Ben Wilson and Perth?

Hey Guys,

I know the surf in Perth sucks compared to the other places that Ben Wilson doing training camps but if we can get enough guys keen to sign up to do a training camp we could entice him over here.

The other option is - does anybody know of experienced guys that can do a couple of training sessions in Perth. Maybe even get some of the kite sellers to demo some equipment.

Cheers
Rich

I would be keen for a surf session...

just started on the surfboard and keen to build my skills, specially in the old gybing department...

I reckon it would be a goer...

Absolutely keen!!! After about 9 months of flying, taking it in the surf is where I'd like my next move to be. And after todays effort......I could do with some coaching.

Hi Darren,

Count me in, I come from surfing backround, being doing it for years but considering the time, not that good.

If you want to take the raines, go for it. Tell us when, were and I'll be there, as long as it is on the weekend and I get a passout from the boss.

Oh yeah, did the bridle mod to my 9m and 12m, tied a couple of knots on the line for the 12m and used a couple of those round bobbins with the hole through. Only problem is that it shortens the line by about 8cm rather than 6cm, I may get a couple of different sizes to play with.

Cheers
Rich

Let me hijack this thread with a question.

I am also keen on getting into waves. I bought a $100 surfboard from the quokka and took it out on flat water for the first time yesterday. I had no problems getting up and tacking in and out, i could even stay upwind to my own suprise.

Now, how do you turn around? I could change from port tack to starboard by going heel to toe, but does this mean i have to stay toeside for the entire tack or is there an easy way to swap over your feet. If so, how? I have practically no surf experience. I tried to swap my feet a few times but nup. I didnt really know where to stand and which foot to move first. Any help?

Also, does anyone know any areas in the metro area (pref south) where there are small waves and not too crowded for getting the hang of it?

Hey Guys,

It looks like there would be enough guys to do a training session or two, know we need a trainer.

Kitehard has offered and another person may have another guy keen to do a training camp.

Who is going to take ownership of the training camp, I just put the idea out and don't have the inclination to organize a piss up at Little Creatures.

The ball is in whose ever court wants it. Tell me when and where and how much?

Cheers
Rich

Hey Mattyjee,

Gybing a board is easy if you get the right sequence and kite position to aid in the footwork. I'm going to assume you are riding either a strapless board or have the standard two strap option. Either way, you need to co-ordinate the movement of your feet with the change from one side of the wind window with the kite to the other.

Firstly, take your back foot out of the back footstrap and position it just forward of the back strap, then loosen your front foot in the front footstrap so it will come out easily when the time comes. Now you should be prepared for the gybe.

When you are ready, try and find the flatest bit of water in between the chop and start to bring your kite up slowly from 10.30 up to 12.00 (sorry to all those analogically challenged ). At the same time start a slow to medium carve turn downwind by adding a little toe pressure with your front foot. As your kite passes 12.00, shift your back foot to in front of the opening of the front footstrap on the new tack and shuffle your existing front foot to where your back foot was a second ago. This has to be a quick shuffle movement.

This should put your old back foot almost into the front of the opening of the front strap and should leave your old front foot just in front of the back strap on the centre line of the board for trimming and balance. Having done that, quickly dive the kite to produce a bit of power in your new direction and get you planing a bit faster in the new direction and complete the turn.

Then just snug your front foot into the front strap first and when you have enough speed, insert you back foot into the back strap and lean out cranking upwind!

The whole move should be executed fairly quickly as the more time you spend with your feet out of position and running downwind, the more likely you are to drop off the plane and sink or lose your balance or power. The kite should move across in one fluid movement and your footwork needs to match the kites position at each sep of the way to maintain balance and trim.




Mate, every beach in Summer has small waves in Perth . I'd try Cottesloe if I were you. Stay well upwind in the beginning and when you feel ready and confident, try a downwinder from Cott to Trigg. Watch the waves around Swanbourne and City beach as they can be a tad gnarly for the uninitiated.

Have fun trying. It's even easier unstrapped, you just have to keep your legs bent a bit more to absorb bumps as the board wont stay on your feet without straps.

@Sci

It looks like we might be able to get enough people together to have a free wave clinic one afternoon.

Guys and ladies??? What do you want to learn? How is this for a simple format.

Gybing
Tacking? (a bit more advanced)
Trimming on a wave.
Small unstrapped airs on the way out through the surf.
Coordinating turns and kite movement on a wave.
Kite selection and setup.
Board types and suitability.
Unhooked wave riding.

I was thinking maybe just an informal afternoon preferrably a weekday as weekends are so busy for us at Pinnaroo, this way I can make it no charge. Probably best once daylight savings hits so we can get a decent go at it.

I'll bring some kites and boards specifically designed for wave riding for anyone who wants to try them out.

Are there any other takers?

Good winds,

im super keen to progress with my unstrapped wave riding.

i think just downwind from city beach would be the best bet, and we can all downwinder it to trigg once the sesh is complete.

I'm in!! Just let me know the date.

Sounds good kitehard, but you can charge if you want. Those empty spots north of scarborough
www.google.com:443/maps?ie=UTF8&ll=-31.885957,115.753992&spn=0.008855,0.012639&t=h&z=16 or floreat
maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=-31.921333,115.75352&spn=0.008851,0.012639&t=h&z=16 would be good.

Yep sounds good to me - weekday is fine but I'm happy to pay

I'm interested in :

tacking
kite selection and set up and
how to get in more than 2 turns without surfing under my kite

I'm pretty keen too. Only ever been on the twin tip at Pinaroo but bought an Airush Converse over winter and keen to have a crack with some expert tutorialage !!! A downwinder afterwards sounds like a top idea too !!!!

Daylight saving starts 26th October guys ......

I will try to get there but probably arrive a bit late

Cheers for the tips Kitehard,

Yeah, i was riding strapless. I was trying to turn around first and then switch feet from toe to heel. Next time i'll try doing them together. I've only had about 20 minutes practice so i'm sure i'll get there soon. Only problem is i'm not sure what i need to be practicing.

Anyway, wave clinic sounds good. I'd be in if it was run.

Cheers.

PS. Can someone tell me what "riding switch" means. Does this mean riding in your non-preferred stance (ie natural/goofy)?

I just did a google search. Pretty cool you're old man having that

It on the second page of The Doomed Generation

http://www.taschen.com/pages/en/catalogue/art/reading_room/127.the_doomed_generation.1.htm

LOL

Your the bloke who said bows are gay right?