Expanding the Quiver Question

UFGator · Since 31 Jul 2012 16 Posts

So I live in the panhandle of where the wind is light most of the year except in the winter when we get some good fronts coming through,

Currently I have;
10 M Switchblade
13M Crossbow

Im 5'6 and 140 lbs and Whenever I'm at the beach I always see the guys out on turbines and 16's while Im sitting on the beach waiting for wind with my 13. Would it be worth is to get another larger guy, and what size should I shoot 15 , 16, 17? I saw some used turbines on the boards here that looked like some good deals,

Thanks for the advice,

Chip

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1691 Posts I give out bad advice.

If you are in light winds get a turbine 17 and ride..

Sella · Fri Sep 28, 12 9:22 am

If you're riding a smaller twin-tip think about switching to a larger board. At 140 pounds your 13M with long lines (27M) should give you a good long throw to generate enough power to get you on the water while larger guys are on 15's+.

If you're new and tentative when flying the kite you haven't tapped into it's potential yet or most likely mastered edging/power stroke skills to maintain your speed etc. You would be amazed at how much technique comes into play compared to just size. Well, at least that's what I keep telling my wife.

If you have cash to burn.....buying a larger kite is a no brainer.

Nak · Fri Sep 28, 12 3:59 pm

First step, get a board like a Glide. Even i you get a light wind kite, you need a light wind board to maximize the kite's potential.

Kite size: at your weight you don't need a big kite. That said, you also need a kite that will fly and relaunch in the wind you'll see. You didn't state just how light is light... All the 13m and 14m kites I've ridden won't relaunch in less than around 9. I was able to self launch a Turbine in 4... I could go upwind with 6 knots in ocean chop. with 6 - 8 knots I could do small jumps. Remember, I outweigh you by 90 pounds. At your weight you should be able to boost and do tricks with 6 knots of wind... Once you have 10 knots a 14m Rally will power you up nicely.

DROCK999 · Since 31 May 2007 852 Posts Left Coast Opinionated

Haven't ridden a ton of really big kites but the Turbine is surprisingly quick and responsive along with giving you the power you need to be able to kite in the lightest winds.

Windian · Since 28 Apr 2008 901 Posts Newport, OR NEWPORT OG

A bigger board is less expensive and easier to change to rather than a bigger kite. My biggest kite is a 14m and when it is not enough with my standard size board, then I will grab one of the big boards. At being a 6'-6" Firewire Spitfire quad or go really big with a 9'-1" MacTavish longboard. I can easily keep up with the 17m Turbines on the big boards and be able to just stand on my board when it really lulls out while everyone else is sinking in the soup. Check out the photo with no whitecaps or other riders because it was thought to be too light on this day!

UFGator · Since 31 Jul 2012 16 Posts

I ride a liquid force edge board (146x45), and to give you an idea the wind is mostly 5-10 mph here except when fronts come through when it can get up to 15-30

Sella · Sat Sep 29, 12 2:35 pm

Great shot Windian......a 9'-1" MacTavish. Dee-lish.