Kiteboarding - 101 - Kitesurfing

For part one click here

Trainer Kites, are just that a smaller version of the larger kites that we use on the water. While the kites on the water will have 4 or 5 lines these will usually only have 2 lines. The extra 2 lines are so that you can power and depower the kite, and for extra safety all of which are not necessary with a 2m or 3m trainer. The main reason you want a trainer is so that you get a understanding of the steering of the kite. You don’t fly these kites by tilting your arms up and down or steering the bar left or right like your driving a car, but by pushing one arm out and pulling the other arm in. All the while leaving the control bar parallel with the ground. This technique takes a little while for some to grasp, but that’s the nice thing about these small trainers, if you buy a good one they can take the abuse that you’ll be giving it.
Don’t get discouraged if the first few flights result in an instant crash, just stick with it and within an hour or so you’ll be flying with no problems… Once you can fly and steer your new trainer kite it’s time to work on a few drills. Hold it straight overhead the 12 O’clock position then bring it down to 2 O’clock and hold it there then back up, etc… Basically get used to holding it steady at all hours of a clock, then have a friend help you with launching and landing the kite at the edge of the wind window. Again this is all covered in the Progression Beginner DVD. Rack up a few hours with your trainer and watch that DVD as many times as it takes. And your ready for your first lesson, which we’ll cover in Part 3.

We highly recommend the Sensi trainer kite available in 2m or 3m. The main reason we prefer this kite over the others is the relaunch capabilities. Other trainers require help from someone else to launch the kite after you crash, but with this kites design it relaunches all by itself. We offer this kite at a discount price to Kite101.com viewers for $99.00. If your interested in purchasing please use the contact link on the title bar above and let us know we’ll get one shipped right out to you.

Here’s what the manufacture has to say and check out the video of this kite in action.
“The Sensei is the first ever two line relaunchable trainer kite. Just pull on one line and the Sensei pops off the ground and easily relaunches. The most stable & smooth trainer out there!! Named kite of the year by kiteworld magazine, this kite is truly revolutionary. Pair with a longboard skateboard or mountainboard to have some fun when winds are too light to kitesurf. Comes complete with bag, bar, handle, and lines Ready To Fly!!!!! The kite has self-cleaning vents so any sand that gets in it will automatically be dumped out. Strategically positioned internal baffle vents evenly distribute pressure throughout the kite, making it the most durable trainer available. The kites come in true 2 meter and 3 meter sizes. “