Sounds like you need a bigger board or better technique if you can't get going in 15 knots.
90kg isn't all that heavy.
I reckon the "best lightwind kite" is the big 17m Flysurfer speed, but I noticed Moritz has some Contras in the for sale. Probably the next best thing.
Seriously though if you're only looking for a bottom end of 15 knots, get a lightwind board.

Thanks Rovert / Tobes.

I think there is definately a technique issue. I have only been kiting for 3 months or so, so still coming up to speed with the upwind riding etc. Just thought a light wind kite might get me out on the water a bit more often but by the sound of it a few more hours on the kite might be the trick.

I have got a Slingshot SX 147 board, so it is already quite well suited to lighter winds. Might have a look at the flysurfer though and keep it in mind in case I still need something after a few more months on the water. Cheers.

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Originally posted by DPH

Thanks Rovert / Tobes.

I think there is definately a technique issue. I have only been kiting for 3 months or so, so still coming up to speed with the upwind riding etc. Just thought a light wind kite might get me out on the water a bit more often but by the sound of it a few more hours on the kite might be the trick.

I have got a Slingshot SX 147 board, so it is already quite well suited to lighter winds. Might have a look at the flysurfer though and keep it in mind in case I still need something after a few more months on the water. Cheers.

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There are a couple of technique issues often missed by beginners.

The main one I see missed by people is holding the bar in on upstrokes. Try pull the bar in on downstrokes and let the bar out on upstrokes to allow the kite to get speed to go up high. The other items is try get up planing before you start trying to edge upwind or you kill the kite. Once you are up and riding then steer upwind. If you edge against the kite while its still trying to pull you up, it kills most of the power.

a lot of people also seem to have a bit to much weight on their back foot

I brought Kurt's old BFK 21 and I like that for a light wind kite. . based on a 20min test ride on the Waroo I'd stay with the BFK because it feels more "powered up" in the gusts. You could probably get a BFK 18 much cheaper than a 2nd hand Waroo.

something wrong if you cant get going below 20 knots... my guess is your over stating how strong the wind is! but the flysurfer looks the go for light wind yet i only c them out like twice a season over here!

147 sounds big enough to me... ive certainly never ridden anything that big apart from a surf board and that was not too much bigger

Listen to Geenleader
The WHOLE issue is the board and also fins
OK if you have to be doing aerials all the time, don't go a surf board ........ but I would seriously consider getting a proper kite surfboard, then you will never have to ask the question as to kite size again. I wouldn't be seen dead on anything bigger that a 12m C or a 9m Hybrid.
And if your local spots are not suitable for a surfboard, you could always MOVE

The board is a big part - but if you weigh in the 90's you will need a big kite if you want to ride in light wind.

The key is definitely the right board and kite combination.

I tried to get a lightwind challenge happening in Perth last year - lots of talk but no walk - how about it Dale (and any others interested)?

Despite what GreenLeader says I still have a lot of fun below 10 knots with my 17m FlySurfer Speed and custom directional RF (see http://members.iinet.net.au/~ianyoung/boards.html#RailFin ) - waves are glassier below 10 knots

Ian I've got to back you up here I saw you many years ago in the broadwater on the goldie with the flysurfer and rail board. I was about to buy my first kite and I was interested in your gear as you were overtaking everyone else on the water, jumping big, and cutting harder upwind as well. Having said that I reckon tube kites and board designs have probably caught up a bit since then.

Greenleader & Gasman, I think maybe you're missing something. Big kites can be great for 2 reasons: you don't have to work them, and the bigger the kite the slower you come down. I love doing huge floaty jumps on the 21, stretching out to meet the water then relaxing again cos I'm just hovering a foot off the water for an extra few seconds. Sometimes it feels like if I don't stretch down and touch the water with my board, I'll just stay a foot off it for good. Sure there's less adrenaline, but things like a sunset 'soul session' big kites are pretty sweet.

16's are cool, but the early talk was 18-20's

lots of fast 16's

large lads still need reasonable size boards to capitalise on the extra power!

anyway, i was just generalising to generate some discussion, not pimpin for the ho's

and i like bigger boards myself. post on brothers!