Hi All,
Got my kite yesterday and my wife was gracious enough to let me go out for an hour or so. Yippee.
My question relates to not getting in the way whilst learning.
Being new (3 lessons + first time with kite) I felt a bit more reassured pumping up around the other kiters on the beach. As well, I felt a bit safer in the water with other dudes around.
However, I understand that I am learning and that I do not want to get in the way of the more experienced kiters. Next time I reckon I'll have the confidence to move up further along the beach. But in saying that, is there some sort of protocol for beginners such as myself? I feel that I want to be close enough so that if I am in trouble, help is not too far away. But I also don't want to be too close and get in the way...
Cheers,
wouldn’t worry about it to much, being a beginner your not the problem as you tend to head downwind and riders can just skirt around you, just remember when passing upwind of someone place your kite above 45 or if passing downwind below 45 degrees, its once you hold ground that you end up getting in the way 
then try to avoid the tail gate!
The main thing I find with beginners is they spend most of the time looking at their kite then where they are going, just keep an eye out to what’s ahead of you so you don’t ride over anyone that’s had a stack! 
Sorry I can’t help you with your marriage problems though- well it will be a problem once your fully hooked! 
Hi Mintaro,
If there is room on the beach it is probably better to stay just a bit further downwind of everyone, by that I mean 50m. Others can keep an eye on you and you can still feel like part of the crew.
Just keep your eyes open around you and ask someone who knows what they are doing if you are unsure of the location and the beach. By introducing yourself and asking questions, it puts you in very good favour with the locals rather than avoiding everyone and keeping to yourself then getting trouble.
On the wife issue, there is an old saying "It is easier to beg for forgiveness than to ask for permission" And sometimes a night on the couch can be worth a wicked session! [}:)]
Good winds,
mintaro, Good on you fella for being a beginner and being aware of others.....
kitehard is spot on about keeping just downwind of the main group as they can ride upwind. Introduce yourself, ask what the local rules are and keep an eye on what size kite you are flying compared to others. beginners can then drift downwind as a group and help land each other.
Just remember that you are taking up 60square meters
if you find lots of people going just down wind of you then you should move a bit further down the beach as they probably don't realise your not as experienced as some.
other than that you can just ask some one on the beach where you would be out of the way and they will love you for taking the initiative.
Thanks guys,
One thing though, I don't necessarily want to go too far down wind on the southerly days because there is a big jetty (well, a pier anyhow) that I would prefer not to get too close to.
Thanks again,
Which beach are you kiting at Mintaro?
That'd make it a bit easier to advise you where best to be.
Yep. Altona. Got there late this afternoon and there was only one other dude out. I like being able to mess up and not get in anyones way!
I got going today too. I felt the groove. It was sweet. Then my footstrap broke and I stacked. I didn't fasten the screw properly. Rotten little buggers.
So yeah, arrive late after everyone has finished -- not a problem 
It just means that there isn't too much sun left....
Hi Minarto
What kite were you flying? There was only one person left out when I was there.
As others have said, generally experienced kiters will give you a wide berth (unless they are agressive pric*s which happens some times) so once you are out on the water things are all good. Personally I like to be around other kiters when launching / landing as its far safer to get a hand, especially with on shore winds like at Altona yesterday. Plus you can lend others a hand / learn about the spot etc etc. I also try to keep an eye out for other beginners as two newbs can be a bit scary at times 
If in doubt mate the best advice is to get your kite under controll and park it, 99% of kiters will assess the situation and move well away.
Altona is good for beginners as is Brighton, I would give St Kilda a miss for now (too many kites). If you really get freaked by the number of kites then head for the coast or go to Point Henry (Corio Bay) in a Northerly.
Have fun mate. This is the most frustrating thing I have ever tried but also the most beautiful when it works.
Cheers.
Lets hope the melbourne wind picks up today, im sitting and waiting for it as have the day off! Is taking its time tho haha
I don't know what the regulars at your spot are like, but I wouldn't worry too much about getting in the way. Generally, the more experienced kiters will see that you're a beginner and keep clear. Having said that though, it's bad form to repeatedly start upwind of the pack and go blasting through all the time.
Use a bit of courtesy/common sense and everyone else should show you the same. Always worked for me
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That would have been me; I have a 12m yellow and red cabrinha. The cheapy one. I would have been out there way longer except the foot strap came off. And I didn't have my screwdriver with me this time either.
I should be able to get out sooner today.
Thought you were going for a night session mate, the sun was almost down when I packed up.
MAN you gotta love the summer
Dont go out too late... Espically during your beginning days.
You dong want something to go wrong and for there to be no body out there to help... Once the last kiter goes in i go in.. and if im the only one out then when the flags go down its time unless im feeling really good..
yeah i think staying just slightly downwind is the best option because if you get into difficulties thats the direction your going to head anyways.
as a beginner i would generally try to avoid areas where there is to much traffic. you need room to make mistakes some area can be too crowded, which brings me onto the next point try to learn to look around as well. if you want to try something that has a high possibility of going pear shaped last thing you want is to stuff it up right on top of someone. it also means you can keep an eye out for people in the water to avoid. you can also pick up potential collisions earlier but if it looks like your heading for a collision just start to head down wind and don't be subtle about it, be prepared to lose a good 10, 20 metres. it makes it easier for them to see whats happening.
and if its a bad scenario like there are too many people around that it feels a bit crowded. or you can't tell which way someone is trying to go just slow it down and maybe even just stop and sit in the water and wait until they ahve gone. nobodies going to complain that they have to go around you if your not moving.
