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Is kite-boarding a thing one can rationally get into in middle age?
Posted on 2/13/24 at 1:38 pm
Posted on 2/13/24 at 1:38 pm
I've heard it's extremely hard, but it looks like maybe the most fun and liberating thing of all time if you can get decent at it.
I know this is the best guy in the world, but still: literal flying
I know this is the best guy in the world, but still: literal flying
6
Posted on 2/13/24 at 2:34 pm to Big Scrub TX
If your knees are able to handle the landing and shoulders able to handle pulling the kit, you'll be good.
Posted on 2/13/24 at 3:02 pm to Big Scrub TX
I’ve spent a lot of time in Palm Beach watching kiteboarders (my mother in law’s condo is at Lake Worth park which is a prime spot). I’ve gotten to know some of the regulars and guy who teaches lessons. Barrier to entry is so high. The actual physical part of it is difficult. Equipment is difficult. And then there’s the wind. Watching newbies who can’t get out past the shore break because of the direction the wind is going is painful to watch.
But… it absolutely looks amazing and I’ve been tempted to give it a shot as well
But… it absolutely looks amazing and I’ve been tempted to give it a shot as well
Posted on 2/14/24 at 9:14 am to Big Scrub TX
This could be you, go for it
Posted on 2/14/24 at 9:53 am to DarthRebel
You are obviously interested, you should go for it.
Not sure your age, but who cares. There’s really no such thing as too old unless you have a bunch of injuries.
You’re going to die one day, might as well make it happen if it’s something you want.
Not sure your age, but who cares. There’s really no such thing as too old unless you have a bunch of injuries.
You’re going to die one day, might as well make it happen if it’s something you want.
Posted on 2/14/24 at 4:25 pm to Big Scrub TX
Yikes that seems like a very high skill/high physical toll activity...have you considered pickleball instead
Posted on 2/15/24 at 4:51 am to hogfly
quote:
I’ve spent a lot of time in Palm Beach watching kiteboarders (my mother in law’s condo is at Lake Worth park which is a prime spot). I’ve gotten to know some of the regulars and guy who teaches lessons. Barrier to entry is so high. The actual physical part of it is difficult. Equipment is difficult. And then there’s the wind. Watching newbies who can’t get out past the shore break because of the direction the wind is going is painful to watch.
But… it absolutely looks amazing and I’ve been tempted to give it a shot as well
Family has a condo on Singer Island and there are some regulars that hit the beach every time the wind is right. There are more than a few old dudes out there too. It looks fun AF but taxing. I agree with your post about the barriers to entry.
Posted on 2/15/24 at 8:16 am to Big Scrub TX
I've tried windsurfing. Not the same thing but it might be a little easier. Took a full day lesson just to learn the basics
This post was edited on 2/15/24 at 8:17 am
Posted on 2/15/24 at 10:02 am to Big Scrub TX
It depends on you. If you are used to the water, a lot of experienced waterman say you can't always surf, you can always wind surf, but you can always kite. The people saying high cost to entry must be comparing it to a surfboard, because $1500 for the rig and another $1500/$2000 for the kite, it is high. However, it is pretty cheap to go anywhere you want to, anytime, and not need a boat. If you wakesurf here it's $80k to get started.
Most of it is based on wind and body weight. As a beginner it's best to buy the biggest kite because it works with light wind and heavy weight. Learning the rigging for the take off is the toughest part. Not getting all caught up. They actually had some classes at Fountainbleu on the North Shore. It is definitely something you can do.
Most of it is based on wind and body weight. As a beginner it's best to buy the biggest kite because it works with light wind and heavy weight. Learning the rigging for the take off is the toughest part. Not getting all caught up. They actually had some classes at Fountainbleu on the North Shore. It is definitely something you can do.
Posted on 2/15/24 at 10:57 am to tiger94gop
quote:
The people saying high cost to entry must be comparing it to a surfboard, because $1500 for the rig and another $1500/$2000 for the kite
I wasn't necessarily saying the gear was high cost...said there was a high barrier to entry because the gear appears complicated (watching them inflate their kites, wrestle their kites, lay out their lines, etc...) It takes a pretty long time for them to get set up and ready. As said before, painful watching some guy spend 45 minutes getting set up to hit the water then never get past the shore break
I'm sure that it's like anything else though in that repetition breeds familiarity breeds comfort. Just have to get some assistance to get started.
I'll also second the person who said age isn't a barrier. At Palm Beach, most of the dudes are well over 40 with some of them appearing to be 50-60 (and most of them are gnarly-looking, tanned beach bums with yoga physiques).
Posted on 2/15/24 at 2:06 pm to tiger94gop
quote:Thanks! Do you do it?
It depends on you. If you are used to the water, a lot of experienced waterman say you can't always surf, you can always wind surf, but you can always kite. The people saying high cost to entry must be comparing it to a surfboard, because $1500 for the rig and another $1500/$2000 for the kite, it is high. However, it is pretty cheap to go anywhere you want to, anytime, and not need a boat. If you wakesurf here it's $80k to get started.
Most of it is based on wind and body weight. As a beginner it's best to buy the biggest kite because it works with light wind and heavy weight. Learning the rigging for the take off is the toughest part. Not getting all caught up. They actually had some classes at Fountainbleu on the North Shore. It is definitely something you can do.
quote:Aren't you the convenience store owner guy? Where you been?
tiger94gop
Posted on 2/15/24 at 2:22 pm to Big Scrub TX
I've been here. just don't post alot.
I have a friend in GA that lives on Lake Lanier, and he helped me get started. The issue we had was I could not use his equipment; he is about 6 inches and 50 pounds lighter than I am. So, he lined me out. I bought the biggest kite I could find, and a cheap rig, and I just ride, don't really jump unless it is puddle to puddle. We go to Fla and mostly just ride, but we have gone on the lake, just too many boats. too easy to get caught up. The hardest thing is keeping your lines from tangling on the ground. We take off from the beach and usually ride in the bays. He does an Isla Morada trip every year and brings all his gear. He has an actual blow-up sail as well. I have yet to do that trip.
I have a friend in GA that lives on Lake Lanier, and he helped me get started. The issue we had was I could not use his equipment; he is about 6 inches and 50 pounds lighter than I am. So, he lined me out. I bought the biggest kite I could find, and a cheap rig, and I just ride, don't really jump unless it is puddle to puddle. We go to Fla and mostly just ride, but we have gone on the lake, just too many boats. too easy to get caught up. The hardest thing is keeping your lines from tangling on the ground. We take off from the beach and usually ride in the bays. He does an Isla Morada trip every year and brings all his gear. He has an actual blow-up sail as well. I have yet to do that trip.
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