Please help! Is this gear Sauvies compatible?

beej · Since 16 Jul 2010 180 Posts Stoked

ME -
215 lbs.
Kite - 15m 5 line SLE - Liquid Force HIFI
Board - 136 x 44cm Litewave Rasta Pro

Is this setup compatible with the wind at Walton Beach?

Thanks for any input!

My apologies, but I am a noob, and previously went in another state, so not sure...

Nak · Sun Jul 18, 10 6:12 pm

You should be fine at Sauvies with that gear. You might consider adding a light wind board like a Glide or similar. Occasionally, the wind might be too strong. When you can, add a smaller kite to your quiver. For starters though, your set for average Sauvies conditions.If you see everyone else rigging 9s, or guys your size rigging 11s, don't launch that 15m!

Have fun!

Youkai · Since 08 Feb 2010 553 Posts Beaverton Addicted

I'm 175lbs soaking wet and I have a 146cm board. For the past couple months I haven't been able to ride on my 11m Turbo2 because there wasn't enough wind. In the past week it's been windy enough for me on my 11m but I sure wish I had a 14 for the lighter days.

Seems like most people ride kites > 12m unless it's a "windy" day in which case you will see people break out the 11's. You might also want a skim for the lighter days I've seen a few people make a skim work when they couldn't go otherwise.

Hopefully that helps.

pdxmonkeyboy · Sun Jul 18, 10 7:47 pm

There are two solutions... big skim board or leave work earlier and hit stevenson.

Youkai · Since 08 Feb 2010 553 Posts Beaverton Addicted

I'm surprised monkey didn't mention it and that I forgot earlier but your gear is woefully inadequate in that you are missing a crucial Sauvie staple: Beer. You're gonna get skunked at Sauvie occassionally so make sure you are prepared.

Bettyboarder · Mon Jul 19, 10 10:41 am

If you plan on kiting other places probably wouldn't get a 15m....get a 12m and a glide or surfboard. It's a better all around quiver.

You can make a glide out of plywood for like $50 it will help you learn to ride quick then you can ride the twin tip after.

pdxmonkeyboy · Mon Jul 19, 10 11:19 am

Its generally a poor policy to design your quiver around the least windy spot in the area when you live 30 minutes from the gorge...

12 and skim or screw it. (unless you can find a big old kite for mega cheap).

I have a 14m t2 that is a last ditch "man I'm gunna kite no matter what kite".

beej · Since 16 Jul 2010 180 Posts Stoked

I'm asking because I will most likely be moving down to light wind Southern Calfornia before next year, and so I figured I would get a bigger kite and just try to get some experience in at Sauvies on a bigger kite rather than hassle with buying a smaller kite, just to turn around and try to sell it and get a bigger one anyway.

Also Sauvie Island is much more convenient for me since I live on the West Side.

Thanks for all the input!

Bettyboarder · Mon Jul 19, 10 11:40 am

Yes if you are planning on moving to S. Cali that's proably a ok kite.

pdxmonkeyboy · Mon Jul 19, 10 12:06 pm

the freak dog kite is supposed to be a light wind aninamal as well.

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

There's a dude selling a 14m contra 2008 for like $350 in the classified. That would be a sweet kite with some more wind range.

As for Sauvie - I generally ride a 13M rev - which has a little less power than that 15 Hi-Fi. It should be OK - not great, not bad.

beej · Since 16 Jul 2010 180 Posts Stoked

How often would the wind exceed the range of the 14m Contra on the island for a 215lb guy? Will this work most of the time for Sauvies?

I only have the cash for one kite right now, and will most likely purchase a couple more if I end up staying and not going to CA.

Thanks for your help guys!

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

beej · Since 16 Jul 2010 180 Posts Stoked

Thanks for all your advice guys! I ended up going with the 2009 Liquid Force HIFI that was very gently used, and the 2009 WLF. I'm pretty happy with the setup... Looking forward to getting out there. I am a noob, so if you see a big dumb animal with only 10 hours of supervised flying time under his belt, please have pity on me and help me if I'm doing something stupid!

Thanks!

Youkai · Since 08 Feb 2010 553 Posts Beaverton Addicted

Good times. I just started this year but I'm pretty much king of the island at this point so I'm sure I'll see you out there. I'm the guy flying a 11m turbo2 in a 5mil wetsuit and a helmet. I'm out there just about any day it's windy enough to kite (and some that aren't). If you see me out there say hi, I'll get you squared away.