What size kite for the Gorge?

mikeinhoodriver · Since 23 Apr 2009 442 Posts down wind somewhere Obsessed

This is will be my first season in the sport. Been flying a trainer, but time to move on. If I was going to choose my FIRST kite (imagine I'll have a quiver after a while), what size would you choose? I am 5'10"- 200lbs. Will primarily be used in the Gorge, but I'm sure I will be doing a Floras/Coast trip, if my progression goes as planned. Looking forward to the fun!! Laughing

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3754 Posts PDX-LA Videographer

I'd say 9m, which will get you out most of the time. Cool

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

9 or 10 start with a big board on lite days then get a smaller board for higher wind then the quiver.

mikeinhoodriver · Since 23 Apr 2009 442 Posts down wind somewhere Obsessed

pdxmonkeyboy · Mon May 11, 09 1:24 pm

I would say the 22.5m machine and a SS jarvis would probably be your best bet. If you want lots of low end, try to get a hold of a SS link.

Kodiak · Since 01 Aug 2005 1114 Posts Slidey

At 200 lbs go with an 11 if you only have one kite. This will let you get out in lighter wind with a bigger board (screw around with a skim/surfboard). It will be much nicer to get out in lighter conditions when you will be learning.

mschulz · Since 29 May 2007 530 Posts Reno, NV Addicted

I was the same weight as you when I started. I kited most days with a 9m and 12M SLE with 151 board. I was kind of puss when the wind was too stronger and didn't kite some days.

If I had it to do all over, I would have bought used kites and a smaller board, say in the 140s. You are not going to know what really works for you until you try it out.

mikeinhoodriver · Since 23 Apr 2009 442 Posts down wind somewhere Obsessed

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

a board like the ocean rodeo mako wide or an ss sx 157 to start with and a rev waroo or the likes 9-11

pdxmonkeyboy · Mon May 11, 09 3:52 pm

for what its worth I'm 190 and I'm riding a 137 by 42 crazy fly. (42 is kind of wide).

I wouldn't go any bigger than a 140.

FlyDunes · Since 09 Oct 2007 1034 Posts Aloha XTreme Poster

holly · Since 09 Jul 2006 440 Posts Hood River Obsessed

16m most of the time!!

FlyDunes · Since 09 Oct 2007 1034 Posts Aloha XTreme Poster

mikeinhoodriver · Since 23 Apr 2009 442 Posts down wind somewhere Obsessed

....now I dont know who or what to believe!?

pdxmonkeyboy · Mon May 11, 09 7:03 pm

Chooch · Mon May 11, 09 7:04 pm

I'll try to break it down for ya Mike

13m-11m used about 25% in the gorge

10m-8m used about 50% in the gorge

7m-5m used about 25% in the gorge

This is an estimate of the kite you will be on during the summer months in the gorge. Yes you will be underpowered a small % of the time when we do get the odd light wind day and yes you will be sitting on the beach when itas blowing 35-50 on those nuker days (your not missing anything as a beginner). The 9m IMHO is the best fit for your first kite if you plan to kite in the gorge most of the time

pdxmonkeyboy · Mon May 11, 09 7:10 pm

yeah. what chooch said.
9 meter and two boards is your best bet.

just buy a good 9m; like a link or a 2006 LF assault