Light(er) wind kite for beginner (Cabrinha kites)

mudroprogramer · Since 09 Aug 2024 1 Posts New Member

Hey everyone,

I’m in my 2nd season kiting Hood River on a 2022 MOTO 10m (163 lbs, twin tip). I ride well from ~14–25 knots, but below 12 knots the kite (or my skills) struggles, even with actively working the kite.

It feels that this season has had more light-wind days, so I’m looking for a 2nd lighter wind kite. I’m especially curious about the Contra 11m one-strut. How would it perform in ~8–10 knots with the common gusts up to ~20 here in hood river, compared to a MOTO 12m, Switchblade 12m, or Contra 13m (3-strut)?

I’ve read 5-strut kites like the SB are better in stronger winds, and I’d like to try something different from the MOTO. My past lesson on a Naish Boxer 8 or 9M (1-strut) in very light wind was super fun and pulled much better as compared to my MOTO at low end of it's wind range, which makes me think Contra 11m could be enough (although its just 1m up from my moto) - while 13m might be overkill and i am not sure about the 3 strut version.

Anyone here familiar with these kites and can share your thoughts?
I would appreciate technical details and good constructive criticism.

Thanks,
Alex.

Nak · Thu Aug 21, 25 8:09 am

I haven't flown the Cabrinha kites, but I have flown a lot of other one struts. In general, one struts don't go upwind as well as a three strut kite. That doesn't matter with foiling, but with a twintip you're going to be working harder to get upwind than with a good 3 strut kite.

The other side of the equation in the light winds you're talking about is a light wind specific twintip. Something like a Slingshot Glide is critical to have when the winds drop to sub 10 - 12 knot territory.