second kite
Sat, 10/02/2010 - 17:14
Hi all;
The question is: is there a real need for a second kite? Or should I just suck it up and practice more? 
Now for the background to explain my situation:
I'm a beginner; just took (water) lesson this spring. I practiced a bit, and I can consistently get on the board and ride. My plan for this fall is to ride as much as I can, working on upwind and changing directions without dropping into water.
I have a 2007 11m Fuel that I really like. I got it two years ago when I first took trainer kite lessons and was gearing to start kiting, but then it took me two years
to settle and continue taking lessons.
Now I practiced a few times in Waquoit Bay, where I also had lessons. I like my Fuel, it is really easy to fly and relaunch. However, as I cannot stay upwind, walking back with it can be tiring if the wind is strong, as the kite has significant pull even with 5th line trimmed in. I usually fly it very low above water even touching it sometimes to make it easier.
If you advise getting a second kite, what size/type would it be? (Considering the weather here in Boston and the kite I already have.)
Finally: is there some kind of "knowledge base" for what kite works with what bar? I happen to have two bars so even if I get another kite I'd like to avoid stockpiling more bars.
Thanks for advices and help,
rasha
Sat, 10/02/2010 - 18:33
#1
It's just a question of how
It's just a question of how wide a wind range you want to be able to kite in.
Around here an 11 or 12 is the most used kite. When you start going out in stronger winds, like over 25 MPH, you will probably want a 9 (or 8 ). For Summer winds it used to be common to have a light wind kite, maybe a 15 or larger, but now some guys don't bother because the big kites are usually slower to turn and less fun.
My quiver-15,12,10,7. I can go out in winds 8-40 MPH. I also have several boards to cover different water conditions and wind strengths.
Sat, 10/02/2010 - 19:28
#2
You don't really *need* a
You don't really *need* a second kite, but you might miss a few epic sessions in fall. You probably can hold down a 11m till 25mph or so I would say.
In your case I would recommend a 8m (or 7m) kite.
Sat, 10/02/2010 - 19:34
#3
second Flo comments
2nd kite should be a small one for high wind. I would say a 7 meter. 3rd kite should be a monster (15 - 17) for light wind.
I don't know what kind of board you have but it might be worth using a door type board (145 to 160 cm). They make getting up wind a whole bunch easier than the typical 130 - 135 cm board that the varsity uses when fully powered up.
Sat, 10/02/2010 - 22:34
#5
To contrast...
Maybe a smaller board would help you going up wind if you are that overpowered walking up the beach.
That 11m should be your #1 kite. If you are comfortable with your board, get a smaller kite.
On average, how windy has it been when you are having problems going upwind??
Wed, 10/06/2010 - 14:07
#6
To be honest: I haven't
To be honest: I haven't practiced going upwind almost at all ... I tried once or twice, but spent much more time getting comfortable relaunching and getting onto the board ... but yeah: mostly launching as I'm always imagining I'll drop the kite somewhere far and won't be able to fly it again ... now I'm comfortable with it ...
I guess I'll have to start trying to learn upwind riding.
I'm not sure I'll be getting a second kite just yet, but
any hints on the bar/kite mixing? Anyone?
Thanks for advices!
Wed, 10/06/2010 - 14:17
#7
Mixing Bars and Kites
Mixing bars can work depending on the setup of each kite. Of the bar you have flys on equal line lengths when fully powered then you need to find a kite that fly's on equal line lenghts (most modern kites fly on equal lines)
Wed, 10/06/2010 - 14:37
#8
Could be a bit of a science project
You can do some mixing and matching but it may require modification of the lines and bar you have to work with another kite. My guess is taking what you have, a c kite set up with a 5th line and making it work for a 4 line kite or another c kite with most probably a different length 5th line will be a bit of a science project.
In terms of mixing among 4 line kites you can get lucky and have to make no modifications at all if:
1) they follow the convention that all 4 lines are the same length when the kite is fully powered ( i.e. trim to max length, bar all the way to chicken loop).
2) they have the same kook proof convention (i.e inner front lines have loops, outer / back lines have knots)
3) they share the same flag out system ( i.e. the kite flags out to one of the front lines).
1 & 2 are easy to handle with pig tails, with 3 you could be playing with fire. If you deploy the safety system and you got your modifications wrong things could end badly for you.
I have a 148cm board.
I'm ~170lbs.