Summer is over and Im expecting the winds to start changing. Im currently riding a 11m Cabrinha and would appreciate some advice on what size kite i should be looking for. I weight 85kg. I would be keen to stick with the Cabrinha. Thanks!!!

Hey Mate,

You are definitely right in saying that winter winds are going to start filling in, thursday/ friday looks like strong frontal south westerlies and 16 degrees! Cold but a lot of fun if you are on the right gear!

As a recommendation for a second kite, I would suggest possibly a 7 or 8, If you intend to stick to two kites. Be mindful if you do go the 7 there may be a few knot overlap that you may be a little overpowered on the 11 and a little under cooked on the 7. So 8 may be the best option.

If you believe one day you may have a three kite quiver, a 7,9 and 11 would be the ideal.

Dec

eoghanquinn1 said..
Summer is over and Im expecting the winds to start changing. Im currently riding a 11m Cabrinha and would appreciate some advice on what size kite i should be looking for. I weight 85kg. I would be keen to stick with the Cabrinha. Thanks!!!

In winter rig the kite size to match the gusts. This means that you will be underpowered at times or sit on the beach waiting for the next front but it also means that you won't be facing 40kn on your 11m because you thought you still had time before the squall hits. Pick the board to match the lulls to maximize your time on the water.

I have an 8m RPM (87kg) which I use 90% of the time in winter.

Also check out this thread: www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Kitesurfing/Newbies-Tips-Tricks/Important-winter-kiting-info/

Thanks for the tips guys! 8m it is....all I need to do now is find something within my budget!

Hi

I just finished my lessons and looking at buying first kite. Would 10m for winter winds be fine for 95kg or should i go 12?Cheers

Yanluk said..
Hi

I just finished my lessons and looking at buying first kite. Would 10m for winter winds be fine for 95kg or should i go 12?Cheers

Definately not a 12 for winter unless you are sure of the forecast, which is a big call. A ten or nine (9 will go well with a 12m later) sounds the go for a high wind kite at your weight.
Just be warned though, thats still alot of kite when some of the big winds hit (think last 24hrs) and youll find its top end soon enough.
I had a few hairy moments during gusts yesterday on a depowered 6m at 70kgs so its all relative,
STAY SAFE

Thanks for the answers. Bit different to the kite shop which was recommending 12m.

Hey eoghanquinn1 - Im 88kg and ride a SB and run a 13.5 / 11 / 8 / and 6m quiver of kites - if you have an 11m at your weight and you are on a twin tip you will hold down a bit more wind than me on the SB
So what wind are you planning on kiting in ?? I drop down from my 11 to 8 when it starts gusting over 25 knots and once its over 30 knots I know I can get going with my 6m. Im not a fan of kiting overpowered so will change down maybe earlier than others on the beach - take that into account - :-)