Anybody got suggestions on what is good to get out in under 10knts. I am in Sydney trying to learn in winter(bad idea) but still very keen. Most days seem to be light winds. Any kite size,brand,board suggestions for under 10 knots? Or should I stay at work and cry?

I'm still a noob too. But i'm getting a mountain board.

Hey toby,
Is that a skimboard or mountain board you got?

Hey Guys,

Under 10 knots is certainly possible and also really affordable (especially in WA) because you can pick up new, superceded 20 metre kites here for under $500 bucks and then ride a surfboard or buy a large "old school" directional.

The Old Starboard directionals can be bought brand new and, again, superceded for around $300 bucks. So in reality on less thah the price of a new board you can have the ultimate kiting gear for light winds and ride whilst all your mates are sitting in their cars whining.

My ultimate light wind gear was the now superceded 19.5m Lift Pro and the Airush Fusion 168 Mutant. I found if I had a consistent 7 knots, I was planing upwind with little effort.

Please be aware that sub 10 knot kiting is a different sport to stronger wind kiting as using big kites they turn slow, fly slow don't jump high but do give floaty jumps if you can get air.

Sub 8 knots is all about riding upwind and staying on the plane as most light winds have gusts and lulls too. No jumping in sub 8 knots, you generally can't give away that much upwind ground.

It does have a peace all of it's own and can reall put a break in that dry spell of no kiting for weeks at a time in the Autumn and Spring seasons.

If you live in WA, and can afford a lazy $800 or so, check it out and see if you can't snag a bargain from your fave reputable store.

Good Winds and kite on!

Hey Uber,

The Square 2 is an ideal board for light winds. It is designed for learning to ride and hence has great upwind performance, easy planing and is pretty much bomb proof.

What a lot of people don't know about the Square 2 is that it is the identical bottom hull shape and plan shape of the more advanced Switch 155. The only difference is construction materials and thickness. ie the Switch 155 is a bit thinner and a bit lighter otherwise it is the same shape and will have very similar riding characteristics when talking about planing, upwind performance and carving. It's just a lot tougher.

The other great thing about the square 2 apart from being a great beginners board and light wind alternative is that when you are ready to sell it, there is a huge market that wants boards like the S2 for their learning so it's resale value is excellent and not a lot cheaper than the original purchase price.

Helpful hint for the S2 is if you find it rides to stiff for your liking and you want to loosen it up some, then remove the additional heel fins and it will be a totally different board, it will also reduce drag and make it plane a bit earlier.

Have fun!

its a mountain board which is a fun light wind option

Silly Question Time!!! Can you kite when it rains? Maybe a light shower? Is this stupid or dangerous or both? Seams like the wind is really good in the rain. Today fri 13th Sydney 15-20knts and constant. However it is Friday the 13th may not be a good idea to go out at all. Arrgh!!!!! (Should of stayed in bed, I have jinxed myself)

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Originally posted by Uber

Silly Question Time!!!

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Not so silly really Uber.
Heard a funny story recently bout the pioneering icons of kiting in Perth - John Guyer Ian Young et al - standing on a very wet Leighton Beach asking each other that very same question
It was only a few years ago but at the time no one knew the answer.

and lol darren - it would make for a great photo

Yes kiting in the rain is fun, as long as its not raining too hard. The rain makes the kiter heavier (slightly) but as long as the wind is constant its all good. Just be careful the rain doesn't stop the wind.

The worst part of kiting in the rain is being the only one out and the stinging sensation of the rain as it hits your face when doin mach 10 over the rain smoothed water.

OK OK !! Here is the report! Im still alive No rain but very overcast. Set up , Self Launched got out and awesome!!!! 14 to 19knts and very good!

2 windsurfers down at Dolls pt but no kiters. Any way I guess I should enjoy as much as i can in these rare conditions. Not enuff light but I had a good learning session. Worth the the punt. Yay I win.!!!

Thanks Puppet,Psylor and Kitehard for your comments I guess kiting in the rain isnt so bad if it isnt to heavy!!!

Aspect Ratio? I have been reading that Big Kites 18mt+ are really slow turning kites. If this is so would be advisable to buy a higher aspect kite so that the turning speed is quicker? An 18mt North Vegas Mid Aspect says for a 80kg rider that it can fly in 8-16knts. Rhino 18mt is 9-17knts and high aspect. SS Machine 17.5mt is 11-19knts (no Rider weight guide)presume 75kg. SS Machine 25.5mt is 8-13knts (No aspect ratio stated)Presume High Aspect. The Best Yarga 20mt mid aspect 7-15knts. Or the Infamous Best Hellfish 20mt in the sky at 6-7knts for a 73-84kg rider.

Hope this helps someone. Its just random brand reviews all 05 models noted.

Conclusion for me looks like so far the 18mt North Vegas is a good option- Not too big and good wind range. SS Machine looks like its only good at the massive 25.5mt-cant imagine pumping this puppy up all day. The Hellfish 17mt for a 73-84kg rider 6-18knts this is definately the light wind kite if it proves to be true.

Any other brands and windranges would be great from any one whos got the time to post a quicky.

Hey Puppet,

Just had a quick look at the Flysurfer page. 15.5mt windrange 6 - 19knts almost $400 cheaper too. What about this size as an option? you only gain a .5knt advantage on the 18.5mt windrange 5.5 - 17knts.
Wouldnt the 15.5mt turn better too? Maybe the sweet spot is the decider?

I havnt taken out a foil on the water yet other that my 3mt SS wasp which i was launching 5mt jumps on the beach Sunday arvo. Too gusty to go out on the water + im still a noob.

When I leave noob status i'll definately try the foils. So much easier to set up.

Hey Puppet,

Just had a quick look at the Flysurfer page. 15.5mt windrange 6 - 19knts almost $400 cheaper too. What about this size as an option? you only gain a .5knt advantage on the 18.5mt windrange 5.5 - 17knts.
Wouldnt the 15.5mt turn better too? Maybe the sweet spot is the decider?

I havnt taken out a foil on the water yet other that my 3mt SS wasp which i was launching 5mt jumps on the beach Sunday arvo. Too gusty to go out on the water + im still a noob.

When I leave noob status i'll definately try the foils. So much easier to set up.

Hey Puppet,

I got the info from Ian Youngs site.

http://members.iinet.net.au/~ianyoung/fs_prices.html

I am just looking at stats and never flown either sizes so I have no Idea. But then again what does Ian Young know(Jokes Ian)

I reckon you have the right idea if youve already got a 15mt SS. But I do ask you: Arent foils more powerful for their size? So maybe the 15.5mt is actually about the same power as a 17mt or 18mt LEI? Just a guess from me. Let me know what you think?

quote:

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Originally posted by Uber

Anybody got suggestions on what is good to get out in under 10knts. I am in Sydney trying to learn in winter(bad idea) but still very keen. Most days seem to be light winds. Any kite size,brand,board suggestions for under 10 knots? Or should I stay at work and cry?

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G'day Uber
Sub 10 knots is definately fun and worth doing. There is lots of gear that works, and also some that does'nt like the light stuff too.
How much do you weigh?

Inflatable kites I know work well in sub 10 are Best Nemesis 18 and 21M, Best Yarga 20M, Flexifoil Storm3 18.5M, North R5 20M (and R4 18 and 20 as well as R2 20), Cabrinha Contra's, Naish raven, Slingshot machine, etc.

Foils that work in light winds include the Peter Lynn 19M Venom, (I can stay upwind around 10 knots on my 16M, and a big board), Flexifoil Sabre 11.5M, Flexifoil Blade3 10.5M, Ozone Frenzy 12M, and the new bigger Flysurfers.

Rain does not worry foils or "twin skins" anymore than it affects inflatos. Obviously if you crash a water re-launcheable foil, of inflatable they both get wet, and they both feel a bit sluggish until some of the water dissipates. If you get sand on a wet foil or inflatable and then try to fly it, performance can be seriously dampened, but you can shake most of the sand off a foil.

Sub 10 knots really means you need to get a bigger board, not just a bigger kite, even a big board and a 16/17M kite will get you going in around 10 knots.
Let me know your weight I can then recommend a kite and board combo that will be ideal, or drop into the kitepower store in Sans Souci, we have a lot of demo stuff here.

Cya and

Goodwinds

Steve McCormack
www.kitepower.com.au

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Originally posted by keithbavarianswearingbear

if its <10 knots, I generally go for my lawnmower

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reckon you are right on the money here Mr. KBS Bear.
All this chat about sub 10 knots is really talking a whole different sport. (I actually think its more like a discussion of sub 12>15 knots but "sub 10kts" sounds good so i'll stick with that label.)
Real kiting starts becoming marginal at about 12kts. Then at least youve got kites that move in winds that can excite - anything less is really for those who are looking for a different dimension in kiting. Ive got my own good reasons for chasing the light wind options. For most I reckon 'yep' stick with your lawn mower till you get some real wind then dont take any prisoners - its kiting time - no. 1 exclusive activity - no exceptions entered into - then even the grass can wait (whatever type your into destroying)
Uber sounds keen but my suggestion to the average newby is forget it till youve mastered the art - to at least the first level - then start thinking bout whether youre a marginal wind desperado or just your normal average 'give-me-power' kite freak
My book says its ITS ALL GOOD every-which-way