WA
90 posts
Im looking to in to get some more kites so i can get out in ALL resonable conditions here in perth.
Im 80 kilos, got a 135 board and currently own my first kite which is a 10m.
what additional sizes would you suggest, to add to my current quiver of one.im still only at beginner/intermediate level
QLD
4107 posts
General consensus is a 4m difference in kite size gives reasonable overlap, so you might want a 14 to go with your 10. That would probably give you a pretty decent range on a 2 kite quiver. In Perth the kite of choice seems to be 12m though, and a lot of 3 kite quivers are 8-12-16. Lots of people your weight in Perth only really ride the 8 and 12. I'm a pretty heavy bastard, 105kg (was 120kg when I started kiting) and I have a 2 kite quiver of a 13 and a 17, and generally ride my 145cm board. Does me nicely, about 13kts to about 25kts. I've been overpowered on the 13 a few times to the extent that I'd like a 9, but it hasn't happened enough to really make me go out and spend the money. Maybe if I actually settle and live in one spot for more than a couple of months, but that isn't going to happen anytime soon.
The Green Baron
I'll get you yet Von Richtofen, you fiend.
WA
2782 posts
Hey DRW,
Last year I rode using an Airush Lift Pro 15, 12 and 9. But really didn't need the 15. So most of this year I rode the 12 and the 9. This covered me from about 12-13 knots up to as windy as it gets in Perth even a few days in the very windy northern towns like Jurien, gero and lancelin.
This new year I think my kites will be a 14, 10 and an 8 Lift or Maybe even the Reactor Range of 12, 9 and 7.
Perth can easily be done on a 2 kite quiver of a 12 and a 9 or a 14 and a 10. The rest is up to you. You can increase your kiting bottom end on light days by using a surfboard for beachbreak fun.
Merry Christmas and a safe and fun New year
WA
3619 posts
Dont pretend to know from experience whats right BUT as I am about to make this move myself I have asked everyone thats willing to talk kites the question. My conclusion from all that input (thanks everyone) is that the perfect 3 kite quiver for me at 70kgs will be 7/11/15 Fuels (possibly a 7 Diesel for 1 season?). If I was going for mid aspect other brands (CO2, Flow etc etc etc) probably would have gone 8/12/16 as most people give the fuels an extra M in comparative wind range??. Hoping this choice will get me out from about 12kts to 'too scary?'.
With all due respect to 'kitehards' wind range report (ie lots - he is a kick*rse kiter) I am sure that the actual workable wind range is significantly narrower than he suggests until you have honed your kite & board skills beyond the simply 'capable when its perfect conditions' stage.
For 2 kites?? Dont really know but I do know several kiters at about your weight & level who seem pretty well covered most days with their 10/14 mid aspect quiver??
I know how you feel - its a tough call & you really do want to get it right. Hope this helps. Keep asking round most kiters are more than happy to chat about what works for them.
"He who enjoys most - WINS"
WA
90 posts
cheers for all your input guys, most helpful. I do have another question. what size and type of surf board do people use on those light wind days?
WA
2119 posts
Surfboards...80kgs.. A board around the 6',6'4 range is perfect. Go for one with thin rails and not too wide..The kite is pulling you up as well as along so fat chunky boards will skip out. buy a cheapy ride it a bit so you know you feet position then feel free to chuck some cheap straps on it. just drill a big hole almost through the board fill with resin AND fibreglass and the plugs will hold
