Hi all,

I currently have a 2011 Core XR Riot 9m and in my second year of kiting (although feels like my first as I didn't get out much last year.)

My issue with the Core is in the low end of the wind scale. Unless it's blowing over 20knots it's no use going out. This is one of the reasons I feel I haven't progressed as fast as others.

Yes, I've checked my line lengths. I do it regularly.

Friday last week at Pinnaroo was the best example. It was blowing 18-/19knots (maybe less) and heading into a chop was frustrating. Kept getting bogged down and found it hard keeping momentum even playing the kite. Coming in was better running with the waves.

There were a lot of guys bigger than me (I'm 83kg) flying 9m North Evo's who would park the kite and go and keep their ground.

My skill level isn't what theirs is but I know if it was blowing 3-4knots stronger I wouldn't have these issues.

I'm looking to upgrade but money is an issue. Can only afford one kite quiver.
The Evo looks good from what I've read as it offers a wide range of capabilities. I want something that I can use in the lower wind range but doesn't kick me around at the top end.

If I go Evo do I stick with a 9m or go 10m?

Can someone recommend another make of kite that will do this for me?

Or is there a way of trimming the kite I have to fly better in lighter winds?

Cheers

Lorgra

I was out that day on a 10 core GTS no issue iam 88kg on a 138 board you must be trying to go up wind too aggressively

I was out the weekend before that where it was even weaker than last, no issue apart from not able to take a agressive up wind tac as you would normally do when you can just park it

Just play around some more you will figure it out, kits fine.

Also - you dont mention the board size.

Either way - 20kts sounds like a reasonable low end of a 9m.

you really need a two kite quiver at a minimum .

a 9 and a 12 would be a good gap .

also your board technique more than likely needs work .

When bar is fully sheeted in and the centre-line trim fully extended, your kite should be on the verge of stalling (going backwards). Adjust the centre line trim until this occurs.

One thing that held me back at the low end of the kite size range and chop, is that I tended to 'plow' thru the chop. This was caused by not flexing my knees over the chop - I was told to keep my front leg straight but I took it to the extreme. If you see skow ski-ers going over moguls, their head and waist stay level; its their knees that go up and down over each mogul. If you do something similar over chop, you maintain speed, and the kite remains stable, therefore maximising power from the kite.

ice said...
When bar is fully sheeted in and the centre-line trim fully extended, your kite should be on the verge of stalling (going backwards). Adjust the centre line trim until this occurs.

I'm going to continue on regarding the kite trim advice. I find that pulling on an inch or two of depower when the winds are light can prevent you from stalling the kite when you have the bar fully sheeted in. The temptation to pull the bar all the way in when the winds is light and end up "choking" or stalling the kite is pretty common. In lower winds, it's all about getting your kite to fly forwards through the air, thereby generating apparent wind and lift. As the wind picks up, the need to generate lift this way decreases.

When the wind picks up a couple of knots I let it off, and then as it builds I bring on the depower again.

Thanks for everyone's advice.

I got out on a 9m Fuse on Tuesday which was great.

I shortened my back lines and went out today on my Core.

Had great session but was a little over powered. Had the de-power on full.

Will let the outer lines about 20mm and I think that will be it.

The chop was still hard to get accustomed to but getting there.

Now just need to nail those turn and progress from there.

Hope to see you all out there and I hope Narelle pisses of soon so we can get some more consistent winds.

cheers

Lorgra