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The most popular Android Apps mentioned in /r/Kiteboarding:
Winds
Windy: wind, waves and hurricanes forecast
WINDY: wind forecast & marine weather for sailing
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The most popular reviews in /r/Kiteboarding:
Just about every surfboard made in the last 10 years uses FCS1/2 or Futures fins. Looks like this board is using FCS 1 (but double check on that). You can order a quad setup pretty cheap on amazon. I use the ho stevie fins cuz i'm cheap.
Miami has been getting some sweet wind in the past couple of days. I'm in South Padre Island waiting for the wind. Can you send some over, please?
South Florida should receive winds from 10 to 18 mph and very rarely +25mph. You can check out the wind stats from WindAlert or IKitesurf. Wind Alert
If you are on a budget and want to find that perfect kite, use the Kite Size Calculator
I would choose the 12m size and a large board for you. Based on your weight, you can usually fly a 12m kite from 10mph to 20mph (14mph would be your sweet spot).
What is your budget for a kite?
To find a good used kite in Miami, I would suggest visiting Adventure Sports. Talk to Cedric, Areta, Josh, Frances, Rual, or Joseph.
Keep Ripping!
~~FWIW - your google scores etc will improve if you fix up the SSL errors - https://letsencrypt.org/ is free and usually easier than you think to work through.~~ - nvm I see you have ssl but there's non https resources or something messing it up; anyway, otherwise great site, kudos for making it .
Yep, I bought a pair of surf ear clones from Amazon and they work well. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0778L2CW8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_bNX8AbD0P0QD5
I got my eardrum smashed by a wave in my 20s after constant ear infections as a kid. Now I have a small pea size hole that will never fully heal. Luckily I only lost less than 20% of my hearing in the low frequencies and as an added benefit my ears always equalise at altitude. Downside is I have to wear a plug in my ear whenever I'm in the water. Your brain is right behind your ear canal and no one wants dirty sea water in there causing an infection in tissue that thin.
Take care of that ear and make sure you let it heal properly. The scaring on the ear drum will make it very easy for it to open up again.
Thanks for your reply. I looked up ocean rodeo trainer kite and the two i found on amazon were https://www.amazon.com/Ocean-Rodeo-Complete-Kitesurfing-Training/dp/B00IVHUM1G/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1537232731&sr=8-4&keywords=ocean+rodeo+trainer or https://www.amazon.com/Ocean-Rodeo-React-Complete-2-0/dp/B01KH10970/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1537232678&sr=8-5&keywords=ocean+rodeo. Which one would be better if I just want to learn on whatever is closest to the real thing without overpowering and killing me. Thanks :)
I think that's unfortunately the one with the proprietary nozzles. You can only switch them out for the ones that it comes with, which may or may not work with your kite. It's also a bit smaller than a normal kite pump so itll take more strokes to pump the kite up.
This is the cheapest one I can find on amazon if it's helpful for you:
https://www.amazon.com/Classic-Accessories-Inflatable-Boat-Tube/dp/B001MS8LSW
I used a retractable leash and had it attached to the board with weak cable ties so the board detaches if there's major force on the leash. I never had issues with tangling or board coming back at me hard, but I always wore helmet/vest anyway.
Not sure if these will be any different to what you have already tried but just in case: I got these and they seem good - have different fittings for different ear sizes. They also let sound in while keeping water out: https://www.amazon.com/Creatures-Leisure-Surf-Earplugs-Teal/dp/B07P8VKG3P/ref=sr\_1\_5?crid=4EQHGHGW54D2&keywords=surf+ears&qid=1659435839&sprefix=surf+ears%2Caps%2C146&sr=8-5
I take portable soft racks that go through the windows, you can put big board bags on the top of any car. paid for themselves many times over and easy to travel with. something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Surfboard-Soft-Rack-Racks-TRAVEL/dp/B00K3LTJV2
I use a phone pouch like this (not sure what brand), and just stuff it in my wetsuit next to my chest. I don't notice it while I'm kiting or winging. I've also used it to go diving for lost objects. I put a bicycle headlight in the pouch to quickly find things dropped in the water (like my neighbor's phone).
I'm not sure about a car key, but if you had a car with app unlock, that would do the trick I think. I imagine a bulky key fob with a phone in this bag would be noticeable.
https://www.amazon.com/Case-Mate-Pelican-Waterproof-Universal-Compatibility/dp/B08GHKMR82/
I’m using the winfinder beta on iOS and they are testing the exact feature you describe. It will be included in a future windfinder update but I believe it will require the pro version or some sort of subscription.
If you are a bit technical and understand a little nodejs: I’m building a nodejs script to be run once a day that will trigger an IFTTT action, which can send a notification to your phone (which I’m using it for because I’m also lazy hehe). The project can be found on github
You don’t need to have roof rails to carry a surfboard.
WONITAGO Soft Roof Rack Pads with Single Wrap-Rax Straps for Surfboard, Kayak, SUP Paddleboard, Snowboard 19/28 inch (Pair) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q2CGNTZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_168PA7TD5R5PN9213PNN?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Maybe you can find something like this in your country or from a European online retailer?
After a super quick alibaba search, it looks like it's model C, at most $20-35 a piece (could probably find cheaper if I looked harder, the typical kite pump ones are a few bucks a piece).
But my pump is going strong (3 years later still) so I'm not doing it either. lol
You're probably best to ask over at The Chicken Loop or the KiteGTA mailing list. Both require registration; but these are the homes of the local scene.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accelerometer http://www.alibaba.com/trade/search?fsb=y&IndexArea=product_en&CatId=&SearchText=accelerometer
can i borrow a quarter off ya there mate? again your paying for the software.
but your right with the leaderboard.
tempted to just chuck a woo in my pocket next time i hit cloud base then what happens to that leaderboard? (well truth is if my names on it at all im a sucker)
For comparisons sake, Toronto has a similar profile in the doldrums of summer. We still get ridable days in that season, they're just infrequent; and when they do happen, it's with the help of thermal action between the cold water and warm land.
So, it's not impossible, but you might have better luck driving to the coast and finding a slick to take advantage of the thermal effect (assuming it exists there and boosts the overall flow rather than fighting it).
Great advice. You mean a Neoprene top like this?
O'Neill Men's Reactor-2 1.5mm Long Sleeve Top https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0757H7G1W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_0EX0KN0BGQJECWQCN7D0
I’ll be in Dusseldorf, so my plan was to head to St. Peter-Ording, the coast of the Netherlands, and even the Rhine if the wind is good.
This is the lake.
Hey first of all, great for taking the initiative, app looks very easy and good. I am a beginner and the following things I would have appreciated if they were in a single app
My suggestions would be to add more video's and additional content to make it worth paying for, because the content on it can be widely found on the internet and videos on youtube are also pretty good. Some of the things thay were really useful for me as a beginner:
- Gear advice would be great, with a kite length calculator depending on your weight/brand/location/type for example (https://www.omnicalculator.com/sports/kiteboarding) since some kites have better wind ranges you can improve upon this by adding an additional filter. Also wetsuit size calculator would be great, like (https://perfectwetsuit.com/wetsuit-finder).
- Beginner/all round kite reviews, honest non sponsored advice on alot of gear would be a great help, especially told from a beginner's perspective
- Video's
All those things on their own are available already, but creating a well rounded package with all of those in a good looking package would make it a great tool for beginners.
Wish you all the best and again, great work!
Solar shower with a DIY longer hose mod from Home Depot or wherever in a 5 gallon bucket is absolutely based. Toss that bad boi up on the roof of my SUV/minivan and you got yourself an auto-siphoning warm shower stew going. I'm thinking about upgrading to something like this but I have that first system on lock rn.
As long as I'm on pavement, that's 99% effective at mitigating sand, and I leave another bottle of water to rise of the bottom of my flops and that's it. If I'm in a sandy area, it might drop to like 80-90%, save for the accidental goofy wetsuit flail & fall where I'll get a wetsuit leg sandy that's stick on my for like an idiot. Honestly, I'm brand new to kiting, so I'd likely get a giant cheap plastic bin to toss sandy gear into until I learn that end of things.
Sand is total dogshit though. We're not fucking animals - get a plan in place that works for you.
Check out these back seat covers sold for pets:
https://www.amazon.com/Protector-Waterproof-Scratchproof-Protection-Pets/dp/B07G642RMQ
Other than that, if you are fortunate enough to be choosy about the next car you buy, look at pick up trucks (called Bakkies here in South Africa). I have one and it makes it so easy. Just chuck all your gear in the back and wash when you get home. Never have to worry again.
My surfing/beach solution is this camping solar shower bag with a diy longer hose from Home Depot. Toss that bad boy into a 5 gal bucket and pop it up on top of the SUV and run the hose over the back of the rear hatchback. It owns.
Harnesses do not provide much floatation.
Impact vests do, however most are not coast guard rated and will not keep your head out of the water if you lose consciousness.
Or you can buy actual belts that need manual pull on a tab to inflate from a CO2 cartridge.
This is an example of one:
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However you need to be conscious to pull the tab.
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I'm a glove guy. I wear gloves for everything. I like the increased grip. I wear these for kiting.... They last forever. I wore my first pair for like 150 sessions and only replaced them because I lost them.
NRS Men's Half-Finger Boater's Gloves https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08VRP8MZB/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_glt_i_VPK9F39WHPZNHSR1B17F?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Not sure if I can post links, but I've been using this for years and never had any issues:
If it gets removed, dm me for link
After trying them all, I would do mouth mount as your primary.
The standard pro is the best I’ve found, comfortable because of the heat molding and it is slim and easy to breath.
https://www.prostandard.com/products/the-grill-mount
As someone mention above line mounts can be sketchy because they could tangle your lines if you get slack in them. It’s a great angle so it’s worth trying in lighter conditions in a safe spot.
The 3rd option I’d recommend is a selfie stick. I use that sparingly , but I’ve held one against my bar to try to figure out what I’m doing wrong while I’m in the air for higher jumps.
These little clips help you switch between mounts pretty quick
ULANZI Quick Release Base Mount for GoPro Max 8 7 6 5 4 & Action Camera, Magnetic Suction & Swivel Lock Adapter, GP-4 Mobile Video-graphy Travel Vlog Setup Attachment, 1/4" Tripod Head Included https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085NFJLBJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_21BXCG2RVJPZTZN80GYG?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
AS long as the tears are not that big, I've used https://www.amazon.co.uk/McNett-Tenacious-Tape-Fabric-Repair/dp/B005BLQTEE as a good strong repair.
Alcohol wipes to clean the kite material, cut round corners into the tape, and a hot t-spoon (I normally have a mug of hot water with the T-spoon sat in warming up) use the warmed spoon on the patch once you've stuck it down, it helps the glue get into the kite material.
I do both sides this way, and they all hold for years
Got you! I ended up getting one of these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JGSQY8P
It should be delivered in a couple of days. I will just take a thermos of boiling water which I will mix in with cold water for a perfect 40 degree shower :). Got this one since it looks like it's going to last a long time : buy once, buy well! Less plastic in the world that way.
I really like these:
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It's nice that they compress down for easy storage. They also heat up nicely in the sun with the black covering. Foot pump makes them real easy to use.
A wind meter is useful.
(first one I found on amazon)
https://www.amazon.com/Anemometer-Measuring-Backlight-Collection-Windsurfing/dp/B01FTPX566/
Others have given you solid advice so here's a small trick : take off your board handle, pass it inside a basic baby arm float, screw it back on the board.
Before you go out riding next time, inflate it. It might look silly, but now your board can't end up upside down, and whether it's sideways or flat with that thing sticking out like a sail, it will not only be impossible to lose sight of it, it will catch wind and travel much faster downwind, making it considerably easier to retrieve.
Or you can buy a GoJoe, which works exactly the same for over ten times the price.
You can get a combination lockbox and stick it somewhere like the wheel or tow hook. Definitely safer then hiding the key.
https://www.amazon.com/Combination-Lockbox-House-Storage-Locker/dp/B07D8RYGVY
I guess the problem is day 1 and day 2 of legit lessons is gonna be not so fun. There's gonna be a land based section where you work on kite control skills then it's body dragging in the water and trying to get you to go upwind while body dragging.
An instructor worth their salt isn't gonna be putting you on a board quite yet, not until you master upwind body dragging... which is MIIIIIIIIIIISERABLE.
I mean what you could do is blow 200-300 on a trainer kite and just go fly it in the park somewhere? That way you can dial in kite control, get a feel for flying a kite?
Something like a Slingshot B3?
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Any local who's gonna put you in the water with a board and a kite right off the bat is off their rocker and shouldn't be trusted.
I guess I'm having a difficult time coming up with a good "oh I wanna get a feel for this" solution for you other than a trainer kite.
Nerf football for those days at the beach where you’re waiting for wind https://www.amazon.com/Nerf-Sports-Grip-Football-football/dp/B075LNDN9F/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=nerf+football&qid=1594719545&sr=8-5
A magnetic hook to hang your wetsuit from your van https://www.amazon.com/Northcore-Magnetic-Wetsuit-Hanger-NOCO82/dp/B00MHUCGVM/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=Magnet+with+hook+wetsuit&qid=1594717346&sr=8-2
A change mat / wet bag for changing in and out of your wetsuit, and to keep your car dry and clean after taking off the wet wetsuit https://www.amazon.com/BPS-Wetsuit-Changing-Mat-Accessories/dp/B07PFMJSRT/ref=pd_lpo_468_img_2/144-2760282-3639267?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07JHSYWLX&pd_rd_r=df73d21b-aa0d-40da-a9fb-76032a7f9af0&pd_rd_w=GvA9v&pd_rd_wg=G1xuq&pf_r...
I use one of the cheapest frames from Zenni optical, plus lenses with no extra addons (no high index) can be had for around $15 shipped. Still works great even with my bad eyesight. Also have one pair tinted for about 5$ more.
Then add a sports lanyard from Amazon, with the end that connects to the tips of the glasses tied tightly with dental floss to ensure they dont fall off during a wipeout. I haven't lost a pair yet this way, and if I do, its only $15 or $20.
Example of products: https://www.zennioptical.com/p/plastic-fashion-full-rim-frame/2329?skuId=232912
https://www.amazon.com/Hongfa-Adjustable-Eyewear-Eyeglasses-Sunglasses/dp/B0773DPRK4
These are some inexpensive but super awesome sunglasses for kiteboarding. They come with a strap so they fit easily under your helmet, or arms if you don't want to use the strap. They defog themselves immediately in the wind. They are my favorite shades I've ever had for kiting, and they're only $25.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XP9GCCN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Actually looks like at least amazon UK has it: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dakine-Surface-Vest-Medium/dp/B002D77P4M/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=dakine+vest&qid=1569951366&sprefix=dakine+vest&sr=8-7
Get one of these (or similar, not necessarily this model ;-) ): https://www.amazon.com/Etekcity-Digital-Luggage-Scale-Temperature/dp/B00NW62PCA
If you intend on traveling with kite gear, you have to make sure you have no surprises at the airport. It's one thing to go over the 23kg limit and have to pay extra, but it's another entirely to go over the 32kg limit and have your board bag simply refused. It almost happened to me on my way back from Morocco, not a good feeling.
Aquaseal:
You need to buy an adapter to switch your kite from knots on steering lines + loops on center lines to loops on steering lines + knots on center lines.
e.g. PKS Kook Proof Kite Pigtails Knot Loop Pigtail Adapter Conversion Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OJC23MI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_IKwKBbGRHER3X
Great info, thank you! After speaking with some people around where I live, I think I'm coming off needing a PLB anyway and, especially after reading this, maybe just a marine radio will do. I'm not sure how elaborate your offshore trips are, but it sounds like it's a lot more intense than me getting <.5 miles offshore. Coincidentally, I'm actually midway through a free online boaters education with those same guys, boatus.com. Great info on there - things I'd never known because as you pointed out, I'm one of the guys who got into kiteboarding with minimal boating experience. So I really had no idea about this marine radio thing but there are tons of recreational vessels out and about all the time where I live. Going to read up on this a little more. Thanks again!
It's one thing to be able to ride the board in the water--- you'll be able to figure that out pretty quickly. But being truly self sufficient takes a while to achieve.
I had no board sports experience (I always skied) and had snow kited like 45 times when i started in the water. I had 5 or so lessons to get up and riding. Then luckily we have some lakes with shallows that I could practice on without getting stuck way down wind.
Body dragging back to your board can be hard at first. It can be hard to see the board and it's more common than you'd expect for people to completely become separated from their board. If someone else doesn't grab it for them, they can lose their board completely.
When you get going on the water, I'd recommend getting one of these. They're kind of dorky, but they make it so you can always see your board, and the inflatable thing catches a lot of wind, so it blows your board back to you that much faster.
If you're going to be riding in a place where losing your board or getting stuck way downwind could be dangerous, having one of these could save your life. I'm not trying to be all dramatic... but seriously, losing your board in certain situations could be very bad.
Good luck! You'll be fine. Water is a whole different animal but now I like it way more than snow kiting.
https://www.amazon.com/Ocean-Leashless-Kitesurfing-Retrieval-Device/dp/B01E5T5AZQ
Check out Sony Walkman waterproof mp3 play works awesome for me no need to bring along phone plus it has external mics that can incorporate outside sounds into your ear buds should be just what your looking for. Just have to tie a short line as a leash to them so you don't loose them on a big Wipeout. https://www.amazon.com/Sony-Walkman-NWZW273S-Waterproof-Swimming/dp/B00I05EFO4
you can get a set of fcs fins of amazon for like 25 bucks. I'm on my like 3rd pair this year since i'm always bouncing off the shallow reef near me.
I'm surprised you had a problem with Best. I had a screw break-off inside of one of my fins (I was removing the fins for travel). I called Best, told them my problem, and they shipped me a new fin for free. I bought the board brand-new but at that point it was 3 or 4 years old so not longer under warranty.
So the problem you're having is leaking valves? Why do you need to ship your kite somewhere? I've had the adhesive between the valve and the bladder fail (it happens, especially on older gear...my most-used kite is a 2010 17m Taboo) and I use this stuff to re-attach the valve to the bladder.
I use an auger designed to attach the leash of a large dog to. You put a stick through the top eye to twist it into the ground.
I use Piz Buin one day long 30 SPF and havent been burnt once since using this year in the UK.
I think it does run a little into the eyes, but it still (somehow?!) always has protected my skin.