WakeKite (Wakeboarding)

[CradGen2]

I've been reading about the Wakekite. Looks like a cool way to spend an afternoon. Has anyone tried it? Is it hard to do? Safe?

Any general thoughts?

They are costly, so I want to make sure it is something I want prior to purchasing.

[NautiqueJeff]

I saw Big Air Ben use one at the Masters a couple of years ago. The thing looks pretty wild. Let me see if I can dig up the video.

[NautiqueJeff]

Yep, here it is.

http://www.masterslive.net/2007/Day3/WakeKite1.wmv

[highrock]

I think it is going to restrict you a lot more than just normal riding. You may get more air time and the landings may be softer, but to me its not work the price tag of that thing, haha.

I have ridden behind a boat with the Fly High Extended tower thing (Adds about 6 feet on top of the tower to tow from) and you can notice a little difference in air because you are being pulled up more. Again its just not a practical thing for me and something thats not really worth it.

If you do get one, let us know how it goes!

[snowboardcorey]

I've ridden the wakekite, its pretty fun. Overall it was pretty easy to get the hang of (provided you are comfortable on a wakeboard in the first place) The kite is self launching and learing to fly it takes about 2 minutes, basically you need to steer the kite towards the wake and then "chase" it to the wake. I went out with 3 other guys that had never ridden one and we were all getting good sized air right off the bat. Get ready for an arm workout, the kite makes you feel like you are doing a chin up all the time!

Drawbacks to the kite would be limited amount of tricks possible but I think the big air feeling makes up for most of that. You can not use the kite when its windy. Wind makes it nearly impossible to steer the kite (so does driving the boat to fast) and when you fall the wind pushes the kite across the wake because its soooo light.

Overall I'd rate it as pretty safe, we rent them where I work and we've yet to have any injuries in the 3 or so years we've sold/rented them. As long as you hold onto the handle the upforce of the kite keeps you upright so landing is easier than regular wakeboarding.

I had a great time riding the kite, personally when its calm I'd rather wakeboard. Being able to use the kite in windy conditions would have sold me on it, I picked up a surfboard instead.

[CradGen2]

Thanks for the video Jeff. Thanks for all the comments. In my travels I'm going to see if I can rent try one somewhere. I'm not a very good wakeboard, in fact I can't jump the wake, guess I don't have the right boat for the sport!!!!

The guy in the video is very good. The best price I can find one is 1100.00 on the net, might be worth more then willing to try. I might see if I can get a couple people to go in on one at the marina.

THX
CW

[Latonkaboarder]

The best price I can find one is 1100.00 on the net, might be worth more then willing to try. I might see if I can get a couple people to go in on one at the marina.

THX
CW

Hey Crads check at the nav company. They had one last year and I am sure they would be willing to deal on it if they still have it. I think you may know them up there but if not ask for Jim or Zach and let them know Chad sent you.

[CradGen2]

Thanks Chad, Yeah I use to work for Mike and Bud about 7 years ago.

[cubalakeny]

My neighbor has one and we have had it out a lot...I would say snowboardcorey said it right(A heck of an arm and shoulder workout). I would also say it only enhanced would we could already do. I don't think it helps to learn anything new though. If my neighbor got rid of his I would not go out and by one, but to rent one would be fun and I think they are very safe.