Advice for beginner in stronger winds?

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cygnet
cygnet
6 posts
6 posts
14 Mar 2006 4:36pm
Beautifully windy and I'm stuck here because it's too strong for me.
I took my 10m out to Melville Sunday and had a good time bodydragging, but decided I'd better go home when I started getting gusts that lifted me halfway out the water with kite nice n still at 12 o'clock. Got home and discovered the gusts were only about 22kts.
Soooo... what would you experts recommend? a) get a smaller kite or b) stick with it going out in 15kt winds until I improve?
I don't lose control of the kite in gusts, just don't like shooting off downwind without a choice in the matter...
eightfootplus
eightfootplus
NSW
298 posts
NSW, 298 posts
14 Mar 2006 8:38pm
C) Get on your board and get that edge going.

D) if you cant hold the kite on the beach at the edge of the window then pull the QR.
dan OK?
dan OK?
VIC
253 posts
VIC, 253 posts
14 Mar 2006 8:47pm
good question, but im way no expert.
I figure that the guys who boost big are just the guys who have learned to edge hard and keep the kite low to the water till theyre ready to unleash.
gusts are just bad full stop.
dont buy a smaller kite.
get out more in consistent cross onshore wind.
you learn more when your comfortable and having fun.
dont stay out if your getting beaten up by weather/wind/rain,come back tomorrow.
dont be someone who used to kitesurf! theyre worse than people who "would like to try that one day"
i ramble i think.
next...........

Kitehard
Kitehard
WA
2782 posts
WA, 2782 posts
14 Mar 2006 9:46pm
Hi Cygnet,

You will need another kite, sorry to say. With winter approaching we get very gusty wind and I'm assuming you are around 60-65 kilos which would make the 10m a medium sized kite for you. To handle the stronger winds, grab yourself a 6m or 7m. It will always be of use to you when the wind is thumping in the future anyways.

Especially when you leave the protected waters of Melville and tackle the ocean breezes. You could also check out some of the new kites with the big depower range like the Vegas and the Tribal.

Good winds to you!

robbo
robbo
WA
306 posts
WA, 306 posts
15 Mar 2006 8:02am
its good to hear that you know when its time to come in.
keep it safe.

no one likes kiting in gusty winds - this winter take a look at how many kites you see out there even when its windy - not many xcept those who are dying for kite.

its a bit of catch 22 really - you put a big kite up in winter to catch the lighter winds, but you'll get blown hard in those frontal gusts, or you put a small kite up and only have fun in the gusts...

anyway to answer your qs,
keep your kite and get more experience in consistent winds first
robbo
GalahOnTheBay
GalahOnTheBay
NSW
4188 posts
NSW, 4188 posts
15 Mar 2006 11:26am
I have seen one of our locals who only ever rides a 9m or smaller, even when other folks are out on 16m kites. I think he also has a 7m and a stupidly small 4m. Not much of him though...

Small is good, but the smaller they are the quicker they will kick your ass - especially if it is all hitting the fan.
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