Hi all, Im getting lessons on Tuesday its my understanding that a 12m bow kite is only suitable for winds from say 10 knots to 15 knots but this instructor is telling me i need winds like 20 knots because i need the power.

Any thought on this would be great.

cheers

James.

Trust your instructor. I'm new. Yes it's terrifying and you assume that less wind means less scary, but the kite just doesn't do what it's supposed to when the wind is too light. Before you know it you'll be praying for 20kts. Enjoy!!

I found it easier to learn to get up on the board in slightly stronger winds as you don't have to worry as much about flying the kite. You will over think things but ultimately you just need to lay down the required motor patterns to be up and riding. Ideally you want nice steady wind, flattish water, lots of room, plenty of patience, and the ability to laugh at yourself (as you will fall over lots). We've all been there. Hopefully the wind will hold out for a few more weeks so you can get some sessions in once you complete your lessons. I started around this time last year and had a long frustrating wait all winter but am now pretty happy with my progression. If you can get out once or twice a week over the summer, you should have the basics down.

i thought ppl would kite all year round as there is wind all year round. is it just a temperature thing and its too cold or is it more about rain and gusty wind patterns

junglejim1971 said..
i thought ppl would kite all year round as there is wind all year round. is it just a temperature thing and its too cold or is it more about rain and gusty wind patterns

Assuming you're from Melbourne. Temperature is not a problem if you're stoked enough. In winter you don't get consistent seabreezes from S like in summer. The prevalent wind direction in winter is N. N works well in Rosebud in Winter but is super gusty in say Brighton and potentially dangerous because Xoff.
Sometimes you get S to W winds in Winter but those are frontal winds which can quickly change in strength and direction (20kn increasing to 40kn in minutes) and are potentially dangerous as well. Not saying you shouldn't go out but make sure you understand the risks before you do.

Read this please:
www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Kitesurfing/Newbies-Tips-Tricks/Important-winter-kiting-info/