Finishing my work early, I changed into some shorts and headed down to Jack Sparrow Kitesurf School. On the way down I could see that the wind was light but instead of being disappointed I suddenly remembered that just a couple of days ago the boys had received two new kites, the 2016 model Rrd Passion sizes 13 and 15 Meter. For those unfamiliar with Kite Boarding, these are big kites, just perfect for light winds.
Arriving at the school I greeted the owner, Henry, and took a look out at the bay. There were only two kiters on the water, one using 11 Meter and the other a 10.5. Both were moving the kite a great deal which only served to confirm that the wind was light.
In his usual direct manner Henry asked me if I was going to help him finish his kitten’s scratching post, to which I responded that I would be happy to in exchange for letting me test drive the 15 Meter. He said nothing. Retrieving his cordless drill from the deposit, I set about fixing the scratching post to the base I had brought down the day before.
While I was working on the post both of the kiters came off the water and came to the school to pack up. I looked up from my task and saw that they were Guven and Yamil so asked them what the conditions were like “no good” was the unanimous reply. I looked at Henry and asked again about the 15 Meter. He suddenly got busy with his phone. I wasn’t discouraged and proceeded to divest myself of my flip flops, shoulder bag and ‘T’ shirt, placing them in one of the lockers.
Henry finished with his phone so, grinning, I asked him again. I could see that he was wavering so beckoned Guven over to add his opinion to my cause. He complied and between the two of us we convinced Henry to agree. He disappeared into the deposit for a moment then reappeared with the brand new kite, still in its clear plastic bag. I was excited. Getting to fly a kite for the first time is always fun but I was especially happy as I had never flown a kite this big.
I grabbed a pump, picked up the wrapped kite and headed out onto the sand. I was grateful for the new pump as inflating a kite of this size is a training session in itself and the older pumps would have made it a chore. Soon the kite was ready so I ran back to the school, like a kid at recess, and donned my harness, grabbed my board then ran back onto the beach. Guven accompanied me and also brought his camera.
I was a little nervous as it seemed that the wind had picked up a bit and there was a moment of concern that the kite might be too big after all. Pushing those thoughts to the back of my mind, I readied myself then signalled Guven to launch the kite. It rose ponderously into the air and hung there on the light breeze. I moved it gently from side to side to get a feel for it and was surprised at how nimble such a large kite could be as it responded instantly to my movements of the bar. I wasted no time putting the board on my feet and getting under way.
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It was a blast! Yes, the wind was light but a little further out into the bay the conditions were perfect and I had much fun, enjoying the power this kite possessed. Again I was surprised by its manoeuvrability and responsiveness as I looped it transitioning from right to left, then back again. I played for about fifteen minutes then, feeling the wind drop off even more, I headed back to shore landing the kite neatly.
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Although it was a short session I was elated at having been the first to try the largest kite the school possessed and even more so that it had been such an easy feat. Thank you Henry and Guven :D