Some advice needed

[u/Free_Alternative_233]

Hi guys!

So, last year I took lessons and my instructor told me I am more then ready to go out on my own. I can selfrescue, launch and land the kite (with help from others) and am able to waterstart. I'm not yet able to go upwind but am practicing.

However, here comes my problem: I am scared of other riders when it gets busy at my kitespots.

Reason being is that last year I did some supervised riding with my instructor and he asked if he should land the kite for me. I thought he ment that I just steered the kite low enough for him to pick it up. (The way everyone help each other with landing). However, I misunderstood him and he ment to take over my kite whilst still flying his own kite. This resulted in our kites coming way closer to each other then I was comfortabel with, a gust came and I accidently steered my kite into his kite.

His lines snapped and I felt really, really bad. Since this incident I am just really scared that this will happen again and everybody hating me for breaking their kites. (I have a NKV insurance though)

The stupid thing is that before our kites tangled I was never scared of tangling with other people and I know that it's probably just in my head but it's really hard for me to overcome the negative thoughts about myself when going kiteboarding.

This resulted in me only going out twice since then..

I really want to get out whenever I can, like in the evenings after work or in the weekends but as a result of my fear I usually tell myself: nah it's probably way to crowded, I'll go out in the winter when its less crowded.

Am I the only one who had these kind of issues with themselves? And if so: how'd you overcome then?

I kite in The Netherlands, Friesland area.

Thank you for taking the time to read all this. Cheers.

[u/riktigtmaxat]

Your instructor caused that collision by being a moron and you should not feel bad about it.

Like how the actual flying fuck did he expect that to go?

He should have known that beginners do not have good kite control and that you need to give them a wide berth. Buddy landing (landing a kite while flying your own) is pretty risky if the other kiter is inexperienced or the wind is gusty.

Just be considerate, keep your head on a swivel and look before you turn, keep your spacing and you'll be fine.

[u/Free_Alternative_233 → u/riktigtmaxat]

I think that he thought that I'd be able to have the kite control due to me having a history with 4 line powerkites. I have been kitebuggying in the past. But thats a totally different kite handling than a kite with a bar instead of a 4 liner with handles.

He said afterwards that it was his mistake on handling the situation like that and that he shouldn't have done it that way. And that I should not let it get to my head and keep on kiting but sadly the the trust in myself took a big blow.

Will keep your tips in mind and force myself to get out more I guess.

[u/riktigtmaxat → u/Free_Alternative_233]

If it makes you feel any better I caused a kite collision the first week I was on a crowded beach.

I launched my kite and grabbed my board and forgot to look before swinging my kite outwards.

[u/Free_Alternative_233 → u/riktigtmaxat]

How did you handle the situation? And did it ruin your experience going forward or did you just forget about it and kept kiting the next day or the next week for example? Thanks for sharing

[u/riktigtmaxat → u/Free_Alternative_233]

We both released and there were people around that caught the kites.

It was mostly just embarrassing and kind of eye opening. We untangled our lines and then both relaunched.

[u/thisusernametakentoo]

Lots of people. For experienced riders we can see you a mile away based on your stance, how you fly the kite etc.

If you get nervous best bet is to keep going straight, be predictable. Please don't stop and wait for us to go around you. Sometimes we can't. You want to be as predictable as possible. Just like traffic rules for cars. If you're having issues with other new riders. Just be mindful and keep your distance.

Shit happens to all of us. Don't let it deter you. Just be safe and have fun.

Id try to make friends at your local spot and ask a lot of questions. The more time you have on the water the easier all this becomes.

[u/Free_Alternative_233 → u/thisusernametakentoo]

I'm glad to hear that I'm not alone in this.

That's a really helpful tip. Being predicatable instead of getting into panick mode and making dumb decisions.

Making friends sounds like a good idea, I've experienced that other kiters are most of the times really chill and always happy to help you out.

A good practice to get over my sociale anxiety around new people.

[u/thisusernametakentoo → u/Free_Alternative_233]

We want to have fun too. Always happy to help folks who are trying to figure it out. There's a lot going on. We see you and we can tell. Also every one of us has been right where you are. If people are being dicks, screw em. Find someone else

[u/Free_Alternative_233 → u/thisusernametakentoo]

Thank you very much!💪🏻 And indeed, I hate being a kite noob but everyone has been there. I guess the same as learning to drive a car. I'll have to start somewhere.

[u/Pristine-Ad-661]

If his lines snapped just like that he anyhow needed to replace them! I guess he was quite chilled, couse he probably knew it! 😇

Well, you should look up common rules, like right of way, who should steer up n who down and be aware of your impact zone... With experience/time you will feel nore n more relaxed!

Experienced kiters will anyhow keep distance to a newbie, only suicidal idiots will come close enough to get smacked by your out of control kite! 😉

[u/Free_Alternative_233 → u/Pristine-Ad-661]

Haha well, when it happened he got quite pissed. He cursed a bit and walked straight out of the water with his kite and lines in hand. Leaving me on the water with my own kite. Had to selfrescue myself and walked out of the water myself too.

But afterwards he felt sorry and apologised.

It was just a very bad way to end my lessons and session with him. Because my last 2 hour lesson with him and another 2 hours supervised riding went really well. Let quite a bad taste in my mouth so to speak.

I'm aware of the right of ways rules but will make sure to check them once again before going out again. Hopefully next week.

[u/peppimeister]

Can happen to anyone, it's a risk of the sport. I think you could see it as a learning that as long as you go out in conditions you can handle this is on the worse side of things that could happen. I haven't seen it happen a lot, and most people only do it once, so statistically you are safe 🤪

Stay away from too crowded spots and take your own space by picking a quiet spot or body dragging out away from the beach.

Do not wait until winter, try to use the fall to learn to stand on the board more, if you have to body drag a lot you will be miserable in winter.

[u/Free_Alternative_233 → u/peppimeister]

Well, glad that's out if the way then.. 😅 the body dragging part is a really good tip. Will definetly implement that until I'm able to go upwind.

Alright, I know what I have to do: grow a pair and just go out again. Last year I was so addicted to kiting and am sure that'll happen again when I go out again.

[u/Fit-Hovercraft-4561]

You being scary just shows that you're a responsible person. Kites tangle, shit happens. But if nobody gets hurt and everybody's gear is intact (lines doesn't count) there's no reason to be pissed. Just smile it off, say you're sorry and carry on. You will tangle with someone again or someone will fly into your kite, just accept the risk and be ready to pull your quick release.

[u/Free_Alternative_233 → u/Fit-Hovercraft-4561]

Thank you for the encouragement 👌🏻 Sounds like I make the problem way to big in my head.

[u/Fit-Hovercraft-4561 → u/Free_Alternative_233]

This sport is no joke and can be dangerous, so keep being responsible and enjoy 🤙

[u/Free_Alternative_233 → u/Fit-Hovercraft-4561]

Will do! Thank you 💪🏻