Thoughts on Liquid Force Envy Package for Beginner?

KooKiter · Since 20 Jul 2009 62 Posts

I think this year I am going to pull the trigger on kiteboarding gear. I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on the Liquid Force Envy Kite, Proof board and lux harness. I know the proof is a beginners board but will it do the trick until I develop some skills? The package for everything new is $1350 and seemed to be the best price I could find and is at Gorge Performance

I am also wondering if you would recommend a 10 or 12 m kite for a 6.2 200# person? I would most likely be doing most of my flying at the gorge and sauvies if the wind blows.

Thanks for your help!

forrest · Sun Apr 25, 10 9:31 pm

I fly the Envys and I think they're a great kite. They don't depower the way a Havoc does, but it's not really to much to handle, it's just annoying when it's blowing 40... But we're not supposed to be kiting when it's that windy anyway, right?

If you're going to kite at Sauvie more, then a 12 is at least the smallest you want to go. The Gorge, 10 is the biggest. You're kind of in a predicament there. I'd say you are likely to be able to get more sessions if you come to the Gorge since it's easier to predict the wind, but a lot of the time you'd be better off on an 8 in the Gorge. Maybe you could just get a 12 and only kite at Sauvie/Stevenson? It's a tough call.

You might want to think about an 8 and a 12 for your size.

The proof is a decent board. The price-point is really why people buy it. For just a few more dollars you could get a Recoil 136 from last year and have a board that will be with you for a lot longer in your progression.

KooKiter · Since 20 Jul 2009 62 Posts

Can people get in a lot of sessions at Sauvies or Stevenson... everything I read suggests that Sauvies rarely goes and I really dont know anything about Rooster Rock or Stevenson.

Thanks again!

forrest · Sun Apr 25, 10 10:02 pm

Some years are awesome for Sauvies.

KooKiter · Since 20 Jul 2009 62 Posts

Can people get in a lot of sessions at Sauvies or Stevenson... everything I read suggests that Sauvies rarely goes and I really dont know anything about Rooster Rock or Stevenson.

Thanks again!

Joshiebaby · Since 14 Oct 2007 569 Posts Vancouver, WA Addicted

I'd say if you are really going to get into it and make the investment get a smaller kite and go to the gorge. Sounds like a lot longer drive but Sauvies is always further than people think it is. Its more of a weekday hey can I get out a few minutes early from work and still pull something off. for 1350 you might even consider looking at trying to get a couple of kites used. If you spent and extra 200 or so it seems like for 1500 you could go board, wetsuit 2 kites and maybe not have the problem of only being able to kite one or two spots. Trust me the extra money is worth it when you are out kiting instead of sitting on the beach. This sport is a lot of upfront cost and it sucks but if you are ready to bite the bullet...

Stevenson is a pretty advanced launch and you won't want to be headed out there until you are pretty comfortable so I'd push you to drive a bit more--definitely get your s sessions in and then take it from there.

But this is from a guy who was living in Vancouver, would drive to Sauvies and then it wouldn't go for me. So maybe I'm just bitter Smile

tonyb · Mon Apr 26, 10 5:44 am

Tonia with Cascade Kiteboarding teaches off of jet ski's in Stevenson so you don't have to deal with the launch. She also gets you out away from the main traffic area so you have plenty of room.

Tony

Joshiebaby · Since 14 Oct 2007 569 Posts Vancouver, WA Addicted

Heck maybe go with that package and then pick up this 9M case you wanna go down to the gorge on the weekend.

http://www.nwkite.com/forums/t-17391.html

Bettyboarder · Mon Apr 26, 10 7:07 am

Dont buy a kite based on Sauvies...buy based off the gorge.

before you buy anything you should take some lessons and demo some kites. Tonia from Cascade teaches on Liquid force. That would be a great way to know if you like the kite or not.

Pepi · Mon Apr 26, 10 7:29 am

Forrests comments are pretty accurate on the Envy. The Envy is definitely one of our better kites for the year as both our kite school (Cascade Kiteboarding) and our teamriders are using this kite in their quivers, plus the package deal that Liquid provides to it's dealers with the Envy+Harness+Strapkit+Board package.

As an alternative for customers wanting to upgrade their board selection with the Envy Package, we will be offering the Recoil or WLF boards as alternative upgrade options.

If you ever have any questions about these package options give Nate, Mike, Claire, Aaron or myself a shout at the shop and we can try to help you out.

If you still have not taken lessons, Bettyboarder is correct, take a lesson first. After your lesson is over, ask you instructor questions about both the gear you used (safety/performance) and where they recommend as your next steps to continue your learning curve best.

Pepi

KooKiter · Since 20 Jul 2009 62 Posts

Based on a lot of your recommendations I want to get a kite for the gorge as I planned on going there the most anyways.

So at 200 pounds it sounds like my first kite should be either an 8 or a 10 M. For someone wtih a pretty advanced aptitude for water/snowsports which one would I be able to progress with for a longer period of time... Would it be better to have a 10 M once I get the hang of it or does the 8 m fly faster and could fly in more wind conditions in the gorge?

As far as the lessons go... I have taken the initial trainer kite lesson and also the first water lesson.... I was able to body drag and if I would have had a kite larger than 5 m I could tell I would have been able to get up.... the instructor said she usually doesn't let people try to board but could tell I would have been disappointed if I didnt get to try it. The reason I want to get the gear this year is because while skiing this year I met a kiteboarder that is an instructor in one of the designations (the one that progresses the rider faster), I hear there is two and one gets you on the board much quicker and would be able to give me a good deal on lessons as he did not have his own kiteboarding. I just can't afford $100 an hour but I know lessons are extremely important.

So this is just another question.. any suggestions for learning affordably as well?

You are all a huge help and really makes me want to get into kiteboarding!

pdxmonkeyboy · Mon Apr 26, 10 10:29 am

10m and upgrade to the recoil.

Always better to be a little overpowered than underpowered--especially when your learning. Plus, the late afternoon gorge winds tend to lighten up so you'll want the bigger kite.

The recoil is a money board and will allow you to progress a long ways until you figure out what style of riding really interests you.
Cheers,
Brian

KooKiter · Since 20 Jul 2009 62 Posts

With the help of all your recommendations.. I got the 10 M Envy and 137 Recoil from 2nd Winds.... Any ideas on getting some inexpensive lessons would be great? I plan on taking one jet ski assisted lesson and then would just like to have someone make sure I am setting everything up properly and take any pointers on riding that they have. Thanks again.. Matt

Sasquatch · Since 09 Mar 2005 2102 Posts PNW Bigfoot