On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.

Yelp San Francisco

Return to Talk Home

Talk - View Conversation

Start a conversation

Talk Categories

Recent Conversations

Kite Surfing Lessons?

Page Bottom ↓

email Get email updates about this conversation

Photo of Katie C.

38

80

02/24/2005 Katie C. says:

Hey...anybody know who gives kite surfing lessons around here?  (and about how much it costs???)
Photo of Nish N.

Elite '08

2642

1538

02/24/2005 Nish N. says:

I've heard this is a good source, at least for information: www.sfkitesurfing.com
Photo of Jeremy S.

Elite '08

1755

758

02/24/2005 Jeremy "Big Papa" S. says:

It looks so fun...is it dangerous?
Photo of Michael S.

Elite '08

497

264

02/24/2005 Michael "The Yelp Model" S. says:

make sure you get a wetsuit it's freakin cold in the ocean right now.
Photo of Jeremy S.

Elite '08

1755

758

02/24/2005 Jeremy "Big Papa" S. says:

Its always cold, its the pacific dude.
Photo of Jason C.

6

6

02/25/2005 Jason C. says:

Hi Katie- I just stepped in from an afternoon kiteboarding here in Charleston SC.

There are a couple good kiteboarding places in the SF area, and it costs about 1500-2000 to get into the sport with all new equipment and enough lessons so you won't kill yourself.

It's the coolest hobby ever.  If you decide to take it up, prepare to say goodbye to all your other hobbies.  You will become obsessed.

J
Photo of Jason C.

6

6

02/25/2005 Jason C. says:

K, do you have any other wind/sailing/boarding experience?  Are you a good swimmer?

The best site for kiting video clips is
www.kiteflix.com

Naish and Cabrinha are the best kite manufacturers, based on quality and safety design.
Photo of Katie C.

38

80

02/25/2005 Katie C. says:

THANKS for the great response Jason C...yes, i am a good swimmer, not worried about that (though i am a bit daunted by the $1500 price tag!)
Photo of Jason C.

6

6

02/25/2005 Jason C. says:

Katie, I don't know specific schools in your area, but here are some things to think about...

0. Spend 100$ on a 1m trainer kite- or see if you can borrow one from a kiting friend/store.  Play with it for a week until you can fly it one handed while reading a book.

1. Kiting is a community sport- it's fun to do downwind runs with others, and especially when you're learning, they can bail you out of trouble, or warn you before you do something stupid.  Try to find a store with people who you see often at the beach you'll frequent, and make sure they are the chill types who will help you.  

2. Get new gear so you know how a good kite is supposed to fly.  A good store should give you lots of equipment support if something breaks.  If you wanted to save some money, a used board doesn't make much difference.

3. See if the store offers package deals for lessons and gear.  A 4 hour lesson is standard.
Photo of Michael A.

16

3

02/27/2005 Michael A. says:

Kite Wind Surf does lessons at Alameda (http://www.kitewindsur...)  But it's still awhile before the season starts!

Once the wind starts blowing I'm looking for an intermediate lesson at 3rd Ave :)
Photo of Junglist S.

666

42

05/12/2007 Junglist S. says:

sounds interesting.
Photo of Surf Buddha E.

39

203

05/25/2007 Surf Buddha E. says:

http://www.wowkite.com/

Wind Over Water in Pacifica

Page Top ↑



Alert  This Talk thread is older than 6 months and has been closed to new posts.

flag Flag Conversation as Inappropriate