I don't kite but I think the kiters would suggest- insist, actually- that you learn by lesson. If, afterwards, you still want a DVD (book? not as fast as that sport is advancing), fine. But this is really a sport, like SCUBA, that needs to be taught by a qualified instructor.

If you want to buy something before your first lesson, it would be a trainer kite.

Look through the links sections and some old posts here for suggestions of shops on the coast that give lessons.

Hey kiters out there - this thread would be a good chance to answer some Frequently asked questions (at least these are the ones that I've wondered about and others have asked):

1. Is Lake Lanier an (adequate) (acceptable) (bad) (good)(tolerable)(?) location for kiting?

2. Would you rate it a site for only advanced, intermediate, beginners, or all?

3. Where are the best launches in the area?

4. How much gear (# boards and kites) do you need?

5. Can you kite by yourself, or is a buddy needed to help launch?

6. What happens when your kite falls into the water in a lull? Can you relaunch it from the water, or do you have to swim back to your launch?

7. Realistically, how much wind is needed to get going?

Thanks in advance.

Randy

deep water is not a place to learn, as nothing in the kite kit floats. Get your kite learning in Hatteras, or some other shallow water venue, and get some professional lessons, as the risk for personal injury to yourself and others are very high. Pine trees, power lines, and jet ski traffic can be distracting and impede your learning, and may result in a distaction from the sport. Same goes with windsuring. A lesson will get you through the sailing aspects and excite the learning curve, you already have the love for water, so at any rate, make the move. In either sport you choose you will find an endless amount of support, as we all want you! Both kiting and windsurfing can be the most fun you can ever imagine. Once you buy the gear, the wind is free!

Randy
1) adequate (sparcity of launch spots, deep water and inconsistent winds - at least when it's warm)
2) all with some caveats for beginners (you need a buddy and a boat)
3) Old Federal Day park (NW to SW winds). Any other place without trees, powerlines, etc. which doesn't leave much; Vanns tavern on NE to E? Haven't tried it much.
4) 3 kites is ideal (20 m2, 15 m2 and 10 m2) We haven't had much luck at Lanier with anything but the 20... The others you'll want if you ever make it to the coast... 2 boards (145+ cm for light conditions and 125 cm for higher wind or if your light) Just like in Windsurfing the short fat boards are the rage.
5) I believe you need a buddy. Self launches are possible, it's the recovery where you need someone at Lanier. If the wind backs off, you go down wind without a lot of chance to get back upwind. Having someone around to pick you up just in case has been a must for us. I guess you could get a jet ski or someone else to help you get back. There are never any lack of people watching curiously... If the wind was consistent enough you'd be OK but this is Lanier.
6) With the inflatibles you can relaunch. the relaunch mechanisms are getting to the point that you can do it even with the big kites. North has what they call the 5th element that acts both as a safety mechanism and to facilitate relaunch. Of course this depends on the wind coming back up to above 8 or 9 mph. The foils are a different matter in which I have no experience.
7) our rule of thumb is 10mph with a 20 m2 kite and a big floaty board.

Hope to see you out there. I enjoy your posts and hearing about who went when and what conditions they sailed in.

- Mel

This is Windsurfing.

yea it's any sport that depends on the wind and launch sites. I do think it's more fun that windsurfing in lower winds. Could be its just newer to me... but there is an extra dimension in kiting.