Hi All,
I am usually kiting alone at my beach (or dodging swimmers) and i was just wondering what percentage of ameteur riders are using 07-06 gear and how many are using 05 or much older gear. Kites especially.

Myself i have 14m X4 and a 9m 05 Yarga, (and no surplus fun vouchers to update my kit for quite some time) My board is a old faithful U/G wave-tray. Throw in my old 14m X3, (gone now) and that's all i've ever tried.

I know all the forum hype is focussed on new kites and that's totally understandable, but is it representative of what i would see at a metro beach. Are vintage kites o.k. or would i possibly get shunned[}:)] for not having me a shiny new kite?

I'd love to hear a story or two about people using gear way older than mine for a change.

And if you ever see me on a beach feel free to loan/demo me your flash new kite i'd love to try one.

a valid point. Thanks.

but i wasn't planning on buying any older gear.

any one else care to have a shot at the numbers of older kites at their local?

Also a quick poll. Who thinks i would be happier with much newer kites and boards?
If i get a big enough response i can use that as evidence with my missus. She'd want me to be happy surely!!! but be honest.

i figured as much.
cheers

quote:

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Originally posted by Macca Wollongong

i got an 02 8m sling shot fuel, with an updated bar, nothing dangerous about it, still a great lil kite, but i rahter my 11m instinct.

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The instincts a new kite yeah? i only just heard of them in last few months. ( but i been under a rock, so no offence intended)

Hi Collin
I've owned all the gear you are riding and enjoyed it at the time I owned it. Would you better off on new gear? - I think so yes but each to their own and the gear you have is good.
Going through all the stuff I've owned and tried now, I would trade up to a 11m Waroo and Cardboard to replace your gear. If money wasn't an issue maybe a 13 and 9 waroo.
A lot easier to ride, lighter bar pressure, greater wind range, easier relaunch, a board with nice flex but still planes as early as the Wavetray. It would just make your kiting more pleasurable and easier on the body. These are obviously brands I represent so there are similar options from other brands around too.
Try and get a go on some different gear and try them out yourself.
Hope this helps out Col.

The gear might be like 10% if even that of your riding. Skills are like 90% so I don't think you will get that much better riding the newest, "best" stuff. I am still riding my old 4 line Flexifoil Strike 2 kites and riding them just as good as I would newer kites..

quote:

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Originally posted by colinwill78

quote:

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Originally posted by Macca Wollongong

i got an 02 8m sling shot fuel, with an updated bar, nothing dangerous about it, still a great lil kite, but i rahter my 11m instinct.

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The instincts a new kite yeah? i only just heard of them in last few months. ( but i been under a rock, so no offence intended)

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About 6 months on the market in AU

Ah yes - a good year that one...

I've got a 6 meter bucket kite in the cellar - 2 line vintage Wipika

Whip it out on special occasions for novices looking to become more comfortable with the aspects of kiting- ie familarising the palette by 'tasting the differences' between the different grades of beach sand, understanding the difference between 'loft and jump' by trial and error, and importantly 'outstaring' the sun by keeping the kite steady at the zenith.

Not many of this vintage left - early 2000 i believe.

Then there's my 11.5 Naish AR5...But that's reserved for even more special guests....

Actually come to think of it i did see some old vintage looking gear at a beach recently. it was like a surfboard but instead of lines and a kite it had a pole and a sail. weird huh!!

(don't hate me........)

Until just last month my 2nd hand RRD type IV 5.9 (2001-ish?) was my favourite (and almost only...) kite. Now I have an 07 one that actually depowers - what a treat...

Yep the old gear is still good but needs an up to date safety release on the bar.

Still have and use a 1999 AR3.5 9m just for fun. Converted from two line to 4 line. Pulls like a tractor.

Fitzy Gold Coast OZ

Hey Guys,
I flew my S-Arcs for 4 years b4 I bought my new kites in 06 and sometime I still miss them, It really dont matter what you fly aslong as you fly safely and have fun. wish they made a bow arc, sorry really miss my arcs

Kite Friendly
Mike

BUMP!!

Came across this picture of my first attempt at a kitesurfing set-up.
www.seabreeze.com.au/gallery/gallery.asp?imageid=3637
A 3.5m delta circa 1993. I used it with a boogie board to tow in to a few waves in about 45+ (f#$% it was windy that day) knots, unstrapped of course, The kite snapped and shredded, It's a flat kite with a bridle, way ahead of it's time.

don't have it any more.


Any way it reminded me of this thread and i thought i might give it another crack.

so can anybody from one of those crowded city beaches want to have a guess, the question was;
what percentage of people are regularly using gear older 3-4 years old at your local spot.

just curious,
thanks if you can help,

and feel free to keep adding all the other stuff too.

quote:

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Originally posted by chronic

what about Sir Lawrence Hargrave {see the old $20 note}
8 single line box kites =5 minute airtime at Stanwell Park circa 1901 founder of the big air this guy

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fair chance he's not still using his kite either

is that 5min jump on youtube?

that would definatelt qualify as vintage too.

Thanks harry potter.
that's the kinda thing i was looking for.
I fully intend on perseveering with my current gear, (which isn't that old anyway)
I'm scared of tryimg a new kite, what if i really really really want one!!!