We took a last minute trip out to Cape Cod this weekend so I decided to try to get some kite time in. I was able to get a hold of a school in West Dennis called Air Support and arranged a tentative lesson for either Saturday or Sunday.The weather forecast was unfavorable as of Friday, with a Nor-Easter on the its way and winds estimated at 20-40 mph gusts. Chances were low that Saturday would be a day for the lesson. Sunday on the other hand was a perfect day, mild winds but the water was cold.
Air Support is a great shop. I would recommend it to anyone visiting the Cape Cod area. Jay was there to greet me at 9:00. I had Steve as an instructor. I was outfitted with a 6/5 full body wet suit - XL but it was still quite tight on me.After squeezing my ass into this sausage casing, I signed the necessary forms, paid the fee and off with Steve in the Air Support mini-van. Mat-black spray painted, in dire need of attention to its breaking system needs, the van had great character and is unfit to carry a small family, but the true spirit of the beach adventurer.
The lesson location was just north of us on the shore of Chapin Beach. Excellent tide and wind conditions, but the water was chilly.
The equipment we used in this session was a 10M Slingshot RPM and board.
We rigged up, launched and walked out into the water. The wet suit, as uncomfortable and restricting as it felt, was a life saver.
Some techniques we cover are:
1) Water relaunching
2) Standard kite control
3) Body dragging downwind
4) Body dragging upwind
5) Stepping into the board
6) Popping out of the water
7) Attempted planing
Although for a brief moment, it was an incredible feeling to get on top of the board and plane... before eating it.
Now it's just a matter of putting my time in. I have most of the basics. Once I'm up and planing, I can focus on moving up and down wind.
Success!
