Hey Dave,

Where are you riding, and what are the winds like there (speed, gusty??) and what type of boards have you used so far or do you want to use?? Do you like flat water or chop??

D

About 2-4 square metres of sail more than the average sized people on the water the same day.

GreenPat said...

About 2-4 square metres of sail more than the average sized people on the water the same day.

thanks for that, from my limited experience that was the kind of difference I was imagining.

Dave,

I only started kiting towards the end of 2007 and was in the same boat as you after taking lessons wondering what size gear to get. The debates are long winded and endless on this forum thats for sure.

I am in the 90-95kg range and decided on a 2007 13m Best Waroo. I got myself a slightly larger board (151 x 42cm) and this combo works well for me so far in 12-22kts. I need a constant 15kts to stay upwind, but can get up and going in about 12-13kts. That size board is not too good above about 22kts cause its hard to keep an edge (for me anyway), but when your learning you maybe shouldn't be out in more than 20kts anyway.

For me, (and this is my personal opinion only), I would go a 13 or 14m kite, and a board similar size to mine. A board this size is great to learn on, and will become your light wind board down the track and ensure you progress quickly. Get the board second hand, and once your all squared away with the basics and looking to tackle the stronger winds, pick up another smaller board second hand - its cheaper than another kite ! But the debates on this are endless if you search the forums.

Good luck with it all.

but you'll only be able to hold it in less than 20.

If you want to ride from 13/14kt right up to 25kt (30 on the gust), get yourself a good 13m bow kite. i used an '07 13m waroo. The upper range is massively over powered but i can still handle it on a 13m. for a board id recommend something a little bite wider (but not huge) than average I still use my 07 Nobile 666 132x41 (I dont bother going out on this in less than 14kt, its doable but not real fun). I also have a 666ext 141x48 but it sits in the car most of the time, unless its about 10-14 and im desperate for a ride.

Whatever you do, dont go oversizing things too much. I made that mistake and replaced all my beginner gear within 2 months.

BTW i sold my 13m waroo and got an F-one bandit 13m. Wicked kite. I'm 110kg.

skiddz said...

you should be right on a 16m Rhino 08, with a light wind board. Maybe with a 152 underground FLX, or a nice wide board like the Nobile 666 EXT or that huge ugly version of the Naish Haze. That will get you going upwind in roughly 10 knots.

I'm 103kg and use 14 and 10 meter kites and mainly a 136 board but I've also have a surfboard and my original 142 that i got when i first got into the sport for light wind days.

I have found a new solution to just about all winds that are worth riding in .i can use a bigger kite in the waves when it is lighter or more onshore but i couldn't be bothered .
11 m waroo with 27 m lines and 138 x 42 cardboard TT and Nobile 666 135 x 41 for the 15-20 kt range and 20 m lines when it cranking around 30.I've used one of my customers cardboard 139 x 46 and got even more bottom end

Line length and board selection is giving me a huge range with one kite and a smaller kite that turns fast and is fun in all conditions

Hey SD,
Don't go a big kite like a 16, they suck!
I am 105kg and ride 12m and 9m Cab revolvers with a 6ft Rocket Fish. I am out as early as anyone else around here. Suprisingly, even this season I am on my 9 most of the time. Last season I was riding 9 and 12 XBOWs which have considerably more power but feel like bigger kites.

I carry a 14m contra with me just incase I am desperate but I have never had to pull it out this season

I'm just over 100Kg and have a 12m cabrinha omega and a 148cm cabrinha board. I find it tough under 11Kn, and totally awesome around 15Kn.

One of the dudes at SHQ assured me after repeated questioning about this that a 12m kite would be all I'd need for a beginner.

So far it has been excellent. A 14 would certainly be great when there are only a few small whitecaps out there.

Have fun!