My 6 year olds first kiteboarding session
August 24, 2009 2:15 pm Tricks and Tips
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.






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!