Kite size advice

Vaughn · Since 29 Dec 2008 6 Posts Kook

I'm planning a trip to a kite camp in the spring (currently thinking OBX in late April since airfares are $250 RT). I've never kited but have the trainer kite wired, some surfing ability, and 20 years of polesurfing in the Gorge and north Oregon coast. I'm thinking about how to get the most for my money between lessons, rental equipment, and purchase of gear.

I decided to get into string surfing after one too many days of sitting on the beach at Manzie or Astoria when my 5.8 was too small for my 200 lbs to windsurf on. It was tearing me up watching you guys do the downwinders. I know that I am not going to start off in the surf, but I hope to get there without changing my gear too many times. So the question I have is, what gear recommendations (especially kite size) for a guy my size in the 15-20 mph wind range.

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

Hey, welcome to the forum.

Kite size is important and you are definately ahead of some people who start and get any size and try and make it work. Also consider board size - the larger the board the more float you have the smaller your kite can be (to an extent) - the opposite it true, the smaller boards allow you to handle more power - you sink further into the water.

Size of kites depend a lot on the type of kite - many, many types of kites out there. C kites, bow kites, and hybrids are the three main types. C Kites are going to run bigger - so like a 13M C kite is equivalent to an 11M bow kite - rough estimates of course. Hybrids - are more along the lines of bow kites - depends on the brand.

More specifically, I am 190 pounds and I ride a 16M vegas out at Sauvies with a 137 CM board. The vegas is a C kite - has a lot of stability - and OK depower slash wind range. But when Sauvie's picks up - say post like 15 or 16 I will switch over to an 11m bow kite - I feel under powered but I have a 145 cm board and I can make it work just fine.

I would say you would be fine on an 11m bow maybe a 12m bow maybe even a 13m bow kite. I know as soon as I say a 13M bow kite someone is going to jump in and tell me how wrong I am - opinions vary and there are many different riding styles. But as far as specific kites go - I know monkeyboy has a 2006 12M x-bow that he is selling for pretty cheap (x-bows are bow kites) - that may be a good set up.

alien · Since 01 Aug 2006 114 Posts Portland Stoked

I'll second Terremoto's advice-- I am about 205 lbs. and with a medium- to larger-sized board a 12m bow is probably what I'd put up in 15-20 mph. If you're thinking you are going to be riding more of a surf-style board a lot at the coast then you might want a smaller kite since you'll get more float out of the board.

Pete · Since 29 Oct 2007 843 Posts Opinionated

I'm 185, and if it was 15-20mph, I'd put up my 14M and my Fuse. But that's just me. I suck.

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

Pete · Since 29 Oct 2007 843 Posts Opinionated

14M Contra, Fuse is a 2008, which is a 152.

pdxmonkeyboy · Mon Dec 29, 08 3:59 pm

Pete · Since 29 Oct 2007 843 Posts Opinionated

Monkeyman, you talking 20knots? Then, yeah, I'd ditch the 14M too. But, at 15-20mph, to be powered up, I'd want the 14. 15-20 knots, and I'd probably be on my 12M Switchblade.

But like I said, I suck, so there!

Windian · Since 28 Apr 2008 901 Posts Newport, OR NEWPORT OG

15 to 20 mph translates out to 12 to 17 knots which by most West Coast standards is not very windy, or not windy enough unless you have some major fabric area up in the sky. I fly a 15m Rev in anything under 18 to 20 knots because I like the extra power to go upwind and not be struggling with whipping the kite around for some juice. Go big or end up downwind!!!

Very Happy

Reaper356 · Since 10 Dec 2006 781 Posts Salem / LC Oregon Opinionated

I'm 190 - 200 ... on a 131 LF Recoil.
18 - 30 mph is 9m.
11 - 17 mph is 13m.

Remember things happen lots faster when you're lit. Wink

Blue · Since 03 Jul 2007 469 Posts I used to be Obsessed

I started kiteboarding this year, so my experience is quite limited, but this is my take for what it is worth. I am about 200lb, and for 15 to 20 mph wind 12m would be my prime choice. However, you get wind of 15 to 20 mph at Jones in the spring. Other times and locations around PDX this kind of wind is just wishful thinking. I used my 9m the most this year. For me 9m works from around 18 mph to whatever I think I can handle. The other size I used often was 14m, mostly at SI. I like the way my 12m flies the best, yet it stayed in the bag most of the times. As others already said, a mix of boards extends the range.

Try to get by with lessons/rentals at OBX, and make your buying decision based on the conditions you are going to face while practicing and riding around your home base.

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

Sella · Tue Dec 30, 08 8:04 am

Vaughn, nice to see another cross-over join the familia.

You'll learn a lot in the OBX.....but if you ride the Gorge with your size contemplate a 2 kite quiver of hybrid/bows to handle the gusts.

For the cost of one new 09 kite you can buy 2 used 08's complete. A 9m and 13m should be money for any wind on the river or coast but it's always a personal choice you need to be comfortable with so hit the Spring demo days and fly them all.

Also, Monkeyboys used 07 149 cm Fuse with upgraded pads in the classified section for $300 is a great starter / transitional board to get you into the waves or back to the Sandbar when the wind dies. I have an 07 and it's a blast.

Overall......$2k = 2 kites, board and harness and you're riding all year and not worried about destroying or losing brand new shit as your skills improve.

Good luck. Ride safe.

pdxmonkeyboy · Tue Dec 30, 08 9:35 am

Bettyboarder · Tue Dec 30, 08 10:02 am

Best way to save money is to spend alot of time flying the trainer (so you can skip that part of the lesson). Geek out on videos then you will know what to expect during your lessons which will speed up the process.

Dont buy anything until you finish your lessons. Beat up their gear then buy some used stuff when you get back.

FlyDunes · Since 09 Oct 2007 1034 Posts Aloha XTreme Poster

Or you can just buy a full quiver and a selection of boards. Then you will find yourself pumping up a different size kite or grabbing a different board every time the wind changes by 5mph because you've become jaded and you don't like to use the depower strap if you don't have to because it messes with the performance a little...

Plus your arms, back and legs get a better work out from all the extra pumping up you do Smile

On the down side you're always pissed because if you leave just one damn kite at home coz you've called the wind wrong, then that's the size kite you'll want for sure. You can almost count on it. And you never learn how to handle less than perfect wind conditions for whatever size kite you are flying.

Works for me.

alleycat · Since 29 Jun 2006 176 Posts Portland Stoked

Hey pdxonkeyboy what size surf fins did you put on your fuse, where did you get them and do you feel that the fins make an significant improvment? I would like to customize my fuse for the Cabarete surf break. I will be in Cabarete DR for the entire Month of March....

Sorry about hijacking this post by the way...