My 6 year olds first kiteboarding session

2:15 pm Tricks and Tips

walking-out

So tandem kiteboarding is not new but for the most part I don’t think is it often planned.
tandem-rescue
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.

t-board-2

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.

t-board-1

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.

far-shot

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.
start-stop
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.

riding-tandom

We rode for about 2 hours and my son never wanted to quite.  Do you think he want to do it again?
after-1st-session
He now says that he never wants me to go kiting without him.

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One Response
  1. Eric Geleynse :

    Date: August 24, 2009 @ 2:23 pm

    Awesome! I was there and saw the whole thing. I was near the end of my session when you started. After riding with you for a little while I retired to Mark’s boat and watched you get several nice jumps in. I think the highest may have been 6 – 8 feet. Nice job!

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