Hello! Let me just say first that this is a great site. I learned to windsurf in Guam and have just recently moved back to MN. I was amazed to learn of the windsurfing/kitesurfing community here! I just never knew... Although I don't yet have any gear of my own to join you guys, I still like to log on and read about your sessions every once in a while. I guess I'm living vicariously through you!
I was able to make it to Worthington last Wed & Thurs and just wanted to say thanks to Ryan and Co. from The House for letting my friend and I demo some equipment. It had been a while for both of us since our last sailing session, but it really is just like riding a bike! It was a great event and yes, it would have been nice to have more wind, but I loved being back amongst the windsurfing community once again.
Okay, so my real question is this. I was thinking about buying a trainer kite. I saw in the American Windsurfer magazine that they were handing out in Worthington that Windwing has a deal where you buy a 1.1m trainer kite and get a video and a free 2-yr subscription to the magazine for free. I think the cost of the kite is $98. Is 1.1m a good size for training in MN? Also, does MN have a "windy" season? You've been talking about a not-so-windy spring and I'm hoping that it wasn't the only chance at getting some wind here.
Thanks again!
Tracy Patzner
Trainer Kites
Moderator: MK
tracy,
(sean from the house) i was also in worthington this week(you might have seen me) , as for you question, we sell 2.0 meter and 3.0 meter trainer kites (although we don't have the vidoe or the subscription). 3 meter kites will work great for land training and also will be able to get you out in the winter with skis or a snowboard. if you go with anything smaller than that it will work great for training but will not have enough power to pull you around in the winter. kinda up to you on what you want to do. the 2 meter is $99 and the 3 meter is $199 just some info for you. as for the wind it comes and it goes you never know, but the spring and fall are always the best seasons for wind!!! hope i helped
Sean Barrett
(sean from the house) i was also in worthington this week(you might have seen me) , as for you question, we sell 2.0 meter and 3.0 meter trainer kites (although we don't have the vidoe or the subscription). 3 meter kites will work great for land training and also will be able to get you out in the winter with skis or a snowboard. if you go with anything smaller than that it will work great for training but will not have enough power to pull you around in the winter. kinda up to you on what you want to do. the 2 meter is $99 and the 3 meter is $199 just some info for you. as for the wind it comes and it goes you never know, but the spring and fall are always the best seasons for wind!!! hope i helped
Sean Barrett
Tracy, you shouldn't have too much trouble finding a used Slingshot or Windwing 3M kite. Ask in Classifieds.
If you can't find used, call Scuba Center http://www.scubacenter.com or The House http://www.the-house.com/ and get a new 3M. Like Sean said, you will be able to use the 3M for traction activities and learn on it in light winds on soccer fields.
A 1.1 or 2 meter is too small for most traction activities but the will be VERY fun to practice with in a field. You will learn alot with one. Just don't plan on them pulling you around. If you are on a strict budget you might consider one of these mini-me's
If you can't find used, call Scuba Center http://www.scubacenter.com or The House http://www.the-house.com/ and get a new 3M. Like Sean said, you will be able to use the 3M for traction activities and learn on it in light winds on soccer fields.
A 1.1 or 2 meter is too small for most traction activities but the will be VERY fun to practice with in a field. You will learn alot with one. Just don't plan on them pulling you around. If you are on a strict budget you might consider one of these mini-me's