I was out today in 15-20 knots with an 8m Catalyst. I'm a beginner (60kg) and spent the whole time attempting waterstarts. It felt like there was never enough power to get me planing. The one time I stayed on the board, I was sining the kite really hard. And even then I sank down after about 10 seconds.

I'm suspect the problem is mostly my technique. What I want to know is whether I'd learn better with a bigger kite. Would a 10m or 12m get me planing more easily? I guess I could just wait for bigger winds, but that won't be until next season!

Joe

P.S. I have a 133x39cm board. I once tried a 145x45, but it felt very cumbersome and kept wanting to nose-dive.

8m cat for 60kg on tt should be good for say 20-30kn. 15-20 will not be enough if you are learning (IMHO).

I had a 8m and 12m cat when I was learning. This was a few seasons ago, but the design didn't change much until the release of the 2013. I was on the 12m to 20kn then I would change to the 8m (although I was at the time 75-80kg).

I have not been kiting long I'm around 74kg and I find I can do.a lot better.on a12 m than on a ten in fifteen to twenty ish notts

Technique is alot of it, but if you're underpowered all the time you will never really learn it.

I'm 75kg and have an 11m switchblade and 8m cat 2013. love the cat now (I purchased it 2nd) but if it was my 1 kite quiver I would be ready to burn it!

the difficult thing is that going anymore than 3m difference in kite size is going to leave a gap (or no crossover wind strength) where one kite is underpowered and one flagging. but having a 10m as your biggest kite in a 2 kite quiver isn't the best solution either ( even though you are light)

I ride a strapless surf board when it gets light on my 11m which gives a bit more bottom end.

Sorry about the novel

Same for me, I learned with my North Neo 9mt and 12mt. I used the 12 most of the time, even when it goes a bit over 20 knots. If it's stable over 20 I go for the 9mt. My wife attended to learn kiting with my Neo 7mt (she is 64kg) and she barely achieved a water start with 15/20 knots
I would go for a 12mt and then buy a 9mt for the strongest days.

I don't think you need a bigger kite IMO...
8m in 15-20 knots is big enough at 60kg, even when learning. Maybe it would be easier with a 10m...well
But it sure is easier when you're (over)powered. You don't need to work as much and you're lack of technique won't really shows...but it won't help you in the long run...
It's all about technique. Do more waterstarts. How you edge and position your board is really important. It's normal to dive the kite hard when waterstarting. Don't sheet the bar too much, it will choke the kite. You'll see...you'll be up and kiting in no time!
I learned with my 8 m in 15-25 knots and I never felt I needed a bigger kite...only a smaller one for >25 knots.