Depower

jahmbi · Mon Dec 31, 12 2:20 am

WHAT THE HELL Twisted Evil

OF ALL THINGS YOU COULD SAY IS [ TROLL Twisted Evil

I LIKE THE PICTS],,.....WTF

windtzu1 · Since 02 Aug 2012 25 Posts

Melokitegirl and specialized gear for the ladies...this was a common complaint in windsurfing as well. I'm sure the challenge is the cost of manufacturing gear specifically for women. There probably aren't enough girls kiting to make the numbers work. The majority of the gear has a macho image which most guys prefer, but doesn't exactly attract women into the sport.

Perhaps the mfg's, might consider marketing campaigns to attract women. Cabrinha is doing this with the Siren, but other than aesthetics and a line extension, it's still the same Switchblade. And, unless I'm mistaken it has same longer depower throw.

Slight digression > I remember my first experience as a newbie being out in 25-30 mph + winds for the first time on a 7m. I thought, "Wow, once you have the basic skills down even my seventy-five year old dad could do this" - sans the acrobatics, etc.)

There's a broad age market that isn't being explored with kiting > Melokitegirl nailed it with forty year old women (and men) and older. Currently the bulk of the marketing in kiting targets the younger 20 to 30 something age range. I'm a twenty plus year veteran windsurfing, who's discovered something that actually equals and exceeds the stoke I experienced with windsurfing. And, kiting is actually easier on the body, at least in cruise mode than windsurfing. I'm an exceptionally fit fifty year old that plans on kiting for the next 40 plus years. It's likely I'm not alone in demographic.

BTW, Mel you're also right about not teaching your significant other. I used to teach my girlfriend(s) to windsurf = bad idea and it never helped our relationship Wink

Teach kiting? = even worse.

Pete · Since 29 Oct 2007 843 Posts Opinionated

If you need to depower your kite, it's time to rig smaller! I never depower my kites. I just come in and rig a smaller kite. Isn't that a much easier solution! Surprised

Weaz · Since 23 May 2012 360 Posts Beaverton Obsessed

Some can't afford a 4, 5, 6, 7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,16,21 quiver

windtzu1 · Since 02 Aug 2012 25 Posts

Pete I agree. It's always better to have an ideal kite for the conditions, but what about the times it's gusty?...or it's the end of the day and or you a time limit on the water. You work with the kite you have. Weaz has a point, some can't invest in more than a kite or two, so you have to stretch the kite's range as much as possible.

Sella · Mon Dec 31, 12 1:34 pm

its_kite:30 · Since 29 May 2009 108 Posts White Salmon/ Beaverton Stoked

windtzu1 · Since 02 Aug 2012 25 Posts

Sella, I'm a first year kiter and learning something new (and from the suggestions in the forums) each time a go out on the water. From what I've experienced so far, too much depower has the kite flying funky and from an aerodynamic standpoint I understand why. I agree with you guys, it's best to re-rig another kite if necessary or just adjust how you fly the kite.

My point was focused on the length of depower throw on the bar and some kites are shorter than others. Having shorter arms, some kites work better for me than others > Cab SB's albeit nice, have a further reach to achieve depower than on my new kites. Unless I absolutely want and need the other virtues of the SB, why not fly something that works better for me?

BTW, is it necessary address people: "take note kooks"? Being relatively new to the sport I'm ignorant of many things and learning all the time. This doesn't make me or anyone else a kook, any more than being disrespectful makes you an authority.

I disagree with your notion of female specific marketing being a "crock of shit". When the windsurfing industry finally focused on female specific gear and promotions it did draw more female's into the sport > narrow grip booms were but one example.

I too know woman who ride "man gear" just fine, and I listen to girls talk all the time about how they'd prefer women specific gear. Thinking in terms of market niche's, it's an opportunity to expand the base and at least draw in people like my girlfriend, who is turned off by the extreme and macho image currently portrayed by kiteboarding. That is her perception and not mine.

Personally it doesn't make a difference to me. I think kiting is still growing and doesn't necessarily need more bodies on the water, but it would be nice to see more women out there enjoying this wonderful sport. It would help the industry grow as well.

Sella · Tue Jan 01, 13 4:29 pm

jahmbi · Tue Jan 01, 13 5:01 pm

SICK EM SELLA Exclamation

TROLL

melokitegirl · Since 28 Oct 2008 396 Posts Where the wind blows Obsessed

I'm liking all the input... Gonna address some things.

Pink doesn't make it womens specific to me. Pretty colors are insulting. A real change in design is something everyone can benefit from. An example...back in my waterski days, the ski handles were really awful. Too thick and tractor grip. I went to Straightline and asked them to make a thinner squishy bar. They did and it became a big seller to MEN and women.

Yes, my elbows are a disaster and I missed most of the summer Gorge season. I was bummin. But: I never have had a good experience depowering on the fly...Ever. As far as changing kites. When you are doing a downwinder on waves, changing kites is out of the question. Plus, I've talked to a few guys and they also have depower issues.

Pete · Since 29 Oct 2007 843 Posts Opinionated