1999 (while
in
>   Tampa, Florida) and many have learned from ever since (including
many
>   pro kiters, IKO, PASA instructors and many others).
>
>   And suddenly there were many accidents (mainly due to the
introduction
>   of the chicken loop- I was somewhat responsible for its
popularity).
>
>   Now most of the dangers are pretty well known and very well
documented
>
>   Should a new kiter take lesson?
>
>   Should a new kiters be certified? (IKO, PASA,
Kitesurfingschool.org, etc.)
>
>   P.S., I only want to poll the opinions of the other kiters.
>
>   Hung.
>
>
>
>   If you are new to kitesurfing, please visit
>   http://www.KitesurfingSchool.org/faqs.htm for the answers
>   to the most frequently asked questions.
>
>   To unsubscribe, please send an email to ksurfschool-
unsubscribe@egroups.com
>   To subscribe, please send an email to ksurfschool-
subscribe@egroups.com
>
>
>
>         Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
>               ADVERTISEMENT
>
>
>
>
>
> -------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------
>   Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>     a.. To visit your group on the web, go to:
>     http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ksurfschool/
>
>     b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
>     ksurfschool-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
>     c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms
of Service.
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

FYI

-------- Original Message --------
Subject:  Da Book
Date:  Tue, 28 Sep 2004 13:29:26 -1000
From:  John Holzhall <mail@...>
To:  <hungvu2000@...>



We are happy to be releasing our second book, Secrets of Kiteboarding. It's
full color, 162 pages, over 200 illustrations and best of all, it details
techniques proven to ease entry and save beach access.

Check out the reviews in our lounge at www.kiteboardcenter.com

The information is so helpful, many retailers include the Book and DVD with
every kite purchase and lesson.

The book retails for $31.95 and the dealer rate is
$15.75

For more information on the K.I.T.E.S. Products check out these links

K.I.T.E.S. Warm up
http://www.kiteboardcenter.com/contentpage.aspx?id=52

Upwind Board Drag (UBD)
http://www.kiteboardcenter.com/contentpage.aspx?id=55

K.I.T.E.S. Evaluation System (Intro)
http://www.kiteboardcenter.com/contentpage.aspx?id=6


Aloha & mahalo
John Holzhall
808-276-2667
www.kiteboardcenter.com
mail@...







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Guys, I have seen a website offering line lengths from 4meters
upwards. The description for the 13m lines for example says good for
beginners, makes water starts easier. Can anyone comment if this
hold true? Thanks Ian

On 29 Sep 2004, at 14:33, speeded176 wrote:

>
> Hi Guys, I have seen a website offering line lengths from 4meters
> upwards. The description for the 13m lines for example says good for
> beginners, makes water starts easier. Can anyone comment if this
> hold true? Thanks Ian
>
>

If a kite is on short lines then it can't build up much speed before it
reaches the edge of the wind window. This means the dynamic lift (not
sure if that is the right term, I mean the lift generated by the
movement of the kite) is small. If the lines are really short all you
will get is the "static lift".

I've been looking at this site too, and I would like to hear others
views on this. Is this a breakthrough in kiting safety? Should we all
be getting extra line sets?

	 Iain

I have posted a review of this kitesurfing instructional video at
http://www.skypilotkiteboarding.com/pages/video%20review.htm

In short, it is the best instructional DVD out there. At the moment
you can only get it by mail order at
http://kitefilm.com/

:-)
Chris Glazier

In the last 48 hrs a new Kitepower store opened in Oz, it is due to
the incredibly meticulous planning and hard work of Goshen Watts, the
stepson of the founder of Kitepower, (Steve McCormack, thats me!)
Daniel Butcher, Peace McCormack and Tim Lewis.

Several months of preparation have gone into creation of this new
outlet for lovers of kiting. There are plans and room for expansion,
to make this Kitepower outlet the largest of its type in the southern
hemisphere

The demand for our products has grown beyond the walls of our 3
current outlets, the time is ripe for the introduction of the first
truly online kiteshop in Australia.

The site is already bigger and easier to use than anything in Oz and
is among the best in the world. Product content will continue to
expand, as will information and services to make everyone's kite
flying experience as enjoyable as possible.

We are running a comp for people to find mistakes in the site,
details will be on the front page.

Please send in your feedback, Goshen, Daniel, Peace and Tim have put
in a huge effort to make this happen, let them know what you think.


_________________
Cya and
Goodwinds
Steve McCormack
http://www.kitepower.com.au
Best Kites Best Prices Best Service

Having used 0m to 50m line length for various form of kiting, here are
my comments:

     1- Different line length DOES make a difference
     2- You can go as short as 0m line length for kiteskiing (up to a
certain size only)
     3- You can go as short as 15m line length for kitesurfing (shorter
than that it becomes pretty tough and not ideal for the average kiters
in average conditions)
     4- You can probably go as long as you want but for jumping 40 - 45 m
seems to be the max

If I can take only 1 kite with me in a trip, I would definitely take 2
set of lines (20m lines and 27m line)

I can't say whether John's formula of "3m of line is equivalent to1m of
kite" is exact or not, but it should be a very good approximation...

Hung.


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I often use 15m line (30m lines doubled over) for a first lesson.
They are great to teach all the kite skills up to body dragging.  The
only downfall is if you get a nasty tangle when practicing throwing
the bar and retrieving the kite for a water relaunch.

1. It makes the wind window 1/3 the size - safer when there are other
beach users and less dist for me to cover if I have to help them
relaunch the kite.

2. It reduces the lift when a std flies the kite too fast, unaware of
the power it can generate.  This reduces std fear of the kite (it
doesn't pull so hard so the don't get freaked out).

3. Kite reaction time is quicker.

For the 2nd lesson (getting on the board) ideally I use 20m, or 30m
if the wind is lighter.  By now the std has a good understanding of
how to fly the kite (ie. push/pull rather than twisting the bar like
a car steering wheel).  This is when the student needs to feel lift
of a faster moving kite, and needs the lift to stand up on the board.

(-: happy kiting ppl. Lynita

From what I heard from various places:

Lesson: yes
Certified: no

Please correct me if I am wrong.

Hung.