Hi Guys,

Just wanted to share my experience of my first overpowered kiting session, I am 102kgs and had up a 12m Switch blade, wind was 20-25knt when I started (perfect) and then 25-30knts most of the time after (to much for me at this stage). Firstly I did crap myself a bit at the start, but then just remembered all the tips I have been reading, I put them into action and then I was more in control and enjoying it.
While I will not go out in 30knots again for some time on purpose, its good to know if I do find myself in these conditions I can still get back to the beach ok.

1.Depower the kite fully, I found that I needed to stop (kite at 12) and really pull the depower line as when it was loaded up I wasn't able to get max depower and every little bit helps. Also re tightening my harness made big difference as it brought the bar a bit close (3inch) but this allowed more depower reach, while keeping weight out.

2. Edge hard, if I found the kite loading up to much, I let out the bar full depower and lean back hard on back foot and only once I was almost sinking in the water the kite would come around to the edge of the window (depower) and I then pulled a bit back on the bar and got back in control and comfortable kiting upwind. Keep speed low, as once you get too much speed its hard to keep the hard edge and control.

3. Know your ability, I am new and not trying to be a hero. So I didn't attempt huge jumps or crazy bursts of speed. ( I had fun, but want to keep safe)

4. Hard part I found was actually going down wind, (without just sinking and drifting) I waited for lulls, put the kite up to or close to 12 and then stopped edging and steered down wind little bits at a time making sure I didn't go too fast, or just sink. This was fun once I got more comfortable with it.

5. getting back to the beach, I was a little concerned about this, but I just made sure I approached slowly coming upwind with the kite already close to the edge of the wind window and once I got close enough to stand up I just parked the kite at the edge and called out for a guy on the beach to help land the kite. (don't think I would have liked having to try a self land in those conditions)

Hope this helps some other newbies and I am interested in other people tips on strong wind.
Main thing at the moment I am find difficult and leaving back enough, I have a seat harness and I find as I lean back more I have less bar reach to depower and then I need to bend inwards to depower but as I do obviously I have less weight leaning out over the board! Any tips? I am thinking of a waist harness for this reason, but I like the seat harness for now as I have the kite at 12 a lot I don't have a problem with the harness sliding up on me.

Cheers
Tav

Tav said..


5. getting back to the beach, I was a little concerned about this, but I just made sure I approached slowly coming upwind with the kite already close to the edge of the wind window and once I got close enough to stand up I just parked the kite at the edge and called out for a guy on the beach to help land the kite. (don't think I would have liked having to try a self land in those conditions)

Hi Tav,

If there is no one around for landing, just stay a little off the beach if it's cross shore and pull the safety and walk your centre line. If the wind is on shore, then stand 30 metres out and do the same. A wet kite is better than a broken kite or body and it is good to regularly test your safety.

I was hot launched by someone I thought was competent to safely launch my 14m kite. I didnt give any launch signal. Much to quick to eject. Laying on sand very saw arm. Considering using a peg in the sand and allways launch myself from now on. Must control the situations but g it happened quick.

djt91184 said..
I was hot launched by someone I thought was competent to safely launch my 14m kite. I didnt give any launch signal. Much to quick to eject. Laying on sand very saw arm. Considering using a peg in the sand and allways launch myself from now on. Must control the situations but g it happened quick.

Yep. If you haven't been launched by that person before. Tell them not to let go until you give them the thumbs up. Regardless of how skilled they are.

manlykiter said..
Were you at Dolls point by any chance Tav?

I was just down a bit from Brighton-le sands botany second car park I think it was. there was about 15-20 kites out when I first got there and about 5 left when I was leaving