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Trainer Kites for Kitesurfing
Although many kitesurfers will tell you that
the sport is not as difficult as it appears,
they will also tell you that lessons are
critical to learning safety basics. So, if
you are eager to get the feel of the sport
and cannot wait for your first lesson or
perhaps you think (and rightfully so) that
practicing flying a smaller kite will accelerate
the learning process, a trainer kite is the
way to go.
A trainer kite is a smaller replica of the
kites used in kitesurfing. The advantages
of using a trainer kite are:
- They are designed to be used on land so that
you can concentrate on handling the kite
without also having to worry about balancing
on the board and the direction you may be
headed.
- Trainer kites can give you a good sense of
how to maneuver the kite -- the so called
“power zone” – at a fraction of the cost
of a “real” kite.
- They are a simpler design that leads to better
affordability. They typically use only two
lines (though some do have four) to connect
the spreader bar (that you hold) to the kite.
Like their full-size siblings, they are rectangular
in shape, but do not have inflatable parts
(bladders) that help maintain the kite’s
shape.
- Because of their durability, you can probably
sell your trainer kite after
you are done
experimenting with it.
Keep in mind that to fly a trainer kite (just
like for any other kite), you will need a
good amount of space (stay clear of power
lines, trees, etc.) and a steady breeze. |
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