Newbie looking for local tips to get an excellerated start!

[Johnny Maw]

Hello, I am super excited to find this group! I recognize a lot of names here from years back.

My name is John, I have grown up here riding everything I can get my hands on. July 19th I am heading to Crescent Beach Florida near St. Augustine. I go there every couple of years and always feel like a dick because I am not out kiteboarding there (supposedly a wonderful place to ride-looks amazing). All my friends are doing other things, so I really do not know a single person kiting right now. I plan to ride as much as possible here when I return also.

Anyway, time is short, but I wonder if anyone could give me tips to best prepare to ride in Florida this year (I have like 4 weeks-and I am there for 9 days-which means 9 straight days of no work time to focus on kitesurfing). Lessons, equipment, the whole deal. Hoping a few of you have the time to step up and help me achieve my wind riding dream.

6.1
192 lbs
Pretty active
35 years old

For equipment, not for a date

Kind Regards,
Johnny (Sugarhouse)

[Kenny]

Johnny,

I hope you have a good trip to Florida. I think your best bet is to find out more about the local riding conditions in St. Augustine. I suggest that you post on http://www.kiteforum.com. In the subject title "St. Augustine, Florida - July riding conditions" Ask about the weather and if there is local instruction available. It would be wise to take a lesson as not only will you learn about safety, but you will also be able to kiteboard without buying all of the gear. While you are learning you can talk to other riders about their equipment.

If you want to buy equipment that you can use in Utah, I suggest that you buy a bow or SLE kite. The popular ones here are Best Waroos and Ozone Instincts. As far as a board goes, you can't go wrong with a big, flat, fast board like a Slingshot Glide or a Spleene Door.

Kenny

[MikE mAy]

i echo kenny's SLC/bow suggestion. try cloud 9 or x nation for purchasing a kite here. i'm a newbie (about a year on water) and did 95% of my learning here. big board to start out on- cloud 9 has a great deal on a big liquid force if they still have them. definitely get instuction. if you want really accelerated learning, i suggest spending a lot of time on a trainer kite before your first lesson. i had abotu 20 hours under my belt before my first time on water, and it helps soooo much. learn where all the power zones are and learn to fly one handed and with your eyes closed.
billy offers lessons here if you want a day before you head to florida. check http://www.ukbinc.com for info on that. i highly suggest bill for local lessons.