Beginner Chicago Kiter

[showe]

Whats up everyone. I'm hoping you all could give me some tips on the Chicago kiting scene. I used to kiteboard in west michigan about 6 years ago, but gave it up after I moved inland. I was never a great kiter, but had the basics down. I'm looking to get back into it. I obviously will need to take lessons again before I get back out. Even with lessons though, I'm wondering what kiteboarding in this area is like for beginners. The spots all seem more crowded and less-beginner friendly than in michigan. Is it safe for someone to kite in this area if they aren't super experienced? Are there any particular beaches that are known as easier to learn on?

Thanks all,
-Steve

[skysurfr]

Steve-

Welcome.

As you can probably guess, this question gets asked frequently. Pop out of the message board into the main website and you'll find all sorts of useful information. Where to Ride has a description of the launches etc.

The only beach with a hardcore restriction is Montrose, in the city. You'll need an intermediate or better certification to ride there.

Also, use the search function here in the message board. There have been several detailed responses to this same question several times.

Again.. welcome!

Mike

[skysurfr]

There are no beaches in the city that are beginner friendly.

Miller / Marquette over near Gary is wide open.
Waukegan is good- they are charging to park now. $20.
Zion- Illinois Beach State Park is ok. It can be crowded.
Casino- Just into Indiana. Not so beginner friendly. The beach can be very narrow. It's ok for body dragging.
Wolf Lake- Not beginner friendly at all. Rocks, Power lines, trees, gusty winds, windsurfers, slag and rebar in the water.

Most beginners cut their teeth over in ... West Michigan. St Joe, South HAven, and Grand HAven are some of our favorite spots.

Mike

[mrgrey]

I know how ya feel.. I am just getting comfortable riding and am workng on my upwind riding now. It is tough but I have had my best days in Michigan City and Miller Beach..both have very long wide shores.... waukegan is sweet too, but long drive for me. looking forward to more michigan riding myself.

[gbleck]

Waukegan only charges in summer on the weekends. Starting this weekend. It's has a bit more water you can stand up in then Zion. More this season then in the past as we got some nice sand bar action. Still Michigan has more shallow beaches and tends to get better wind in the nice hot summer months. They also tend to get all the nice warm surface water.