Which kite do you use (with surfboard) ? why ?
for those that venture out - don't be completely stupid, we know cold fronts can bring some thrilling kiting but nasty squalls 40+ kn !!!

Im r-ethinking my winter kite (currently 6m rally), just gaging what others ride

factors thinking about:
bombproof build, not too heavy
can fly well wet ???? and at times, covered in sand, haha
impeccable safety system (not sure about 5 line ie rebel?)
gust/lull handling
surf kite aspects

aaah dont you love winter kiting - waves, no crowds ;)))))

take care

mf

Most would say the REO here. there are others.

I have a 5m RRD religion (5'10" north wam, 85kg). It is such a fun kite! Super fast, robust. Takes a bit of getting used to. Down wind it is good from 20-25kn and I've been out in squalls well above 30 (prob closer to 40).

Strongly recommend.

Slingshot RPM 6 with 20m lines. Amazing kite and hold it better than the rally.
I'm 68kg and I use it for downwinders from 18kn and have held it in 40+ with my twinny.

Down here is Tas I usually pull out the 6m ozone catalyst in howling winds.

Haven't had any trouble as yet. Nice a quick to whip around the window

wishy said...

Winter kiting is the best! all the punters give up and there are only maniacs flying around like aliens.

yeah!. i'm one of them. tho. last time it was a crazy day gusting gust 35knots there was 10 or so dudes roosting... whats that about? last year there would only have been 4-5.

Seems like the maniac level is increasing.

you all got it wrong

5m rebel does me. Such a wicked kite.

But if i could choose now i'd go a 6m Reo

TurtleHunter said...

head north and stay in your boardies

As much as I love the wild NW fronts that hit Perth (occasionally) during the winter you do have a bloody good point TH, do you know any jobs going for an A grade sparky up your way?

MF, reading this has got me frothing for the winter fronts , you know what kites I fly these days and probably know I love em, but I haven't really had the chance to try the top end of my 5 yet.
To tell you the truth I am on my 5 so early I am a bit worried it may be out of control in the real strong stuff..... hanging out to try though and would love to try some other kites back to back on a good solid day, maybe we could get a few crew together and have a bit of swap around.

I remember a couple of years ago I had a 5.5 Bandit DOS and a 6 Eclipse Kima and scored a day at Lano when the wind just kept on building and building until it was around the 40's but surprisingly consistent, I was able to swap kites every hour or so and it really highlighted the pro's and con's of each kite.

I have a feeling if I wasn't so happy with the kites I am on my next choice would be the 6 Reo but I have only flown the 8 so I am not really sure, also would love to try the 5 BWS.

Thats just it Underoath, we all get used to the kites we fly and think they are great but there may be another kite that suits our particular style better, you can't rely on the manufacturers spiel (even if they are trying to tell it as it is), what works for one may not work for someone else.
Back to back testing is the way to go and even then it takes a while to work out how to fly a different kite.

wishy said...

Winter kiting is the best! all the punters give up and there are only maniacs flying around like aliens.

I can't kite winter, it's cold and rainy

Slack said...

Praying for a wild winter.

Hopefully it will be everything looks good for one.
The sea is warm as and the Northern hemisphere have had a mild winter so that generally means wild storms for us.

Monkeyfish said...

TurtleHunter said...

head north and stay in your boardies

too easy dont advertise this too much ;)
to survive the gusts you soon learn some additional kiting skills, and so important to have the right kite too !!! as someone posted

now wheres huey ???

did I not mention it's mainly offshore wind

wowa. 40 knots sea brease? that would be delicious.