Caltech Kiteboard Club

 

 

Welcome to Caltech’s Kiteboard Club! Kiteboard, or kitesurf, is a relatively new sport which combines elements of surf and windsurf. The kiteboarder rides a board similar to a surf board but with straps, like a windsurf board's, and is harnessed to a sail that is larger than a windsurf's and which does not have any mast. The sail looks like a kite, and is flown a little like one, thus the name of the sport. Like windsurf, it is not dependent on waves for locomotion, but can be used to ride them. Skilled kiteboarders can also perform incredible jumps in the air. The high altitude of the sail combined with its large size allows for very high cruising speeds. The sport is quickly rising in popularity.

 

 

 

Rentals

 

Our equipment is here, thanks to generous contributions by the SIF & the Alumni Assoc.:

  • A 2002 Peter Lynn Arc 1120 kite (11.2 sq. m. flat)
  • A unidirectional Hifly board w/reel retractable leash
  • Harness
  • Gloves
  • Prolimit warm M/T wetsuit
  • Goggles
  • Helmet
  • Flotation vest

    Equipment can be reserved and checked out for $5/day, which will be kept for use toward maintenance for normal wear & tear & upgrades, by emailing kitecaltech.edu . Rental policies are similar to those of the Caltech Surf & Windsurf Club. You may be responsible for repairing damage you cause to the club's equipment. This equipment is suitable for beginners but not for first-time kiteboarders; you should first take a course; details below. Kite responsibly. Rent at your own risk.

     

     

    Contact

     

    For information, email Club Officers at kitecaltech.edu .

     

     

    Mailing list

     

    If you wish to join the new mailing list, send an email to: majordomo@caltech.edu with the following text in the *body* of the message: subscribe kiteboarders

     

     

    News

     

     

    Lessons

     

     The ones we have been taking are given by Captain Kirk's in Long Beach. A course for 3 people consisting of 3 lessons of 3 hs each costs $247 per person plus tax (the same course for a single person costs $447). There is a further 10% discount on that for the CKC. To reserve, call Kirk or Tom at (310) 833-3397. Tell him you were referred by Alex Backer of the Caltech Kiteboard Club to get the discount. There is another instructor, Traig Trumbo, at 310-457-6896. He charges around $85 for a 1 hr lesson. We have never tried him.


     

    Links

     

    Kitesurfing School

    Peter Lynn Arc (our kite) -- follow the links at the bottom of this page for the manual.


     

    Officers

     

    Founding President: Alex Bäcker

     


    Sponsors

    Thanks GoFreebies! Check out them out for freebies and free stuff!

    This site has been visited times since April 1st, 2003.