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. “

The second thing you must purchase (actually should buy at the same time as the dvd) is a good trainer kite. A trainer kite is 2 or 3 meters with only 2 lines connected to a single control bar that you hold. Once you get one of these trainers fly the kite for several hours… you need to be comfortable launching, landing, diving, and just holding the kite in one place. With this kite and the dvd you will understand what the wind window is all about.

So for those new to the sport of kiteboarding and/or anyone remotely interested in kiting. Two MUST BUYS are the beginner dvd and a good trainer kite. Watch that DVD several times and fly that trainer kite like crazy.
Tomorrow for part 2 we will talk a little more about trainer kites and show you the one we feel you should purchase…
Below is a link to purchase the video with a great price:

For womens freestyle Bruna Kajiya took 1st, followed by Gisela Pulido and Angela Peral.

For results in other disciplines check out the PKRA website, http://www.kiteworldtour.com

Now for a little analogy:
Imagine gliding effortlessly across the water on a board similar to a wakeboard but instead of another driver towing you where they want you to go, you get to drive the boat where you want to go! How cool would that be? But wait… Now imagine that boat you are controlling is now an airplane!!! That’s right, not only are you able to go left, right, back and forth, you are now able to boost huge 30+ foot airs and control your rate of descent all at will! The big air and floating sensation is what hooks so many to kiteboarding.

No gas, oil, hardly any maintance, 100% eco-friendly and all your gear fits nicely in a bag the size of a golf bag. Kiteboarding can be done almost anywhere, it’s not just for those lucky few who live by the ocean. All you need is wind, and you’d be suprised how little of it you really need.  Wind speeds of 8mph are all you need and people stay out in winds as high as 40+ mph!

Now is a great time to learn kiteboarding.  There has been huge advancements in board and kite designs and what used to take months to learn can now be learned much quicker.  Some people are up and riding in a week!  But you really need to take a lesson from a qualified trainer, kiteboarding can be very dangerous, people have been dragged into rocks trees and across roads.  There are alot of safety issues you will have to know before you ever hook into a kite!  But with the proper instructions kiting will be like nothing else you’ve ever felt and will soon turn your new found sport/hobby into a lifestyle!