Go fly a kite!!

[OTTOL]

So I'm stuck here in the Middle East with nothing to do and decided that I would try to expedite the process of my final doom by taking up kite surfing. I was told that the best way to practice killing yourself with one of these things is to get a training version to practice killing yourself on a smaller scale.

Although I wasn't too excited about spending money on an aerial vehicle that doesn't have provisions for a pilot, I went ahead and spent the 65.000 Dinar ($230.00usd) on a training kite.

I have to say that it has been a very nice surprise! This thing has a 2.4m span and when the wind is really blowing (15-20kts yesterday), this thing will lift you off of the ground!

For an aviator or even an enthusiast, it possesses all of the elements of raw aviation. Obviously, I had more than a few crashes. I had to analyze my technique, adjust and inspect the rig of the lines and cloth and then after two days of frustration, I was able to fly the thing for more than ten minutes without crashing it.

It was very nice feeling of accomplishment. The sensation and excitement that I felt reminded me of the days when I first started flying airplanes.

I highly recommend one these kites.

[Cobra]

Yeh kitesurfing is cool, I can't really do it though...only been a few times!! I take it thats a land kite you brought, have you seen the prices on the kitesurf ones! Sick! Like $1000+ for a kite, which you need a few of!

Is an amazing sport though, good luck (and if you ever get the chance go windsurfing, the sport of kings )

[OTTOL]

Yup, it's a land kite. The guy at the shop said that it would be a nice compromise (a step up from the smaller training kites but less expensive than a large kite). They are pretty pricey but the shop actually had a used one for 180.00kd ($620.00usd), that I'm thinking about.
I have done some windsurfing but the most appealing aspect of kitesurfing (other than the flying) is the fact the gear can fit in the trunk of my car.
I also like the fact that you fly the kite. That's the part that surprised me the most. I was looking at the kite as means to end. I never really expected the actual flying of the kite to be so much fun. It reminds me of flying an R/C aircraft. I've already gotten to the point that I'm making low passes (hey, I'm a pilot...I have to....it's mandatory) across the bottom of the entire wind window, at knee level!