I've had two lessons. First lesson was a dud as the wind died off completely, but second was great (15-20kts at Brighton/Redcliffe this Sunday afternoon) found out that flying surfkites with bars are totally different from quadlines with handles - Have to re-learn some ingrained instincts that keep foils flying yet seem to make the 10M LEI I was learning on crash instantly. Got pretty good a water re-launches though. Ready for the next step - getting my own kite.
I've decided to go with a Peter Lynn Twinskin, either a new Venom/ Venom 2 or a second hand Bomba - I recon they look great, I'm used to flying foil kites, and LEI's just seem so heavy.
I can only afford one new kite (maybe two secondhand ones) and a secondhand board - what size kite and board should I go for? I weight 90kg and will probably fly at Brighton or Wellington Point - nice flat water.
Any sugggestions?
I think if you're getting one kite you're best bet would be a 16m venom. Kitepower still have a V1 16m left on their website. That would be a great buy. I weigh around 70kg and could do with a 16 some of the time if i was always on the water. I landboard a lot as well so the 13 is great. I am yet to have to come in from a session because it got too windy (in melbourne) so that shows what sort of a top end these animals have. I think you would be underpowered a bit too often with the 13m. If you were going to get a 2 kite quiver, it would be good to get a 13 and a 19, but just the 16 will be awesome. This is in Melbourne though, i see you're from sunny QLD so you might want to get the 13, depends what sort of winds you get usually. It sucks being underpowered, but it also sucks sitting on the beach while it's blowing like crazy and you can't get out caus you're too powered up.
James
As a newbie, I feel i am eminently qualified to contribute heaps here.......go the PL Venom. I just don't get why anyone would want to fly anything else...I too have flown PL kites for a few years now, and it just makes sense...I fly a V13 and agree with your comment - you just can't go wrong.
Juddy
I'm not exactly sure how bows work but it's just the same as other kites. When you want to depower the kite just pull in the front lines thus reducing the angle of attack of the kite. When you want to power up let the front lines out. The safety works by just releasing the kite to one line and letting the kite flag out downwind. Relaunch is very hard after pulling the safety.
James
yer no doubt venoms are by far the best kite for learning on!
Ive only been flying a venom this season and am amazed at the range. Last SAT in Perth it was 30knots and I had no probs holding down my 13 metre venom (most LEI were on 7 & 8 metres & I am no hereo). And down low can handle as low as 12-15knots.
ive ridden the venom quite a bit.
i think a 16 would be about the right size too.
they dont equate to a 16 C kite, more like a 13 I'd say.
the great thing about the venoms is that gusts dont affect you like they would in a C, they just seem to flow straight through - which is great coz you get a nice constant pull from the kite rather than being ripped out of the water when a gust hits.
what i like best about the venom is the jumps! they are sooo smooth, and lofty - you get lots of time to take a look around at the scenery.
anyway for a beginner, i'd recommend one.
the only problem with them is that if you dont want to self land, not many people on the beach seem to know how to do it for you, so you always have to explain it before you land.
robbo.
I'm a Venom flier at Brighton. and have the 19 and 13 (@ 80kg)
Give us a shout if you want to check them out.
I'm 75kg and use 19 and 13.
I teach on 19 a lot and find the depower and stability superb!
I'm currently using 20m lines with a surfboard (waves) and add 8m extensions for the flat water.
best of luck with your flying.
That's sweet Batton holder. I want to get into waves as well. I'm guessing the venoms are perfect for waves as if you overrun them a bit they will fly back into the window? 20 m lines with a 13m would be awesome. Just so much control.
So a 16m or 19m Venom or Venom 2 would be the one to get first up, then a smaller one, like a 13m or 10m for big wind when I get good enough.
How much better are the new Venom over the Bomba? - Worth $1000?
What lines to the they come with as standard or can you choose?
Kite_kid, I'll take you up on your offer, it will be nice to see one in action - when do you fly?
Ian,
I come in at just over 90 kgs - for what this newbie's opinion is worth, (and not knowing your weight) i reckon a V13 is all you would need in the Perth area...a 16 is going to be way off the scale.
Juddy
I'm the same weight as you Juddy, what is the normal wind range in Perth? From what I've seen, 10-20knts is a good day over here.
Hi, I started with a venom 19 and have not looked back, also have an inflatable but the PL is the favorite. Have just upgraded to the Venom2 and will be selling the venom 19. 0409250269.
tt
Hi Iain_B
The size you want depends on your weight, the wind and your board size. If your a beginner then a larger board, say not less than 150cm is going to keep you going when others would sink, and allow you to get away with a smaller kite so as not to be overpowered. It's dangerous being overpowered particularly if your not experienced.
I'm 6? kg. I'm flying a new V13 which I'm extremely happy with, and ride on a 122cm board (only good when there's wind) and a 150cm board (good for anything).
I've got a PL G2 11m which I am going to sell (my previous kite). Was new last season, includes bar and chicken loop but no lines. I'm also based in Perth. It might be considered a small kite considering your weight but you would only ride it with a larger board.
Graeme