What I need to get started...Kite wise.

daryl75 · Since 21 Mar 2007 5 Posts Kook

Good afternoon all. I'm new to this forum and glad I found it. I am planning on learning to kiteboard this spring. Have some free lessons here in Portland lined up, so that is nice. My problem lies with what kind of kite I should get. I'm going to look used at first, as I'm sure it will take a beating as a beginner. I plan on getting my feet wet at Sauvie's Island, then getting to the Gorge/HR as much as possilbe throughout the Summer. Is there a certain size kite that would serve me well, as a beginner, at both locations? Any info you have would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Daryl

daryl75 · Since 21 Mar 2007 5 Posts Kook

I'm five foot ten, and weight 165, it that helps. Thanks - Daryl

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3753 Posts Los Angeles, CA Videographer

As I'm sure you're aware, there are several different types of kites nowadays so that'll play a role in sizing. Secondly, most of the time the Gorge blows a lot harder than SI, meaning that you really do need at least 2 kites. May be able to work it with one bow kite, but that's still pushing it if you want to get out as much as possible.

Importracer999, JP, is about the same size as you and on standard C kites (Fuels), he's on a 9m/13m quiver which covers pretty much everything you'll need around here. With a bow kite, you'll get a broader range, but if you only want one kite, ideally you'd be looking for something around a 10/11m...

Just my $0.02

forrest · Wed Mar 21, 07 12:09 pm

This is my opinion for a beginner.

For Sauvies I'd want a 16m C or 14m Flat. Sauvies is usually a light wind location and a 16m C kite does wonders here for your weight. Maybe go with an 2004-2006 North Rhino or Vegas.

For Gorge I would recommend a 9m Flat kite, you can also consider a 7m or 5m Flat kite for the really windy days. I would not recommend a C kite for the gorge unless your heart is really set on high end freestyle type of riding and you're totally prepared to deal with the occasional troubling pull of nasty gusts.

The board is very important and you're going to want something Freeride style in the 132 to 138 range. As a beginner, you're going to want to stick to the small kite/big board combination. I'd also recommend going with as modern of a board as you can afford.

kss · Since 24 Apr 2006 614 Posts pdx Addicted

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Sasquatch · Since 09 Mar 2005 2102 Posts PNW Bigfoot

Buy used. . . your going to thrash your first kite/kites anyway. You'll need more than one kite if you plan on sailing in both locations. If you don't you'll be sitting on your ass watching in both locations either being skunked (not enough wind) or reversed skunked (too much wind).

Same goes for boards. You probably will want to start off with a bigger board (easier to get on a plane . . .) however, one gives up edge control with a bigger board so that is where a smaller board comes into play and that is needed and used when you have more board skills. Later on, like in a season or two, you'll be glad you had/have two boards. Go like 155 to 145 for your bigger board and 125 to 135 cm for your smaller board.

But to answer your orginal q, with your size, and if your only going to get 1 kite, I'd get a 12 C kite or 10m bow . . . It won't be enough really for any day at SI except for body dragging, but will work some days and or before the winds ramp-up out at HR/spit in the summer.

If you want to get good fast, you need water time and that takes lots of trips to the wind/spit/beach, and throw $ at the problem by purchasing enough gear to have options.

Moto · Since 03 Sep 2006 2698 Posts Still a gojo pimp! Moto Mouth

Hey Daryl glad you found the site - its me Martin.

kss · Since 24 Apr 2006 614 Posts pdx Addicted

hey martin,

have you flown that rhino yet?? getting any wind this week? starting those afterwork sessions?

--todd.

Moto · Since 03 Sep 2006 2698 Posts Still a gojo pimp! Moto Mouth

Hey whats up Todd! Haven't had a chance to fly that Rhino just yet. The water is just a little too cold for me. I'm thinking about giving it a couple of more weeks. I finally found a guy who has a kite bag though.

j · Since 08 Nov 2006 94 Posts Seattle

I'm thinking about the same thing, I live up in Seattle but plan on visiting the Gorge this summer a few times.

I have a 12m waroo and am looking to expand my range with another waroo and I'm trying to decide between a 7m and a 9m. I'm 170 lbs.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Jason

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3753 Posts Los Angeles, CA Videographer

Are you looking to get out on the ~25-30kt days, or ~35-40+, psycho days?

In general, I'd think you'd get more use out of the 9m, but if you're looking at riding really high wind conditions, then you may consider the 7m.

forrest · Thu Mar 22, 07 12:05 pm

I have both a 7m and a 9m, 2006. Both will work very well so long as you pump the leading edge hard, really really hard.

The 7m will pull you great and you'll love it, but will lack loft (hang time) in jumps that a 9m will give you. The 9m is my Gorge kite this year, but the 7m was my choice kite last year as I was still getting the hang of some aspects of kiting. I weight 195 lbs and was riding a 142 Underground FLX last year. This year I'm riding a wake style board with bindings and need more power.

One thing you could consider is a 9m now, and a 5m later for the really tough days. Or just a 7m to cover both the 9m/5m range. It really boils down to loft in your jumps, or the need for more power if you're riding a small/inefficient board like me versus just freeriding. If you're just freeriding go for the 7m.

j · Since 08 Nov 2006 94 Posts Seattle

I'm not as worried about loft yet as I'm still getting the hang of jumping and trying to figure out how to land. Laughing

What is the typical wind speed at the Gorge? What size Waroos do people fly on a typical weekend there?

I want a kite that will compliment my 12m, not give me too much overlap, but not leave a gap. My 12m is fine up to ~25 so I'm looking to get out on 25+. I rode the 7m waroo, pro, and bullaroo on a 30+ and decided that the waroo is fine, but is a 12m & 7m going to give me too much of a gap? especially right in the sweet spot?

Thanks

gabe · Since 16 May 2005 489 Posts Obsessed

the answer is 7m. 12m and 7m is a successful quiver.

tinyE · Since 21 Jan 2006 2004 Posts not really an XTreme Poster

yeah, i have 7/12 waroo.... it will cover you in the gorge... especially because you're a little heavier than I am, so you can hold the 12 down longer.

I spend a lot of time on my 7 (lucky I love it!), but sometimes I wish I had a 9.

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

forrest · Thu Mar 22, 07 1:10 pm