My 6 year olds first kiteboarding session
August 24, 2009 Tricks and Tips 1 Comment
So tandem kiteboarding is not new but for the most part I don’t think is it often planned.
I have rescued a few friends this way and of course we report Richard Branson infamous tandem ride.
But when you are taking your child with you and non-kiting wife is watching, you better have a good plan of attack.
So I took my old twintip race board and add an extra set of straps.
I did this by by moving the straps and pads on the board to the back most setting. This left the front most setting open. After removing the handle I screwed the extra straps into the front setting and the handle screw holes. Next I cut up a old pad to give him a little more comfort and keep his feet from slipping. If his feet were any bigger I would have had to make some straps out of rubber and wax the board.
So next it came down to location. I needed steady wind, warm water and friendly kiters. Naturally Sherman fit the bill. So we set out of a Saturday afternoon session.
After launching my kite we walked out together. I had my son hold on the one end of the board as I dragged it behind me. Once we where deep enough to make a tack out I had my son hold my arm as I put the board on my feet. When I was set I had him climb between my legs and put his feet in to his straps. I had him reach back and hold my legs while we water started.
The overall feel of riding was just like driving a truck vs. a car. A little loaded down but once up to speed it was fine. We even got comfortable enough that we did some jumps.
We rode for about 2 hours and my son never wanted to quite. Do you think he want to do it again?
He now says that he never wants me to go kiting without him.
