Hey folks,
I'm new to the North East, and even newer to the sport.
Clueless about kit, locations, weather etc.
Is it only the hardcore that go out this time of year?
Where can I get some instruction and what kind of kit would I need?
Many thanks,
Alex

Hi BigAl, Think you'll probably find it's a little quite at this time of year! It does get a little cool here up north! There are however some great spots but you generally won't stumble upon them so the forum is a good place to start. If your really new, like I am, have a word with Admin (James) hopefully he be able to offer you some leasons and the bonus is you probably get to find out where the best spots are and meet a few people to boot. Would suggest that you don't go splasing the cash until you know what "TO" and more importantly what "NOT TO" buy. You may end up with load of kit you'll never DARE to use! The modern stuff, (this means oftern buying new and nearly new) is much safer and much more versatile than stuff even a couple of years old and although probably a bit more expensive intially will save you heaps in the medium term.

Hope you enjoy the NE and may well bump into you when Beadnell opens....

ATB,

Phil

It looks very likely that I won't be teaching this season so best to look elsewhere for lessons. I've got a lot of work committments at the mo and last year was so shocking to actually get the right conditions locally for a weekend that it became a real pain for the people I was teaching and for me personally.

I definitely agree with Phil though. It's a sport where you need to get lessons first before going out and getting all the kit. You will learn much faster and most importantly it will be a lot safer for you. You will also get to learn on a schools kit so that when it comes to buying your own you will be more skilled and kinder to your gear.

There are plenty of places in the UK to learn, your just going to need to travel for it. Alternatively one of the best ways to do it in my opinion is to go away on holiday for a week somewhere windy (i.e. Egypt). In 7 days of good conditions you'll come back a kitesurfer. Those 7 days can often equate to a good few months in the North East if you can only get out weekends as there are many weekends when conditions aren't favourable. Don't let me put you off though. It's a fantastic sport and I am totally hooked on it. Once your past the board start there is a very fast learning curve and once up and riding you'll be jumping around in no time!

Cheers,

James