My first one lasted ~6 months, sheared off at the base. Looked like fatigue, so I suspect alot of side pull (toe side riding) will cause it to fail earlier. Also weight and over powered riding could be a factor. My current one has lasted 1.5 years (time to buy a new one). I don't use their leash sys...

I also recommend SPI for learning. I go there every Nov and Feb-Mar.
Room prices are very reasonable (~$40 for the Super8).
Avoid Spring Break (mainly Texas week) and Easter.
I have a bit of wind history for SPI here:
http://www.hyperfog.com/condospi/history.htm

I would love to see a kite that "made" by, basicaly, putting two windsurfing sails together at their base and see how would that fly.- I did this years ago with two 5.0m sails and ski tube in the middle. We towed it behind the boat and it flew but was not very stable. After a couple of nasty crashe...

Feb 23

My pups are learning kiteloops!

so on the other side, it could be that the other companies theft of the intelectual property is costing your kiteboarding costs to go up.

Please explain how a company using the terms "Water Time" and "Ground Control" will increase my kiting costs.

What Real did may be legal (I don't think the trademarks will hold up) but is poor form. Guess who ends up paying for this crap - we do. We fund Real's lawyers and we end up paying the cost of defending the lawsuits. I want my money to go for better gear, service and instruction. If more companies f...

Toby:

too many speculations going on here.

So I put just the public record facts in a new post with my feelings towards the matter - wonder how long it lasts....

Why?

"water time" and "ground control" are so generic I don't think they should be allowed.
I also don't think lawsuits belong in such a small industry over such trivial details.
It smells like the big guy trying to sue his competition out of business.

Real Kiteboarding has trademarked the following words: Zero 2 Hero Water Time Ground Control They have also sued the following companies: OCEAN EXTREME SPORTS, LTD., INC. and DARYL DROWN for Trademark Infringement KITTY HAWK KITES, INC. et al for Trademark Infringement Toby, this is not speculation,...