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fredf
Since 10 Jan 2009
80 Posts
Eugene. Or
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 Sun Feb 14, 10 12:59 pm a vague question |
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Nothing better to do today than speculate in this crappy weather :
In higher winds (25+), in general, would you say it is safer to be on a larger board with a smaller kite or do the conditions dictate a single ¨best¨ setup? I´m asking from the perspective of an ¨advanced beginner¨ - me and I´m thinking of dragging, lofting, failure to release types of accidents. It would seem that less power and slower speeds might be safer but then maybe it is not easy/fun to be on a bigger board at those times. Maybe you have to commit to the speed of the wind to make it all work well so a bigger board might not allow that? |
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kuips
Since 19 Mar 2009
93 Posts
white salmon
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| Sun Feb 14, 10 1:09 pm |
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| A smaller kite is always safer. This is why when taking lessons you never start with 'right' size for the wind. Just because everyone else is on 9m does not mean you need to be, if you are having fun thats all that matters. |
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Spike
Since 13 May 2007
1414 Posts
Alameda
Spelling Expert
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| Sun Feb 14, 10 1:16 pm |
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| I nearly always rig a size down from everybody else, not sure why people are riding 12m kites in 20mph wind... Thats plenty for a 7m! |
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fredf
Since 10 Jan 2009
80 Posts
Eugene. Or
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| Sun Feb 14, 10 1:16 pm |
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Thanks kuips; that´s what I figured.
The reason I´m asking is that I shall be on Maui most of the month of Sept., probably the highest wind month of the year, and I need to make some decisions about equipment. By the way I have taken lessons and have spent a fair amount of time on the water but not with a variety of different gear.
Spike; are you on a bigger board when you rig down? |
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jbruxer
Since 24 Jul 2005
398 Posts
Beaverton, OR
Obsessed
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| Sun Feb 14, 10 1:35 pm |
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| Spike wrote: | | I nearly always rig a size down from everybody else, not sure why people are riding 12m kites in 20mph wind... Thats plenty for a 7m! |
Spike, you'll rig a size or 3 smaller than most people. The last time we went out, you were up on your 7, and I was slogging it on my 13.  |
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Spike
Since 13 May 2007
1414 Posts
Alameda
Spelling Expert
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| Sun Feb 14, 10 11:48 pm |
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| fredf wrote: | | Spike; are you on a bigger board when you rig down? |
| jbruxer wrote: | | Spike wrote: | | I nearly always rig a size down from everybody else, not sure why people are riding 12m kites in 20mph wind... Thats plenty for a 7m! |
Spike, you'll rig a size or 3 smaller than most people. The last time we went out, you were up on your 7, and I was slogging it on my 13. |
Yeah, for some reason I always manage to stay up on a kite size smaller than most people, not a larger board or anything, I only have one board (LF recoil 133) and two kites (11m and 7m T2's), I ride my 7m nearly 80% of the time maybe more (which is why I sold my 16m a long time ago!). Perhaps I have some sort of efficient technique...
I continuously change my board position/angle as well as changing the kite's angle of attack (and an occasional power stroke in a lull) all together to get what I feel is the most efficient power out of the combination. You might be surprised how many people use their gear at not even 50% upwind efficiency. I don't really know what it is specifically that I do differently, but I think a solid understanding of basic aerodynamics is extremely helpful in getting the best performance out of your kite.
That, plus I take a dump before each session to save some weight  |
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pdxmonkeyboy
Since 16 May 2006
6081 Posts
forever labled as the
retired kiter & motorhead Unicorn Master
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| Mon Feb 15, 10 8:12 am |
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Spike, it could have something to do with the fact that you weigh what, 150 lbs soaking wet?
Not being too overpowered is always a good thing when your refining your technique but I would say that once you get into the 30+ knot range the danger increases no matter what. Shit happens fast with a 7 meter in 35 k winds.
Practice good launch technique, know your gear, and dress for the swim. |
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genek
Since 21 Jul 2006
2165 Posts
East Po
KGB
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| Mon Feb 15, 10 9:36 am |
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Spike, the T2s pull like trucks in low end and fly pretty big compared to many other kites. Combine that with your light weight and there you have your answer. I recall a rule of thumb where you go up a kite size for about every 30lbs of weight or so.
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broadbandito
Since 26 Apr 2005
342 Posts
CSO headwaters
WheatHead
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| Mon Feb 15, 10 11:15 am |
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| The "best setup" is well powered, not over- or under-powered for the conditions, in my experience. Too little kite can leave you without enough juice to re-launch or get to shore if the wind backs off. I've never kited Maui, but around breaking waves generally the water is less choppy so you can be comfortable with a larger twin board, or a surfboard. |
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fredf
Since 10 Jan 2009
80 Posts
Eugene. Or
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| Mon Feb 15, 10 2:11 pm |
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Thanks for the informative answers.
A related question is then approximately what size kite would/could one chage to (if at all) going from a twin tip (say 140cm) to a surfboard (say 6.0´) in 20 - 25 knt winds? I suppose one could use a smaller size kite since the board is considerably more floaty but never having used a directional I don´t know. Where I´m going with all this is trying to figure out the smallest size kite I can use at those wind speeds. Of course this also assumes I can kite with a surfboard. |
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pdxmonkeyboy
Since 16 May 2006
6081 Posts
forever labled as the
retired kiter & motorhead Unicorn Master
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| Mon Feb 15, 10 2:24 pm |
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| I would say down a size..if at all. Depends allot on the shape of the surfboard and how many fins it has. The fins on a surf cause allot of drag. |
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pdxmonkeyboy
Since 16 May 2006
6081 Posts
forever labled as the
retired kiter & motorhead Unicorn Master
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| Mon Feb 15, 10 2:24 pm |
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I would say down a size..if at all. Depends allot on the shape of the surfboard and how many fins it has. The fins on a surf cause allot of drag. why not take all your gear and decide on the beach.
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Moto
Since 03 Sep 2006
2698 Posts
Still a gojo pimp!
Moto Mouth
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| Mon Feb 15, 10 3:01 pm |
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| Spike wrote: | | I nearly always rig a size down from everybody else, not sure why people are riding 12m kites in 20mph wind... Thats plenty for a 7m! |
Spike - you are lighter which helps. Do you remember the time we were both at Stevenson and I forgot my 9. You were cruising around on your 7 - I tried my 7 and couldn't even move. had to swim back in.
Dude - get something to eat!!!
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Still rockin gojos, *ssless chaps, and ankle weights! |
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sleestack
Since 07 Dec 2006
184 Posts
Land of the Lost
Stoked
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| Tue Feb 16, 10 10:01 am |
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[quote="Moto"][quote="Spike"]quote]
Spike - you are lighter which helps. Do you remember the time we were both at Stevenson and I forgot my 9. You were cruising around on your 7 - I tried my 7 and couldn't even move. had to swim back in.
Dude - get something to eat!!! [/quote]
Spike, just do with Motomouth (MM) does and put on ankle weights. MM might let you try his when he isn't on the water. 
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