Wind speed rule of thumb

Youkai · Since 08 Feb 2010 553 Posts Beaverton Addicted

Is there a good rule of thumb for the wind speed you should have for a particular kite? The only thing I know at the moment is that my instructor said 25+ was too windy for lessons.

Right now I have a 7 and 11 turbo2. What speeds should I be looking for to fly them? Is there some sort of generic equation to guestimate wind speed like: 20 - kite size = wind speed needed?

Moto · Since 03 Sep 2006 2698 Posts Still a gojo pimp! Moto Mouth

If you weigh 115 pounds you will need a smaller kite. If you weigh 400 pounds you will need a monster size kite.

Youkai · Since 08 Feb 2010 553 Posts Beaverton Addicted

Haha. Fair enough. Well I weigh right around 180 so I think I'm probably good with my kite sizes. Mostly I'm just curious about when I am looking an WindOnTheWater what wind speeds should I be looking for to decide if I want to make the trek to the gorge. Or more precisely how slow is too slow of a wind speed to bother with going?

$ociopath · Since 28 Nov 2007 523 Posts Twilight Zone Addicted

Rig your 7 and use that if it's not enough go with the 11. If it too windy to go out with the 7 then maybe you shouldn't go out.

Sella · Sat May 29, 10 10:11 am

Your weight, board size and line length will dictate a lot of what type of wind you can handle but mostly your experience with time on the water will teach you the most.

There is no perfect science to wind speed and kite size so pack both your kites and think about two boards and your 7M because that combo will probably take care of you most of the time in the Gorge. If you're new...rig small and work your way up.

Gorgegezzer · Since 14 Jan 2007 67 Posts

The replies so far I think have been right on. Guessing you would be sailing at the event site and your weight, your T2 - 7, 20-25 maybe. Except that if you go out to the main channel and larger waves, there is more wind and current, so the same kite, good from the beach to the channel, could be overpowered in the channel. The wind generally varies during the day, so you can pick your time window that works for you. The 13 would be good on a day when it is lighter. I don't know that this is all accurate, just trying to give you a better idea.

dancingwind · Since 18 Jul 2007 321 Posts Obsessed

I don't think that all is kite size dependent!! Utilizing correct body positioning and proper kite placement when over/underpowered as well as board size is as important. Modern kites have so much inherent instant de-power which translates into a much wider wind range that you can make one size kite work in many various wind conditions. Experiment, don't always rely on the power/de-power strap and have fun!!

jblum · Since 13 Jul 2008 306 Posts The Gorge Obsessed

When you're starting, I think its easiest to look at what everyone else is riding! If everyone is on 10-13 rig the 11. If everyone is 5-8 go with the 7. This isn't a perfect way to go, but the Turbos have enough range and depower that you shouldn't get in too far over your head. If you're going out and have the biggest kite on the water, you're making a mistake. Simple.

Always bring both if you're kiting the even site though... it can start slow, get really windy and then drop off, so you could fly both on some days if you're motivated.