Go Joe Board Recovery System

Ok guys I expect there will be some mixed and some strong views here.... but I am interested in people's views of the Go Joe board recovery system (inflatable attachment to the board that flips the board the right way up and acts as a mini sail to make it go downwind when you wipe out).

I know upwind body drag is a key skill and as a beginner it is something I am getting a lot of practice in, but far too many times I am having to get the kite to shore and then go back out swimming for a board (that I am lucky to see if their is glare, and for some reason the board seems to always end up upside down and is especially hard to see).

I am learning on a Cult 2010 12m, in 15-20 knots a wipeout doesn't loose much ground and I can upwind or (zenith it and wait) to get to my board, but when wiping out at 25 knots two things happen:

1/ I get separated further from your board
2/ there are a bunch more kiters out (the higher winds attracts them) and I often need to wait (or drift to) a bit of clearance before tugging on a line to re-launch (drifting away from the board at the time)

(sometimes a third thing happens and I invert the kite - seems to happen *easily* on the Cult, but it could just be my lack of skill to keep control of the kite on wipeout)

It seems to me that a Go Joe might be a good idea, but I don't see people using them.......... (and not much in the way of online reviews)

What are the views....?

a) I wouldn't use one, they don't look cool
b) It's a cop-out, go master the upwind body drag
c) Sounds like a good idea
d) I have used it and .....
e) other...

Reference: http://www.oceanrodeo.com/kiting/go_joe

Rider: 72kg, Beginner
Gear: Naish 2010 Cult, 12m
Location: St Kilda, Vic
Weather: 15-25 knots
Disclaimer: None - no affiliation, just trying to speed up the learning process

U really don't need one. Just keep practicing body draging upwind. But If you really think it will help you then buy one, it seems like a better idea than a leash.

It's prob a good idea if you keep having to swim for your board but the main point here is taking a 12m kite out in 25knts. That's not the best idea when learning.

Get yourself a 9m if you want to ride in wind like that mate, you'll find you can bodydrag upwind easily with a smaller kite in more wind.

Hope this helps.

b)

also. if its taking a while to relaunch your kite, you may find that in 20 knots the board with go joe attached may have travelled much further down wind than you wanted it to. body dragging in a busy area may annoy some kiters but body dragging down wind to get your board is likely to be just as annoying if not more so to other kiters. ideally find somewhere thats already downwind of others. that way it doesn't matter if it takes you a while to retrieve it. have you read tips on body dragging like keep the board in sight as much as possible and only drag each direction for 10 or 20 sec. that way you'll always be near your board.

I remember thinking what you're thinking but it will come together quickly for you like it may have for cezary.. by the time you get one you'll realise you are better off without one imo. depending where you kite, it could be a real hassle having to chase a board thats heading down wind fast.

I was thinking of getting one for winter kiting, because dragging through big swell is not fun.

I think too many people on this forum worry too much about being cool, it's like being in high school again and all like "Oh my god, I don't have the right shoes, now I'm not cool".

So if it's going to make your kiting more enjoyable, get one. But still make sure that you can body drag as it's a very important skill, and you never want to get into a situation where you don't feel comfortable kiting, because you don't have a Go Joe attached to your board.

And if anyone laughs at you for using a Go Joe, ask them if they still live with their parents and that should shut them up pretty quickly.