kitesurfin' travel question

kyle.vh · Since 11 Jul 2007 713 Posts city of angels Addicted

So, I'm traveling to Japan with a friend next week. we'll be chilling at the coast for a week. we've got access to some longboards to surf with. also, there's a 5'10" for me to potentially kite with. i've ridden strapless for a while now, but on a smaller board.
basically I'm wondering: what would be a good all-around kite to bring? (I have a 7,9,and 11). i was thinking of only bringing one or two kites if i can, and not flying with a board for simplicity. I'm not sure how much to scale down my kite size for a 5.10 surfboard. I weigh 150lbs.
Any other kiting/travling advice? I won't be near any kiteboard shops. I'm thinking of bringing extra bar+lines, and an extra pump.
Thanks!
i don't know anything about the wind there, unfortunately. not many kiters there, apparently.

tstansbury · Since 06 Jun 2006 649 Posts Rowena and P.C Addicted

If their are not many kites or windsurfers I would assume their is very little wind. I would go with the 11 you should be able to get out in very light wind.

kyle.vh · Since 11 Jul 2007 713 Posts city of angels Addicted

its just a very rural fishing area, not a lot of surfers either, but good surfing. its an exposed point on the pacific, so i bet there'll be some wind, but, we'll see.
thanks for the advice, man. I guess i thought I might be able to get away with my 9m, i feel like i've seen Gman out in super light winds on a 7m and skim...
Gman: what would you bring? i feel like we're the same weight.

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

I bought a 6'2" byrne surfboard off craigslist and it works awesome for Florida surf when I visit (normally ride a 5'5" SRT but the bigger board is fun too) - it is more delicate than a kitesurf specific board so you can rip chunks out of it if you wipe out hard and nail it with your harness hook (this happens) and pressure dings if you get crazy with the strapless airs.

Bring all your kites if you can... (unless it is the dead season and any wind is rare then just bring one)

on our last trip to Mexico brought my 7,9,11 and the kite I would have used half the trip was my 5m (the history was less than 1% that the wind got 25-30+) but thats what it blowed

You can size down a kite on bigger board - but I'll ride the 11m and big surfboard in 10 to 15, 9m 10 to 20, 7m 18 to 25, 5m 25+ - more fun not to be too overpowered strapless but you can get more at the low end working the kite and hang on for dear life a bit easier at the high end on a surfboard than skim...

tstansbury · Since 06 Jun 2006 649 Posts Rowena and P.C Addicted

If their is going to be wind I would bring at least 7 11 if you don't bring the bags and vacumbag them down they don't take up much space.

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

and then carry on the 9m (this could be the sweet spot) Laughing

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

PM Kaito - he might have some idea - one of the the strapless alliance

http://www.losethestraps.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=142

chanson · Since 31 Jan 2006 1874 Posts WISCONSIN Chimey

cool, a post I can post in w/o all the dog pooh Wink

I have a 5'10" surf that I can ride at sauvies with a 10m or 11mSLE when its really light(that's the biggest kite I've had for 2 years).. just need to be creative with your powerstroke and foot position like G said..
AND, I weigh more than you I'm sure(beer, beer, beer)

I woudl say bring an extra set of short lines(17m-ish) and go with the 9m adn 11m.... you are on waroos right..?
I am a firm believer that if there is wind(over 10mph), you can probably plane on just about any kite... but you won't stay up wind, or get out past an epic break... you're riding on a point the whole time right..?
that's why I'd go bigger kites and an extra set of shorter lines.. you want to have the extra power IMO

with the 9/11m you woudl be covered in light wind....and then put the shorties on the 9m and lettr' RIP! you'll be good to go..

l

DOPEFLY · Since 13 Oct 2007 97 Posts Maui

11, 11, 11. Its funner to ride when its cranking than to slug along and wear your arms out. I have never been convinced that Japan has average high winds. Infact, there is data that shows wind in Japan being on average, 50% ridable 50% of the year. What is that, 3 months tops. Your chances of being there a week and riding - 50%. Since the winds are on average low - 11m. Good Luck!

kyle.vh · Since 11 Jul 2007 713 Posts city of angels Addicted

thanks for all the advice! 9/11m combo could be perfect. (yup, waroos)
good idea about just adjusting line length. that's a good way to travel light.
i've never ridden a bow kite bigger than 11m...

Nak · Wed May 20, 09 4:32 pm

Where in Japan? It can be VERY windy in places...

kyle.vh · Since 11 Jul 2007 713 Posts city of angels Addicted

I forgot you're there often.
its in Shimoda, Japan. i'm hoping for wind! Very Happy

Nak · Wed May 20, 09 7:50 pm

Haven't been there, but flown over it a lot. It can be VERY windy there. Seen massive whitecapping in the Spring & Summer there. Could be light, could be 30 - 35 knots... I'd say there might be some good spots. Bring all of your kites. Also, get an international driver's license before you go. Can't drive without one. AAA is the official US outlet for them.