I have been a dune skimmer for the last 20yrs and watched the sport of Kite Surfing grow rapidly in that time while flying the dunes at Wanda beach. This is were we start and finish mostly (near the heli pad). In recent times, Kitesurfers are enjoying the shallow water skimming (on shore winds) which puts the canopy close to the beach and dunes, my request is that Kitesurfers should be aware of "wake turbulence" which is a real hazard for hangliders on the dunes. I have been "dumped" a few times and on occasions had to give the day away. I would love to join the sport but age is against me as I can see the physical demands on the sport are quite strenuous. Regards and keep safe.
No you are not too old, if waters not your scene maybe a buggy will suffice.
If you cant beat them, join them.
Full respect mate, your sport certainly looks awesome and it must be an incredible feeling.
Anyone with half a brain would not interfere with your space as you are after all flying 15 meters off the ground and the consequences could be heavy.
Give kiting a go, it is very easy and with your flying and wind experience, I am 100% convinced that you would pick it up in no time indeoendant of your age.
Get a couple of lessons and you will have a new passion in life
Glide in the morning and kite the arvo!!!!! Yeeaaahhhhh
G'day duneskimmer, welcome to seabreeze.
I kite at Wanda all the time. Thanks for the heads up I had no idea of "wake turbulence". Don't be afraid to come and have a chat to the lads there we are all a good bunch of guys and gals. Would be happy to show you a few things about kiting as well, it's not a strenuous as most people think.
Cheers
Shannon
Yeah, there is a guy on the Sunshine Coast who started kite surfing in 2000 when he was in his 60's. If you can hanglide you can definately Kitesurf.
there is a vid getting around of a 86 yr old codger kite surfing so the age thing is
not a problem,anyone can cruise around with very little effort at all.Go for it .
Hey Duneskimmer, We'll pass on the your message down at Wanda. There's a few of us kiters with grey hair out at Wanda too. Happy to give some tips.
Hey duneskimmer
I thought the replies you had were so great from the kite boys, I should join up.
These guys are cool I think we should see if they are game to get in the harness for a ground handle of the glider
!!!
cloudbase
!!! 
I'll take on board the tip. Hadn't thought of it before and I have kited near hangliders in v.light winds.
Keep the positive thread going.....
Great post duneskimmer. Nice to see the rabble behave themselves, although I suspect there is a fair bit of respect for your sport playing a part - good to see.
I used to hanglide. I can guarantee you that kitesurfing is less strenuous than hangliding - if you want it to be.
Most people don't realise that hangliding requires significant upper body fitness. there were many times that I thought I wouldn't even have the strength left to land I was so tired.
Kitesurfing has all the load through the harness and unless you are deliberately pushing yourself (tricks/waves) it can be as stressfull and mowing the lawn!
By all means give it a go. There is a bit of frustration up front but once you are up and running you wont look back.
!!!
Just dont let the HFGA find out your teaching people to ground handle. Im 24 and i current partake in both sports, and if your comfortable with inland thermal flying and sitting at cloud base then you've got the balls to try kiting. But i do find them totally different sports, but as said before it just depends on what extremes you push.
