I am fairly sold on these new bow kites (let's pls not discuss the pros and cons again!) and will prob buy a 12m.
My thoughts are this - if i have just one kite for now and anticipate only having one kite for a while(due to cost)is it more sensible to go for a bigger board to learn with, and eventually get a smaller board, keeping both and use the bigger one for light wind when i progress - as opposed to having 1 board and 2 kites.
Boards are cheaper to buy than kites aswell. So with these new style kites - which apparently cover a bigger wind range - how effective could a 1 kite, 2 board package be?
or do i just get a smaller board eg flx128 and keep saving for the bigger kite for light winds?
(perhaps i should mention i am 70kg and on east coast)
you can never have enough boards or kites. i say buy the extra board, you wont regret it, it will make learning easier and light wind kiting less of a pain in the arse later.
i wont have my light wind board back till after xmas - its driving me nuts
personally i have 2 kites and one board, my primary kite is a 12m 05 cabrinha, my secondary is a cheaper option, 04 16m best, it cost less than a decent board and gives me more wind range than one kite and 2 boards, you could consider that option..
For most of last season I rode one kite and changed boards and line lengths. I used a 9m Reactor,(which has a good wind range) and either used short or long lines depending upon wind strength.
I also used either a surfboard or a short mutant for wave riding.
For sure it is better value to run two boards and one kite and maybe two bars with different line lengths too, either way, it is cheaper than running two kites.
2 kites 1 board. Kites make more difference than a board will, you will also thank yourself once you progress and find having 2 kites much better. get yourself a good board maybe around 140ish depending on your weight and you should not grow out of it that easy.
I don't buy the big floaty board for beginners thing, my first board was an eBoards 158 TT, I only progressed once I got a more normal sized thin board, a 137. I think it is harder to edge and slow down on a big board. If you are new to kiting I reckon get a smaller second hand kite you can trash a bit and learn on, and get the bow and the FLX. A local rider only uses his 12m X-bow and a home made ply board.
Need a different package for the east coast. Winds are lighter. On the west coast Im 75KG 10m the fave kite over here for most. I know a couple of guys with Airush Exiles its like kiting on the Dining room table . Hard to find second hand though. Would be a good weapon for lighter winds on the east coast I think. Regards Deso
