Kitesurfing - Definition

SO, YOU WANT TO BECOME A KITESURFER? KNOW THE FACTS AND DO IT RIGHT: Don't say you haven't been warned -- Kitesurfing WILL change your life. Once you pull it all together and master flying the kite, controlling the board, going upwind, jumping and riding waves with a kite, the huge buzz will cause everything to change. Your life priorities will change, your friends will change, your holidays will change, you'll probably change your car and you might even end up ditching your partner if they don't follow you along for the new ride. (Or, more likely, they might ditch you when they don't see what you're so excited about) (You know you're addicted to kitesurfing when...) 1. GET EXPERT INSTRUCTION You wouldn't try to teach yourself to fly a plane so why would you try and learn to kitesurf on your own?  If you can't afford lessons, you can't afford to be a kitesurfer. Firstly, it's just too dangerous and second, there's no point.  Trying to learn yourself will waste a lot of your time, create a lot of frustration and potentially endanger your own welbeing and that of others. A qualified instructor will get you up and going far faster than you could ever do it yourself and chances are the time you'll save will pay for the instructor fees and the safety aspects you'll learn may just save your life. I used to teach and I'm a qualified IKO instructor but because of all the absurd regulations that exist these days, I've stopped teaching. However, there are some good schools around and If you want a recommendation of a good school or a good instructor in your area, email me: lessons AT [change the AT to @ and remove this bit] kitesurfing. [REMOVE THIS] com.au [SORRY FOR THE HASSLE BUT SCAMMERS AND SPAMMERS ARE CONSTANTLY SENDING SPAM ROBOTS TO COLLECT EMAIL ADDRESSES OFF THIS SITE] and I'll put you in touch with someone in your area. 2. LEARN THE THEORY BEHIND THE SKILLS: a. SPEND TIME STUDYING THE THEORETICAL INFORMATION BEFORE YOUR LESSONS and you'll be better prepared once you begin your lessons. There is a lot of free information available online here: http://www.kitesurfingschool.org b. ON THE LINKS BELOW IS PART 1 AND PART 2 OF A USEFUL TRAINING MANUAL THAT WILL GIVE YOU SOME ADDITIONAL HELP. (a few years old but most of it is still relevant) 3. COMMIT TO DOING IT RIGHT. To become reasonably proficient and self-sufficient you'll need at least three months of practicing every weekend. If you don't have the committment from the beginning, don't start as you'll just be wasting your time. 4. JOIN YOUR LOCAL KITESURFING ASSOCIATION THROUGH THE AUSTRALIAN KITESURFING ASSOCIATION (AKSA) AND MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ADEQUATE PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE. No one like having to pay for insurance but this is one instance when your really do need it. You will be kiting in places where there are other people around. Kites are powerful and potentially dangerous and accidents do happen. You don't want one accident to ruin your life, and possibly someone else's as well. Join your state-based organisation via the AKSA and you will receive public liability insurance along with the other benefits of membership. P.s. I HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE WATER! Fount: http://www.kitesurfing.com.au/Learn_to_kitesurf.htm