Hi All
I was just reading this thread and though how negative you all are. Yes, there is some good advise but....

With the recent (three years) developments in kite safety and sensible use (training) kite sailing on snow and water is relatively safe. Yes there are accidents, but normally because people are not careful or as with human nature think they are better than they really are.

Most of the accidents I have seen, and subsequent injuries are because of human error, over confidence or lack of safety equipment.

I can also understand that many lakes here in CH ban kitesurfing due to entry and exit which in some ways is good. But i agree boat starts are an alternative is you have such means. Silvaplana and Como, but there is a lunch site in Zug when the wind blows (not very often). Its small but works.

Kitesurfing is much less safe then wind surfing, but as an ex windsurfer I can also say that I have seen many bad accidents windsurfing including deaths. I would strongly recommend anyone getting in kitesurfing to start in Silvaplana or Como with a very good training. One week or until conformable. Then start of slowly and keep within your safe limits with margin taking into account that the wind is unpredictable. Most of all have fun and try to sail with people who can help you out should get into trouble (boat or jet-ski close at hand).

In Zug, huh? Sounds very convenient. Maybe I'll try a kiting course in Egypt and see how it goes. Is there any crossover with snowboarding?

kiteboarding rules

Hi All!

A question for kite owners. I have a Flexifoil Proteam 8 kite which needs new lines, so I was wondering if anybody can recommend where I can buy new ones? Do they even have to be from a specialist store?

Many thanks in advance!
Chris

Hello Cas

the Flexifoil Proteam 8 used 220lbs x 95' Dyneema lines.

You do not have to use the same brand. what you need to make sure is to use the lines of the same strength and length.

you can basically purchase everything separately and build them yourself.

in the USA, you have a lot of websites or even ebay where you buy lines.

i am not sure in Europe about the availability.

however lines are quite light and the shipping cost from the USA should not be so high.

That's much appreciated, Bunka!

I'll look into it straight away.

Chris

Dude, even if you could kiteboard in CH, I dont know if you would really want to. Compared to Mullaloo or City Beach in Perth, its barely possible. I think if you have had a good experience with kiteboarding on large bodies of water (An Ocean or Sea) you would be greatly disappointed here. There is no wake and less wind that a place like the Indian Ocean.

I think the keyword is "practice".

conditions may not be the best but you can work on your technical skills. you do not need great conditions for that.

a great spot for example is lake arenal in Costa Rica. it is a lake but you get enough stable wind to work on the technical aspect.

furthermore if you practice in switzerland, you are in the outdoors breathing the clear swiss air with a wonderful view of the mountains.

Hi all moving to switzerland in august for a 12month placement. Will be stationed at Orbe working for Nestle in their research center there.

Was wondering what the ruling is with landboarding in this area is kitting allowed on any recreational fields? Are there any designated sites?

What is the closest designated kite surfing location too me and also best place to snow kite in and around the alps?

Depending on the ease at which I can get out and kite will dictate how much of my gear I will bring with me.

cheers Dusty

hey i have some switzerland kiteboard info on my experience trying to kitesurf here on my blog: www.gabeskitelife.blogspot.com

i tried kitesurfing recently up in silvaplana, but it was too cold with not enough wind.

the kiteboarding beach look awesome though and i spotted 2 kitesurf / windsurf centers.

from my research, i guess it can get pretty windy, maybe good for something like a 10m best nemesis or cabrinha