For your first few seasons as a beginner and just for StK in the Summer and Rosie in the winter - 11m and 8m.

thanks for the feedback..

I've actually got an 11m Switchblade and am undecided about the smaller kite..

Possibly an 8m Switchblade or 7m Drifter for the smaller kite?

RosieKB said...


Possibly an 8m Switchblade or 7m Drifter for the smaller kite?

Drifter has less power than a switchblade?
so don't you mean 9m drifter?
I'm 72kg and 8/11 switchblade combo is good for me.

theWILFRED said..

Since you already have a switchblade, i would say stick with the same kite possibly a 7m. this beats having to get used to a different system, bar pressure, etc. SB's have a great wind range so this should cover you for above 30knots.

My first setup was 11/7 and I found I never got out on the 7 until I got a lot better, and now it's pretty much my go-to kite, hence suggesting an 8 over a 7. In truth it probably won't make a huge difference as a beginner and for your first few years.

8 SB to go with your 11m SB

A weak Melbourne summer seabreeze - 11m (14 to 19 knots)

Strong Melbourne summer seabreeze - 8m (17 to 23 knots)

You will got a lot of use out of this combo over a Melbourne summer.


The 8 m will be pretty handy for Rosebud Northerlies as well, come winter. At that time I would consider a second board.

Thanks for all the advice!
It can be hard when you're just looking at graphs knowing which way to go..

I think ill go the 8 to get started .. The second board is definitely on the cards too!

Coming from surfing I'm super keen to try strapped/ un-strapped kiting. It surely maximizes those low wind days aswell as looking fun!

RosieKB said...
thanks for the feedback..

I've actually got an 11m Switchblade and am undecided about the smaller kite..

Possibly an 8m Switchblade or 7m Drifter for the smaller kite?

Definitely go 7m sb. No point in changing styles of kites and the 7m has a massive range

I think all of the advice above is good and valid.

I personally have a theory that the 12m/9m solution offers too little overlap for Melbourne Metro area, so I purchased a 10m at the start of winter. Thus far over winter (out once a week, roughly):

12m (rebel) - 45%
10m (vegas) - 50%
9m (rebel) - 5%

Obviously the percentages are very rough... but my point being I feel my 10m was a good investment. Previously when I only had a 9m and a 12m I felt I was always wishing I'd chosen the other kite. This is probably as much a reflection of my lack of skills/confidence (first season kiter) than anything else.

I'm 80kg on a 136cm TT.

We'll see how this season pans out as to whether it was truly an inspired decision.

SaltySinus said..

I think all of the advice above is good and valid.

I personally have a theory that the 12m/9m solution offers too little overlap for Melbourne Metro area, so I purchased a 10m at the start of winter. Thus far over winter (out once a week, roughly):

12m (rebel) - 45%
10m (vegas) - 50%
9m (rebel) - 5%

Obviously the percentages are very rough... but my point being I feel my 10m was a good investment. Previously when I only had a 9m and a 12m I felt I was always wishing I'd chosen the other kite. This is probably as much a reflection of my lack of skills/confidence (first season kiter) than anything else.

I'm 80kg on a 136cm TT.

We'll see how this season pans out as to whether it was truly an inspired decision.

Never had hassles with a 3m gap. 4m can be a bit large but my quiver has always been 13/10/7 and more recently 10/7 and I haven't had issues with the gap. I do have two boards so that helps when the wind dies but its not mandatory.

Thanks for the advice..

I ended up with an 8m SB as a smaller kite and an 11m SB for the larger..

Yet to have ago of the smaller one but the forecast for this week is looking good!

Tried out the new 8 meter today at rosebud.. Had an awesome time!! After smashing it into the water a few times to start.. Slowly got the hang of having a really touchy kite..