Testimonials
2010-06-12
Kite415
Ovi,
It was just dreamy being out on the water today. I am finally past the screaming, cursing, grumbling, crying phase and onto raising the fun factor. It was pure bliss, absolutely delightful to be one with the elements and making progress. I feel like a kiteboarder. Thank you again for your patience and instuction.
2010-05-13
M. L.
Kite415
It was wonderful to feel comfortable in the prestanding position with the kite, wind, water, and board!
The best 3 1/2 nano seconds (ns or 10 to the power of negative 9) of my life was on the board!
I have crossed the tipping point and know that I will be a successful kiteboarder soon!
You are not only a great kiteboard instructor, but also a valuable life coach too.
2010-05-11
Thaomas H.
SF
"Ovi at Kite415 recently did a kite repair for me that is not only strong and performs well, his workmanship seems as good as the factory%u2019s workmanship. In addition to a very competitive price for the repair, his turn around was quick and there were no shipping charges. Ovi%u2019s enthusiasm and knowledge of this sport is extensive. So not only did I get my kite back quickly and fixed correctly, I%u2019ve developed a great resource.
Thomas"
2010-04-17
V
San Francisco - Kite415
I recently needed a repair and found Ovi through these forums. He was very enthusiastic about giving good service, his turnaround time was fast (had the kite back within 24 hrs.), the price was competitive, the repair seems to be holding up fine after several sessions--in short, Ovi delivered on what he promised. In addition, Ovi spent a lot of time talking with me and giving me some great advice--he's also an instructor and apparently well-regarded according to his reviews on Yelp. He obviously has a lot of passion for the sport and helping others--I wouldn't hesitate to use him again. I probably would've gotten an excellent repair job from Airtime but I would've been without my kite for weeks, had extra shipping costs and hassle, and would've missed the chance to connect with a great local resource as well as a friendly fellow kiteboarder.
I have no commercial involvement with Ovi--just a satisfied customer.
2010-04-13
Tom H.
Oyster Point - Kite 415
Thanks for the land lesson on Saturday. I really appreciate your teaching methodology and your approach relative to safety (e.g. launching towards the water).
2010-04-09
Mia Lilien
Oyster Point - Kite 415
Kite415 is the best! Ovi’s emphasis on safety, laser focus, respect for conditions and equipment makes me calm. I feel safe seeing the Harbor Patrol’s friendly staff and their top speed watercraft ready to go. The private bathrooms with showers are clean, convenient and safe. The surrounding, sweeping views are breathtaking. Feeling one with the elements - water, kite, and wind - tranquility.
2009-10-08
Marius S.
SF
Marius S.
Mountain View, CA
I have been trying to start kiting for some years now. Along the way I picked up some bad habits and I could not make progress any more. By a struck of luck I met Ovi and we managed to setup a couple of lessons.
Ovi diagnosed at once what my problems where: I was too tense, I was flying the kite too much but without power, I was focusing too much on the board instead of the kite and so on. It was impossible for me to figure out all what I was doing wrong and Ovi came to the rescue here. It is even harder to un-learn and re-learn but Ovi kept on drilling into me the right approach. He has down an amazingly simple lesson plan to get you out of the water and riding across the wind. On the water he kept slowing me down and help me focus on the basic. I was amazingly flying across the water after my second hour.
Ovi really understands kiting but what is most important he really knows how to teach somebody else how to kite. Most of his instructions are very simple but they all need to be followed all the time in the right sequence. He somehow managed to teach me how to teach my body what is the right approach to get out of the water and going. It takes real teaching talent and dedication to make this happen out there on the water with the wind blowing, the kite flying all over the window, the board floating away and a puzzled student.
Thanks a lot Ovi!
2009-08-24
Diana & Stephan
Oyster Point - Kite415
Stephen and I had a blast today. Thank you and John for taking us out. We will definitely be back and spread the word on your camp
2009-08-17
Greg
South Bay
Ovi,
Went out at 3rd ave yesterday. Did two downwinders to lower beach. I was remembering everything you taught me, so thanks for the great lessons.
2008-09-15
John Panozzo
San Francisco
Learning to kiteboard has been a frustrating experience for me. I am a
56 year old man who has no prior boarding or skiing experience and who
is not particularly athletic nor coordinated. However, a lot of that
improved once I met Ovi Banuta of Kite415. Ovi was my 4th kiteboarding
instructor and was absolutely the best teacher of the bunch. He taught
me the most in the shortest amount of time. No kidding. While most
instructors know how to ride, Ovi can effectively and quickly instruct
you how to do it. You owe it to yourself to check it out.
The area in the San Francisco Bay where Ovi teaches has some of the best
wind but doesn't have the large waves that can make you sea sick, he
uses the latest equipment (kites, bars, boards) instead of gear beat up
by other students, and his FAST TRACK 415 package (6 hours for $499) is
a great value.
If you are a beginner and want to learn how to kiteboard I recommend
that you give Ovi a call. He is great guy and would love to speak with
you. For someone like me who is a slow learner and easily frustrated,
Ovi could have named his company Kite911 for all the help he provided.
Thanks Ovi, I appreciate it.
2008-05-30
Hugo K.
Marin
Ovi has a love of kiteboarding and enthusiastic, intensive teaching methods that will take your kiting to the next level.. He has the skills to demonstrate and explain any trick as well as impart the basics of kiteboarding. The jet ski platform maximizes kite time for the truly committed student. I had a great experience and look forward to gaining more skills in a structured and safe environment.
2008-05-08
Kyle
Half Moon Bay
Thanks so much I am so stoked of this sport !
2008-05-08
Josh
SF
God I had a blast on Friday and Saturday !
2008-05-05
Max R
Marin
I had a great time last week and enjoy your teaching style.
2008-04-26
Chris J.
Chicago
Thanks again for the excellent lesson. I've completed the IKO survey and gave your school the highest ratings possible. You're going places with this business and your outlook!
