Newb kite line length question for nukin wind days

hiker1 · Since 01 Jul 2007 125 Posts Portland Stoked

Started kiting last July and have a question about line length. Over the BIG winds Memorial Day WE I was hearing some folks were adjusting down to 20 - 22 meter lines. I was seeing lots of 7-6M kites on the water.

My 08 Waroos came with lines 22m + 3m (extensions). I also remember hearing someplace that 3m of line length = 1 meter of kite size. Given a choice would you rather ride a 9M with 25m lines or a 10m with 22m lines?

At first glace, I figured given my newb skill level, it would be better to use shorter lines and a bigger kite (so I can stay the heck outta other folks way easier at the crowded sand bar). Tho I was advised that the shorter lines = faster turning and less range/power as it lowers the wind window. Now I'm back to 25m.

On nukin days, do you routinely ride with shorter lines? What determines your choice?

Thanks y'all in advance for the damn good kite wisdom! Very Happy

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1692 Posts XTreme Poster

Be careful when you shorten your lines. Your kite is still just a powerful, but you have reduced the wind window, or the length of your power stroke.

Some guys will actually run longer lines on light wind days. They do this in San Diego as the wind is very light.

When you shorten your lines your kite is still the same size and if you make a mistake it will still kick your ass.

Get a smaller kite to fit the conditions! Shorter lines limit the power available to the kite, but if you screw up your still flying a size whatever kite.

Get more kites.

pdxmonkeyboy · Tue Jun 02, 09 10:09 am

despite the cautionary tail above, shorting your lines can be VERY helpful when its really windy. The kite is more controlled and there is less power generated due to shorter power strokes. The kite will be a little faster as well. The biggest advantage is that the kite doesn't luff and power back up as well. Meaning its less resistant to gusts.

How short will depend on what type of kite your flying. I think the shortest lines you want for a rev are 20.

Adam?

Bettyboarder · Tue Jun 02, 09 10:33 am

Some of my fav days are riding 20m lines...I was riding a 9m on Sun with 20m lines.

If you have a extra bar put 20m lines on it and play around with it.

I think it's really personal choice I dont know that one way is better then the other....except for my 5m it flys way better on 20m lines.. thats the only way I will fly it now.

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

Short lines can = more fun in surf and swell

if its its crazy nukin I will bust out 15m on the 5m (works well on both Rev and Waroo)

I saw New Wind was teaching on 18m lines on their Waroos on windy days.

Below 20m it can take a bit of work to get going and time transitions - but super fun for looping (on the 15m lines I can crash the kite at one side of window and sometimes yard it out of water without getting pulled off the wave)

worth experimenting with...

jcohenx · Since 28 Aug 2007 250 Posts Portland Obsessed

I have those same 3 meter line extensions on my kite bar.

Think of the extra 3 meters as merely a longer lever arm. You will turn faster with shorter lines but you will also experience a little less acceleration getting up out of the water and probably will notice less boosting power on sharp turns. I believe that the kite will generate just as much thrust once up in the window.

Of course, the extensions also will complicate matters a tiny bit just getting your lines laid out because the loops have a tendency to get clustered on windy days.

I had not heard that an extra 3 meters is equivalent to a larger kite size. Who told you that?

hiker1 · Since 01 Jul 2007 125 Posts Portland Stoked

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1692 Posts XTreme Poster

If you are shortening your lines thinking that you extend the wind range of your kite you should be careful.

I've ridden the best bar set up with shorter lines and had some great days as well. I've ridden really long lines on light wind days and the power generated by the kite in motion is amazing. Relaunch......not so fun,

I'm just saying that the kite you put on shorter lines is still whatever size it is. It's still going to be powered up in high wind conditions.

Yes, it will turn faster, but it's still the same size.

Begs need to listen up: A kite is a little less powerful on short lines, but it's still the same size..

Very Happy

hiker1 · Since 01 Jul 2007 125 Posts Portland Stoked

Wind Slither · Since 04 Mar 2005 2627 Posts The 503 METAL

jcohenx · Since 28 Aug 2007 250 Posts Portland Obsessed

Most of the time I run with 25 m lines (22m + 3m extension) but I am also flying an 11m or 9m kite most days. I do not have a second bar setup. Swapping out the extensions is very quick and easy once the kite is back on the beach. I would not consider a second bar just to swap extensions to be worth the money.

eli_anderson · Since 04 Jun 2007 507 Posts Addicted

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1692 Posts XTreme Poster

It's just not accurate to tell someone that a 9 meter is like a 7 when on shorter lines.

My point was not to be a FUD throwing doink.

I'm just saying that if you are overpowered on a 9 and think shorter lines, 3 meter's or even 5, is the fix..

My O is no.

Shocked

pdxmonkeyboy · Tue Jun 02, 09 2:18 pm **Re: LOL**

SalmonSlayer · Since 27 Nov 2005 648 Posts Addicted **CGKA Member**

pdxmonkeyboy · Tue Jun 02, 09 3:40 pm

Jesus I almost forgot.

When you shorten your lines.. BE CAREFUL OF THE ROTOR EFFECT

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1692 Posts XTreme Poster

Shorter lines are a tune not a kite size reduction.

Peace