If there is enough interest, Locus Kitesurfing and WindSense Windsurfing are putting on a Beginner Learn to Kite Weekend MARCH 11 & 12 at Jekyll Island (actually WindSense really doesnt have anything to do with it except I'm excited about taking the class.). Locus Kitesurfing has recently opened in Atlanta and is offering a special (very) reduced rate for the class for all the local windsurfers. It will be at Jekyll Island which is one of the best teaching locations due to it's 9 mile long beach, and it's not that far away. Emilio has indicated reduced hotel rates will be available on Jekyll and there's also camping available, (I plan to camp.) Emilio may also try to hold a classroom type class in Atlanta before we go to Jekyll.
I've wanted to take a Kite class for a while but was reluctant due to the cost, and the danger and the fact that you couldnt do it at Lanier. Well, Emilio is reducing the cost and the new style flat kites supposedly reduces the danger and allows kites to be used in Lanier's gusty winds. So if you've ever wanted to try it, now's the time.
If you are interested in the class, please email Emilio at
or give him a call at 404-509-4229.
Of course, WINDSURFING is the greatest sport ever BUT kites may get us out on the water in that 10 to 15 wind range, and hey, unlike Windsurfing, it's so easy.
Gene Mathis
WindSense Windsurfing
Gene Mathis
"Of course, WINDSURFING is the greatest sport ever BUT kites may get us out on the water in that 10 to 15 wind range, and hey, unlike Windsurfing, it's so easy."
Honestly I don't see kiting as a way to get on the water any earlier (i.e. in less wind) than windsurfing -- at least at the lake. We never get a steady 10kts like you might get on the coast. We get more like 3kts withs gusts to 10kts on those light wind days. Will a kiter be any better off than a windsurfer on Formula board and a 10.0 sail? I doubt it.
What I really want to know if kiting would be a good replacement for a good 7.0 day? If I could be ripping 10 foot jumps with a kite on a typical 7.0 day, that would get my interest. Is that possible? Heck, I guess we have to watch Emilo to see.
The trip sounds like a great idea. I can't wait the hear some other windsurfers opinions on the sport after the lesson.
I've taken 4 lessons and I think it would be a great addition to a coastal quiver.
That's been my experience. I've had a few nice, summer Formula sessions at Sunrise while watching our kiting brethren struggling down at Old Federal. Moreover, those days make great touring days which Formula and longboards do well.
Looks like fun, sign me up
sloman
Hey gene,
looks like there are a bunch of people from the georgia tech sailing club that would be interested. Do you think that would be ok? How much do you think it would cost?
- David Leung (aka. the asian windsurfing guy from georgia tech)
David,
You need to contact Emilio (see above) for the actual price and deposit requirements, but it is less than half of his regular price (I think). And it would be great if you guys could make it.
Also, all you Windsurfers who are not interested in Kiting, or who dont have the extra cash right now, come on down and windsurf, hangout, and laugh at kiting students. We need to do more, dare I say it, ROADTRIPS !!!!!
But remember, WINDSURFING is the greatest sport ever and everyone needs to buy alot more windsurfing gear than Kiting gear.
Gene of
WindSense Windsurfing and
Gene's Consignment Shop
http://www.expage.com/windsense/
http://www.expage.com/genesconsignment/
Gene Mathis
Hello Community.
Finally....after what appears to have been hell week, I can log in and comment.
This year we are going to break the spell of Kitting vs Lake Lanier. Up to now, many people (including myself) thought that kitting Lanier was an oximoron. After last week's demo of the new bow kite by GK - THE SONIC- the spell was officially broken. It is now my crusade to show it... to let people know it can be done, and to teach others how to kite safelly in Lanier. Now...make no mistake.... kitting in Lanier is not easy and requires some good understanding of kitting... and I hate to say it, but it probably requires good and addecuate gear. The bow made it possible for me. Hope it can do it for others.
Kiteboarding is fun. Windsurfing is fun too. If anything I invite you to try kitting to expand your horizons, to keep the stoke of sailing and doing something FUN, while others go to the mall!!!!. But let me be bold here. I will bet that before this year ends, some of the hard core windsurfers in the ATL scene will be seen kitting regularly. I'm not saying they won't windsurf anymore... I'm just saying they will be able to do both and have double the stoke of the ones doing only kitting or only windsurfing. I am myself thinking to taking windsurfing clases.
---------
On a different note:
GA Tech sailing club folks are welcome to join the ATL boarsailing people interested in learning to kite, and will be given the same promotional prices. Price is (cat out of the bag please...) 170 P/P.
You need to contact me within a reasonable time (I would prefer next week the latest) and arrange with me to make a deposit (50 USD) to reserve your spot. I can take max of 10 people for the weekend.
Locus Wind will be meeting Wed, February 1st 2006. Come join us and discover what we are all about. Meeting point will be on Frankie's in the Prado, Roswell Rd about 1/4 mile south of 285 (west side of Roswell Rd).7:30 PM. Please come and join us to talk about KITEs... and yes, a bit of Windsurfing if you want.
Finally.. Agrre with Gene. MORE ROAD TRIPS. They are fun.
Emilio
http://www.locuswind.com
Emilo -- have you ever tried sailing at Lake Juliette? It is about 45 miles south of Altanta and could be much more using friendly for kiting (on some wind directions). There is almost no boat traffic what so ever -- even on summer weekends.
nitrojober
No, I have never been to Juliette.
We'll do Juliette as well one of this days....
Thanks for the tip.
Rgds
E.C>
rumor has it that juliette daypark will be open to season pass holders only this year.
sloman
I talked to Emilio last night and he needs to know if there is a real interest in the Club's Kite Weekend. I'm definately interested but he needs at least 5 students to put it on. If you are interested in the class, please email Emilio at
or give him a call at 404-509-4229.
You know you want to try it!
Gene
Gene Mathis
emilio..... gene has it listed above as the weekend of 3/11 and the website says the weekend of 3/4 when is it?
worst case senerio, we pay our fees and get down to jekyll and there is no wind.... what happens?
Alan
Alan.
The 4th and 5th of March, we have an event we are calling Jekyll Island Extravaganza. It is basically a demo day, so if you already know how to kite, we will have kites and boards for people to try them out, and reps from the brands we carry. In parallel the same weekend, we are having an instruction session. However it is already full. I can not take any more people.
The dates for the ABC members has always been the second weekend of March (dates are 3/11 and 3/12). I was told that ABC members are going on a trip to FL, and on their way up to GA, they will stop in Jekyll Sat and Sun for their training. All interested people, please get in touch with me (404 509 4229) to make arrangements to reserve your spot. I will like to have a min of 5 people. Max of 10.
If there is no wind, you can always reschedule your training session. Money will not be lost....
Hope this answers your questions. Any other question I am happy to answer it through the forum, or via phone.
Rgds
Emilio.