Big Guy's HR Kite Quiver -Will my 10m be too much kite?

beej · Since 16 Jul 2010 180 Posts Stoked

I know I need to fill in my quiver with a smaller kite at some point, but right now I only have a 10m Havoc and a 14m Havoc.

I've been getting skunked constantly at Jones and Sauvies, and I need to get over to HR to get some riding in before the wind shuts off.

Anyone have an idea what kind of wind range a 210lb guy can get out of a 10m Havoc? I see the forecast has the wind hitting around 30mph by the afternoon, and don't want to go just to have the opposite problem to no wind.

Also, any suggestion as to what size I should fill in for next year for higher wind?

Thanks!

ldhr · Since 21 Jul 2009 1489 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

If you can justify 2 kites - get a 6 and an 8.
If you only get one more kite - 8m.
If you want to kite today (6m in HR) go to Stevenson or Rufus where it's blowing less.

jbruxer · Since 24 Jul 2005 398 Posts Beaverton, OR Obsessed

In my experiences with the 10m Havoc, it has about the same pull and wind range as my 9m Waroo. I weigh right about 200lbs and feel comfortable (perhaps a bit overpowered) in winds up to about 30-35. I think you'll be fine as long as you have good edge control.

As for a smaller kite, I wouldn't go any smaller than a 7 or 8 (depending on brand). If you go any smaller the only place you'll ever end up using it will be in the nuking east winds at Rooster.

beej · Since 16 Jul 2010 180 Posts Stoked

Looking at tomorrow. Can't break free today. Is my 10m going to be HR worthy tomorrow?

arkay · Since 06 Jun 2008 192 Posts Manzo/Hillsburrito Stoked

It depends on the wind Smile

Depending on what forecast you believe, it might be a tad windier tomorrow? 16/21/30 now (at the sensor) so gusty but in range of the 10m. I'm 200# and pretty much stay on my mako 150 and fly my 9m flexi when it's sustained in the high 20's so long as it's not gusting into the mid 30's. I feel very comfortable on my 7m flexi in winds up to 40 w/o much issue. Maybe more, but I haven't had a chance to find out! If you got a "7" or "8" you'd be covered pretty well Smile

You can also use a smaller board... what board are you riding?

HRnico · Since 22 Mar 2008 262 Posts Da Hood Obsessed

if your set on HR, try launching from the Marina beach. The wind below the slider park tends to be lighter

Cap · Since 12 Mar 2008 50 Posts Hood River

Hey Beej,
I'm 210 also. It was a joy for me in 2007 when a Waroo 9M replaced 5 Fuels for me but now I'm mostly on Windwing's Rampage II's. Living here I usually get 50-70 days in the Gorge. About 70% are on the 9.5 that has an amazing range, then the rest split between a 7M and their 12M. I also have their Batwing 10M that too has an amazing range and a Batwing 15M that I've used in FL but not too much here. As a heavyweight I don't choose to kite too much in the Gorge when it's too light. There's too much else to do and I usually figure tomorrow it'll probably be 9.5 and that's a lot more fun for this big guy.

Jonpnw · Thu Sep 15, 11 8:37 am

Did you ride the 10 Tuesday ?

Justsmile · Since 20 Jul 2009 1530 Posts Not Portland XTreme Poster

I weight a light 220 and was lit on my 7. It felt like some gusts close to 40 while i was out in the mid afternoon. Sick swell out from the bar. No need in my mind to tack up wind when it was like that. First time last last fall I have been kit on the 7 Smile

Scriffler · Since 03 Jul 2005 581 Posts LYLE Addicted

I weigh 240 and only had a 7 when I lived in the Gorge. Before that I only had a 10. I would say that I liked having the 10 more. I got more days with 7, but the lighter days are usually the choice ones. It would have been sweet to have both. I would say having both would be best.

beej · Since 16 Jul 2010 180 Posts Stoked

No freaking way! Sat around until Maui Meyer hooked me up and let me take out his 6 when he left. Not sure his handle here, but I owe him! 10 would have been suicide, and the alternative was no kiting.