Hi Newbies,
There is always a lot of posts with newbies asking what size kite they should buy for their first or second kite, and many, would be helpful people jump in and say yeah grab a 10, or 12 and others say 8 or 9. Some are correct and some aren't. There are so many factors which determine correct kite sizing for a give scenario.
1. A larger board can make a HUGE difference to kite size.
2. A few extra kilos of body weight can make a HUGE difference to kite size.
3. The kite brand and model can make a HUGE difference to kite size.
4. Length of lines can make a HUGE difference to kite size.
5. Temperature and pressure of the wind can make a HUGE difference to kite size.
6. Altitude can make a HUGE difference to kite size.
7. Tides in river mouths or sweep in the ocean can make a HUGE difference to kite size.
8. Level of experience or riding skills can make a HUGE difference to kite size.
One, or as many as you like of these above mentioned points can throw off your selection of kite size by several meters. I know this isn't what you want to hear and it isn't my intention to muddy the waters here, but for all the best intentions of others, many suggestions are just plain wrong.
My suggestion is to ask your local instructor, or the people at the beach you ride at or will be riding at. They are riding in the same conditions as you, they can look at your board, size you up and make a suggestion based on the brands available in the local area. Most people are very friendly and are only too keen to assist you. Advice from people who don't know your local conditions can be inaccurate and misleading.
Add weight to the opinion of a local at your beach and take suggestions from well meaning people from afar with a pinch of salt. (including me)
DM
More detailed explanation of the above points if you aren't already asleep, otherwise, thanks for reading thus far.
1. A board 2cm wider and 6 cm longer can reduce the power needed from the kite by as much as 20%. The rocker curve of a board and tip can also significantly effect the
2. 10kg of body weight equates to approximately 1 square meter of kite size. ie, if an 80kg rider needs a 10m kite for 20 knots at location A, then a 60 kilo rider will need an 8m kite for the same wind conditions.
3. Some manufacturers create kites which work well with apparent wind and therefor are a bit less powerful than a kite with a deeper more powerful profile which gives "sheet and go" type power. As a newbie, a "sheet and go" type kite will be far more beneficial to get you up and riding and you will be able to run a smaller kite than the less powerful kite.
4. Longer lines eg 30m can add 1-2m difference in kite size when compared to 20m lines. The longer the lines, the greater the area in the wind window meaning your power stroke will be longer and more sustained to get you up and out of the water more easily.
5. Queensland wind, especially in the tropics can feel and look really windy, but the power of the wind due to density and temperature can make a difference of several meters over the same kite in colder climates.
6. Altitude has a similar effect to lower pressure and less dense winds such as high altitude lakes. You don't need to go that high for it to start having an effect on your kite size. This will obviously only effect a small number of riders.
7. The opposing tides or currents in river mouths or the ocean can make a huge difference. Tides can run at up to 5knots and sometimes more. This has the effect or subtracting or adding the equivalent number of 5 knots to or from your wind speed. A 10 knot breeze with 5 knot opposing current will have the effect of creating an apparent wind speed of 15 knots when opposing or just 5 knots if running with the wind. The difference in kite size is staggering.
8. A more skilled or experienced rider can use more advanced kites to greater effect than a newbie. Being able to skillfully sine and trim a kite quite dynamically, can let you get away with using a kite 2-3 metres or more, smaller than what is required by someone with less skill.
This is why it is best to befriend a local, speak to your instructor, or drop in to a local shop and get good, site specific advice from people who know what you need. Oh, and it is better to buy something that is well supported by your local shop in case you have problems and need service, parts and assistance.
Happy kiting!
DM
