Dr what's the price of an axis tray 94? They look good, maybe a little too wide for my taste though..

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drsurf said..
In reply to Duke and then Natho.

Duke, the 5m Peak4 will overlap with your 9m Hyperlink to some extent but they are such different kites that they can't be compared. You wouldn't be able to manoeuvre the Hyperlink on a wave the way you can a Peak4 or just foil surf with virtually no kite pull as the kite just gets out of way if you want. I'd go for the 5m Peak4 initially because it will overlap with both your kites and that's a good thing, as in my experience you'll really enjoy it. The biggest decision you'll have to make after that is which size Peak4 to get next

Natho, the wind range from my experience and that of dafish who has a few more kgs than me, would indicate that a Peak4 5m would largely cover your 9m mono strut. The wind dafish and myself ride in is a consistent seabreeze and we both can work the 8-10 knot bottom of the range even with different weights on different hydrofoils. The Moses 633 is great in low winds and the Peak4 will stay in the air even at 4 knots. The Peak4 may feel a bit underpowered when you are waterstarting but when you are up and foiling it creates plenty of apparent wind and feels a lot more powerful. And you can catch waves & wind swell and easily keep the kite in the air compared to an inflatable kite. A 5m Peak4 only weighs 880 grams.
I can use my 3m Peak4 from around 14 knots to 25 knots and I would assume, (as I don't have the 4m Peak4), the 4m would fit in between.
Waiting for the next shipment of Peak4 kites so I can try the 8m and see how low I can go.

However talk is cheap, you just need to try one than it will make sense.
I gave another kiter, who has been foiling for just a few months, a go on my 5m Peak4 this week. When he finally came in he wanted one and bought the last 5m I had in stock. He was able to do toeside turns, which he was struggling with, much easier and loved the switch off depower capability which gave him a lot more confidence than previous kites.
This reaction is what I have found repeatedly. It's a try it you'll like it kite

Cheers Dr,

It is an interesting idea I'm definitely warming to. Near shore big wing foiling.

The 8-10 knt zone with a consistent breeze can be fine with the mono strut but a lull to say 5-6 can ruin a session if the kite gets wet. Esp. sunny winter days where i live.

A kite that loops well and hangs in the air in bugger all could be the thing. For me a larger size P4, 5m or 8m might be the go...

I'm imagining the 3m P4 must be pretty fast. Ive got a 4m lei and find it a bit challenging wrt its speed and small power zone. Also easy to over sheet and stall. Fun but I have to pay more attention to the kite

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KBGhost said..
Dr what's the price of an axis tray 94? They look good, maybe a little too wide for my taste though..

Hi KB.
The RRP for the 94cm Tray is $993 for the board and I am negotiable
Can supply straps if required and plenty of nice foil goodies to attach underneath.
The width of the 94 is 48cm which isn't overly wide. The 110cm & 125cm Trays are 50cm and 52.5cm respectively.

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natho6026961 said..

Cheers Dr,

It is an interesting idea I'm definitely warming to. Near shore big wing foiling.

The 8-10 knt zone with a consistent breeze can be fine with the mono strut but a lull to say 5-6 can ruin a session if the kite gets wet. Esp. sunny winter days where i live.

A kite that loops well and hangs in the air in bugger all could be the thing. For me a larger size P4, 5m or 8m might be the go...

I'm imagining the 3m P4 must be pretty fast. Ive got a 4m lei and find it a bit challenging wrt its speed and small power zone. Also easy to over sheet and stall. Fun but I have to pay more attention to the kite

Hi Natho.
Flysurfer claims that the wind range for Peak4 kites from 5m up begins at 3 knots and I have no reason to doubt that. So it will hang in the air when there's a lull and it will hang in the air in those light winds when turning the foilboard with an LEI kite can lead to a momentary slack line leaving you struggling with a kite that was working ok with the apparent wind.
One of the reasons I'm not as concerned with the water relaunch ability with the Peak4 is because of the number of times I've been out with it in wind where I know I would have dropped my inflatable kites and had to swim in. So in fact there can be less swimming with a Peak4 compared to other kites if you're keen to push the envelope at lower wind speeds.

As mentioned I'm keen to try the 8m Peak4, to see how low I can go, but I'm waiting on stock. However I have had a kind offer of a loan of an 8m Peak4, so if that comes to fruition I will be able to review it soon. What is your weight Natho?

3m Peak4's are fast but they aren't hard to get used to. You can oversheet them easier if you don't trim the depower correctly, especially in a lull where it can pinwheel when oversheeted and turned hard at the same time. Pinwheeling is a cool effect but can freak you out a bit. Being smaller means less travel on the depower as well as turning movement is needed to get a response. Its mainly an issue when changing down from a larger kite. Using a shorter bar would make the turning speed similar to a larger kite if preferred. Having a 4m single strut inflatable kite myself, I'd have to say the 3m Peak4 requires less attention when you are familiar with it.

But as I keep saying, just try one out and you'll know. If you see a Peak4 kiter anywhere they should be happy to give you a fly. After all crashing it won't break it, and I'm sure Peak4 owners like the smile from someone who's just demoed the kite

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natho6026961 said..

drsurf said..
In reply to Duke and then Natho.

Duke, the 5m Peak4 will overlap with your 9m Hyperlink to some extent but they are such different kites that they can't be compared. You wouldn't be able to manoeuvre the Hyperlink on a wave the way you can a Peak4 or just foil surf with virtually no kite pull as the kite just gets out of way if you want. I'd go for the 5m Peak4 initially because it will overlap with both your kites and that's a good thing, as in my experience you'll really enjoy it. The biggest decision you'll have to make after that is which size Peak4 to get next

Natho, the wind range from my experience and that of dafish who has a few more kgs than me, would indicate that a Peak4 5m would largely cover your 9m mono strut. The wind dafish and myself ride in is a consistent seabreeze and we both can work the 8-10 knot bottom of the range even with different weights on different hydrofoils. The Moses 633 is great in low winds and the Peak4 will stay in the air even at 4 knots. The Peak4 may feel a bit underpowered when you are waterstarting but when you are up and foiling it creates plenty of apparent wind and feels a lot more powerful. And you can catch waves & wind swell and easily keep the kite in the air compared to an inflatable kite. A 5m Peak4 only weighs 880 grams.
I can use my 3m Peak4 from around 14 knots to 25 knots and I would assume, (as I don't have the 4m Peak4), the 4m would fit in between.
Waiting for the next shipment of Peak4 kites so I can try the 8m and see how low I can go.

However talk is cheap, you just need to try one than it will make sense.
I gave another kiter, who has been foiling for just a few months, a go on my 5m Peak4 this week. When he finally came in he wanted one and bought the last 5m I had in stock. He was able to do toeside turns, which he was struggling with, much easier and loved the switch off depower capability which gave him a lot more confidence than previous kites.
This reaction is what I have found repeatedly. It's a try it you'll like it kite

Cheers Dr,

It is an interesting idea I'm definitely warming to. Near shore big wing foiling.

The 8-10 knt zone with a consistent breeze can be fine with the mono strut but a lull to say 5-6 can ruin a session if the kite gets wet. Esp. sunny winter days where i live.

A kite that loops well and hangs in the air in bugger all could be the thing. For me a larger size P4, 5m or 8m might be the go...

I'm imagining the 3m P4 must be pretty fast. Ive got a 4m lei and find it a bit challenging wrt its speed and small power zone. Also easy to over sheet and stall. Fun but I have to pay more attention to the kite

I was out in about 10 knots the other day, wind dropped to about 6 knots or less. The kite stayed in the air and I was able to body drag up wind with the foil. I could have gone all the way to the beach in a few minutes, but as I moved up wind the wind picked up and I was able to get back on the wing. Any other lei kite would have fallen out of the sky with that little wind, while the P4 stayed in the air. That alone gives a person confidence to try riding in marginal winds providing you don't go too far out.

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drsurf said..

KBGhost said..
Dr what's the price of an axis tray 94? They look good, maybe a little too wide for my taste though..

Hi KB.
The RRP for the 94cm Tray is $993 for the board and I am negotiable
Can supply straps if required and plenty of nice foil goodies to attach underneath.
The width of the 94 is 48cm which isn't overly wide. The 110cm & 125cm Trays are 50cm and 52.5cm respectively.

Thanks Dr, that pricing is fairly reasonable. Nice looking board, I might be interested once I save a bit. 90-100cm is perfect imho.

As for the width it's not a major issue just that for example my 100cm Nang is 42cm wide and my unidrive race board is 46cm wide. Not sure the extra is required.

I notice they're being coy about the rocker line as well, no side pics..

Enjoying the peak 4 discussion I'd love to try one if I saw one up this way...

Thanks drsurf and dafish, great info fellas

Dr, I'm roughly 75kg. I'll see if any of the locals happen to have a Peak 4. Otherwise, it's a 2 hr drive to the nearest Flysurfer dealer..

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drsurf said..

natho6026961 said..

Cheers Dr,

It is an interesting idea I'm definitely warming to. Near shore big wing foiling.

The 8-10 knt zone with a consistent breeze can be fine with the mono strut but a lull to say 5-6 can ruin a session if the kite gets wet. Esp. sunny winter days where i live.

A kite that loops well and hangs in the air in bugger all could be the thing. For me a larger size P4, 5m or 8m might be the go...

I'm imagining the 3m P4 must be pretty fast. Ive got a 4m lei and find it a bit challenging wrt its speed and small power zone. Also easy to over sheet and stall. Fun but I have to pay more attention to the kite

Hi Natho.
Flysurfer claims that the wind range for Peak4 kites from 5m up begins at 3 knots and I have no reason to doubt that. So it will hang in the air when there's a lull and it will hang in the air in those light winds when turning the foilboard with an LEI kite can lead to a momentary slack line leaving you struggling with a kite that was working ok with the apparent wind.
One of the reasons I'm not as concerned with the water relaunch ability with the Peak4 is because of the number of times I've been out with it in wind where I know I would have dropped my inflatable kites and had to swim in. So in fact there can be less swimming with a Peak4 compared to other kites if you're keen to push the envelope at lower wind speeds.

As mentioned I'm keen to try the 8m Peak4, to see how low I can go, but I'm waiting on stock. However I have had a kind offer of a loan of an 8m Peak4, so if that comes to fruition I will be able to review it soon. What is your weight Natho?

3m Peak4's are fast but they aren't hard to get used to. You can oversheet them easier if you don't trim the depower correctly, especially in a lull where it can pinwheel when oversheeted and turned hard at the same time. Pinwheeling is a cool effect but can freak you out a bit. Being smaller means less travel on the depower as well as turning movement is needed to get a response. Its mainly an issue when changing down from a larger kite. Using a shorter bar would make the turning speed similar to a larger kite if preferred. Having a 4m single strut inflatable kite myself, I'd have to say the 3m Peak4 requires less attention when you are familiar with it.

But as I keep saying, just try one out and you'll know. If you see a Peak4 kiter anywhere they should be happy to give you a fly. After all crashing it won't break it, and I'm sure Peak4 owners like the smile from someone who's just demoed the kite

These are really useful and insightful comments. Definitely accurate in my experience.

My 3 swims in 5 sessions with my 4 mtr Peak 4 were the result of crashing when learning new transitions, roll tacks and 360's in this case. When you have mucked things up the kite is extremely fast to pivot turn and it will 180 on you and dive into the water. I have recovered a few by holding line tension but sometimes this isn't an option when underwater mixed up.
Stay a swimable distance from shore when trying new stuff and I now carry a mesh laundry bag stuffed down my top for easy pack downs. Even with the possibility of a swim, the performance of the Peak outweighs these minor disadvantages.

I had an amazing downwinder yesterday on my 5m Peak 4. The run was Dutch Inn to City beach around 4:30pm. I was totally overpowered too - such a grunty little kite.

What size peak 4 would be equivalent to a 7m lei in power ?

I do not know however all foil type kites have a much larger projected surface area.

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kobo said..
What size peak 4 would be equivalent to a 7m lei in power ?

Based purely on what I've read online, I'd guess the 4m may be the closest. I'm sure actual Peak4 owners will answer your question with more certainty. The 4m is the Peak I'm the most interested in to fill the gap in my kite quiver. A number of Peak 4 owners on Kiteforum also say it's the sweetest size in the range - the Goldilocks size.

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kobo said..
What size peak 4 would be equivalent to a 7m lei in power ?

Flysurfer told me approx 1.5-1.6x quoted size is equivalent size. So the 5 is similar to an 8, 4 to a 7 and 3 to a 5. After my DW I can see myself ordering a 3m Peak.

With my experience so far I would say my Peak4 5 meter is similar to my Reo 8. The difference with these two is can go out in lighter winds with the Peak4, but the Reo will handle the higher range of wind better.

Out yesterday on my 7 mtr LEI as I was on a race foil. A mate was on his 4 mtr Peak on a surf foil. I then went out on a surf foil on the 7, no probe. Both of us were happily powered so I would say the 4 mtr has a fairly similar wind range to a 7 mtr LEI.

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DukeSilver said..

The 4m is the Peak I'm the most interested in to fill the gap in my kite quiver.

Hi DukeSilver, you're welcome to take my 4m for a spin this arvo if you are going to be at Leighton. Looks like it will be around 20 knots, so in the middle of the range you are looking for.

I find the 5m gets uncomfortable (on foil) over 20 knots (10-20 knots ideal). So would agree that 15-25 range is well suited to the 4m (or 3m for someone that wants least kite pull and bigger surf wing).

Thanks everybody

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PrfctChaos said..

DukeSilver said..

The 4m is the Peak I'm the most interested in to fill the gap in my kite quiver.

Hi DukeSilver, you're welcome to take my 4m for a spin this arvo if you are going to be at Leighton. Looks like it will be around 20 knots, so in the middle of the range you are looking for.

I find the 5m gets uncomfortable (on foil) over 20 knots (10-20 knots ideal). So would agree that 15-25 range is well suited to the 4m (or 3m for someone that wants least kite pull and bigger surf wing).

Thanks so much mate. Watching you and your better half out there on your Peak 4s is a big part of why I want one. I can't get out mid week due to work but if you happen to be out this weekend I'd love to have a go on the 4m.

Firstly I want to thank Rick, aka AquaPlow. I mentioned somewhere on the forum that I haven't tried the 8m Peak4 and was waiting on stock for a few weeks while Flysurfer made more. Rick, who had purchased an 8m Peak4 from me, contacted me and said he would be happy to loan me his for a few weeks as he had come off his bike and sustained a fracture which would keep him off the water for a while.
I accepted his kind offer and true to his word, Rick posted the kite down and I've had it out a couple of times in some light wind.

First time I took the 8m out the wind was direct onshore and I had to struggle out to get enough depth to get up on the foil. Wind was averaging 7 knots with gusts of 10 knots as measured on shore. This was pretty close to accurate with the local Seabreeze wind stations. However I was beaten out by another local, Aaron, approx 20kg heavier than me, on a 5m Peak4 who proceeded to get up and going albeit sining the kite now and then! (We're both on 1250sq cm surf foils, mine a Moses 633 and his a Naish Large).
After running aground once trying to get started in the light onshore breeze, I got up on the foil and felt comfortably powered all the time I was out. The kite felt like a bigger 5m, with slower turning and a bit slower through the air. However it was still easy to loop and even in the lulls had enough power to pull me through downwind manoeuvres when I almost stalled the foil. One could have possibly flown a light LEI kite if you had sufficient skill and kept it moving but the slightest error would have seen it in the water.

I came in and gave the 8m Peak4 to Aaron as the wind had not strengthened and he was struggling to keep going with the 5m kite, (fair enough!). He went out and had the power to keep foiling in the light winds. Aaron has only recently started foiling in Spring last year and is still progressing but after one try of a Peak4 he bought a 5m and loves it. After trying the 8m he'd much rather use the 5m wind permitting, (don't we all like a smaller, faster, more responsive kite), but had to admit the light wind performance of the 8m can be the difference between going for a foil or whingeing on the beach.

Had the 8m out again yesterday in winds that were even lighter with barely a whitecap in sight but a bit better angle than straight onshore. Had a really good session close to the kites sweet spot for me, with the occasional swell rolling in. When I caught one of these swells far enough out, (they were't that big), I could really feel the power through the foil and ride the swell with minimal attention to or pull from the kite. It's these situations where only the Peak4 could be used. There were some others on the beach with various sized LEI kites up to 14m but none stayed in the air long enough to get past the shore break.

So is the 8m worth having? It works like the smaller Peak4's and some owners say the best Peak4's are the 3m, 4m, and 5m models which cover a significant wind range. You wouldn't use the 8m if you could use the 5m coz small kites and enough wind are more fun on a surf foil. However there are days, and in some places many days, where the wind is 6 knots gusting to 10 knots all day and you have a surf foil. You will be out foiling, having fun in your waterway on the 8m while everyone else waits on the beach hoping for more wind. Sure you can get a twin skin foil like a Soul or Hyperlink which will cover this wind range and have more grunt and speed. But it will cost nearly three times as much, won't turn as tight or fast and won't hang in the air like a Peak4. So even though it improves my lower wind range only by 2 to 4 knots it's worth it for me and I'll grab one for myself when the next shipment arrives. The only downside I can see is more time having fun foiling means the I'll be relying on the local kangaroos to keep the lawn short ...

And thanks again Rick, your generosity has been much appreciated. As soon as my kites come in I'll post yours back

Dropped my Peak 4 5m today between Leighton and City Beach on a foil downwinder. Had an awkward and fast crash and my heart sunk as I felt the kite hit the water. As I surfaced , I watched my board glide into the lines preventing a quick relaunch. But behind the board I could see the Peak nose down, with the trailing edge sitting up catching the wind. I went hand over hand up the centre lines and pushed the board away which got me set up for a relaunch. I'm not saying it went perfect - took 3 or 4 attempts to reverse it off the water, spin and fly to zenith but I did it. The adrenaline was pumping and I made a few mistakes but I'm pleased that for the first "real" attempt at relaunching the Peak 4 it was successful. Absolutely in love with it.

Hey Peeps,

This video was shot when we first received the 8m Peak 4 in May 2019. Wind was extremely light. No stronger than 3 knots.
Since then we have sold a large number of Peaks in 8m, 5m, 4m and 3m to the foiling community. Very popular kite with many customers buying multiple sizes.

we have 8m and 5m in demo if you're keen to try one first.


DM

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jamesperth said..
Dropped my Peak 4 5m today between Leighton and City Beach on a foil downwinder. Had an awkward and fast crash and my heart sunk as I felt the kite hit the water. As I surfaced , I watched my board glide into the lines preventing a quick relaunch. But behind the board I could see the Peak nose down, with the trailing edge sitting up catching the wind. I went hand over hand up the centre lines and pushed the board away which got me set up for a relaunch. I'm not saying it went perfect - took 3 or 4 attempts to reverse it off the water, spin and fly to zenith but I did it. The adrenaline was pumping and I made a few mistakes but I'm pleased that for the first "real" attempt at relaunching the Peak 4 it was successful. Absolutely in love with it.

JamesP,
I suspect U know this but I am in dry dock with extra browsing time...
Last session on 8M Peak4 basically 5-7.. knots inland lake which I bailed on with a dash to base just b4 6 km mark because the wind started to drop!! One multi loop save in a lull b4 7 km mark then went till ran aground (pics on profile).

At this site I have to drift launch. All my experience with this kite has involved a wet surface launch.. At both sites I use(d) I can stand when starting, it helps setup.
So in lite (I mean lite) winds if you can get back or front edge of the kite off the water do not hurry - do not try and fast forward -- until all the kite surface is off the water. When trailing edge comes up if there is any water on the top surface it tends to pool into the open leading edge pockets and anchor the wing. If you just wait with an occasional nudge of one line if it is capable of lifting it will roll one side up slightly. - repeat - once the trapped water can shift to one side it is game on. But likely as not the end pocket will be full-ish too so do not rush it is slow to drain, if you rush and flip the kite onto its back - no worries but you may need to lay out again so the LE pockets can all evenly catch wind. Kite on its back with LE catching wind is easiest - if this starts to lift off the water - its game on (gust 3+knots and no waves).. but do not hurry as any water in tip pocket will need draining again. So the take home is in light conditions let kite do its thing with a little help as this ends up being much faster than having to reset the kite on the water surface from scratch. I always take a net bag and stuff kite into it as have to land on water to pack up. Yet to swim in.. I have had a fairly long slow drag but the kite just hangs there even when I can't get up... In normal winds the kite is eager to get off but do not ignore the wing pockets as they will cause the kite to fall back on its self until mostly drained.
A really fun kite for foiling with...
Keep posting need the entertainment
Cheers
AP

One point that may not have been covered regarding the Peak, how quick is set up and pack down. I have flown a lot of kites over the years and the Peak is by far the fastest. Not that speed of setup and pack down really matters but if you're time limited it does maximise water time.

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AquaPlow said..

jamesperth said..
Dropped my Peak 4 5m today between Leighton and City Beach on a foil downwinder. Had an awkward and fast crash and my heart sunk as I felt the kite hit the water. As I surfaced , I watched my board glide into the lines preventing a quick relaunch. But behind the board I could see the Peak nose down, with the trailing edge sitting up catching the wind. I went hand over hand up the centre lines and pushed the board away which got me set up for a relaunch. I'm not saying it went perfect - took 3 or 4 attempts to reverse it off the water, spin and fly to zenith but I did it. The adrenaline was pumping and I made a few mistakes but I'm pleased that for the first "real" attempt at relaunching the Peak 4 it was successful. Absolutely in love with it.

JamesP,
I suspect U know this but I am in dry dock with extra browsing time...
Last session on 8M Peak4 basically 5-7.. knots inland lake which I bailed on with a dash to base just b4 6 km mark because the wind started to drop!! One multi loop save in a lull b4 7 km mark then went till ran aground (pics on profile).

At this site I have to drift launch. All my experience with this kite has involved a wet surface launch.. At both sites I use(d) I can stand when starting, it helps setup.
So in lite (I mean lite) winds if you can get back or front edge of the kite off the water do not hurry - do not try and fast forward -- until all the kite surface is off the water. When trailing edge comes up if there is any water on the top surface it tends to pool into the open leading edge pockets and anchor the wing. If you just wait with an occasional nudge of one line if it is capable of lifting it will roll one side up slightly. - repeat - once the trapped water can shift to one side it is game on. But likely as not the end pocket will be full-ish too so do not rush it is slow to drain, if you rush and flip the kite onto its back - no worries but you may need to lay out again so the LE pockets can all evenly catch wind. Kite on its back with LE catching wind is easiest - if this starts to lift off the water - its game on (gust 3+knots and no waves).. but do not hurry as any water in tip pocket will need draining again. So the take home is in light conditions let kite do its thing with a little help as this ends up being much faster than having to reset the kite on the water surface from scratch. I always take a net bag and stuff kite into it as have to land on water to pack up. Yet to swim in.. I have had a fairly long slow drag but the kite just hangs there even when I can't get up... In normal winds the kite is eager to get off but do not ignore the wing pockets as they will cause the kite to fall back on its self until mostly drained.
A really fun kite for foiling with...
Keep posting need the entertainment
Cheers
AP

Hi AP, Sounds kind of complicated and potentially messy to drift launch a single skin kite.

Do you know of any vids that would help explain it?

Cheers

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natho6026961 said..
Hi AP, Sounds kind of complicated and potentially messy to drift launch a single skin kite.

Do you know of any vids that would help explain it?

Cheers

would love to say i am on it but will be 1-2 weeks b4 back on water
kamikuza on page 1 posted link to kitejunkie video.. he has done quiet a few videos
I have only dropped 8m once when foiling lines stayed tight so straight back up .
i spent a couple of sessions playing with peak b4 i actually used 4 foiling .. at time was using cloud 9m as low wind kite..bt not anymore..
video will be on it
cheers AP

I've been asked elsewhere to show some evidence of the light wind capability of the Peak4 5m. The 5m is the most popular kite I've sold in the range and if you're thinking of trying a Peak4 the 5m is probably the best one to start with.
I managed to get my partner to shoot some very ordinary video of me on the 5m Peak4 in 4 to 9 knots.
I really need to find someone who can video kitesurfing around here. A drone would be good but there are military airspace restrictions where we kite

So as you can see in the video the wind is quite light. If you look at the beginning where the windmeter is being held, you'll see in the distance, lower right just above the hand, a Peak4 5m kite flying while the reading is taking place. The guy on this kite weighs approx 85kg and is comfortably foiling on a Naish Large foil in this light wind. The rest of the video is myself at 65kg on an Axis 110cm Tray board and Moses 679 (990 sq cm) foil.

Now there can be arguments as to whether the wind is stronger higher up or offshore. In my experience on this day I tried to go as close to the shore as the foil and swimmers in the water would allow and only went out about 100m and the wind varied very little. Likewise flying the kite high or low didn't show much difference in the wind speed.
There are many variables with regard to wind quality as well. Some say a colder wind has more power. In this video it was a warm day approx 28?C with a water temp. of approx 24?C. However the wind is a seabreeze which is generated both by the position of a high pressure system offshore and the heat of the land mass behind the shore sucking in cooler ocean air. These seabreezes are consistent and don't have lulls of no wind. The wind is cross onshore with a long fetch, so there are no obstacles to make the wind turbulent. So it's a good location with good steady wind. Probably the best quality wind on the east coast of Australia.

I find that if the kite can lift me out of the water then I'll be up on the foil with a couple of sines of the kite. I don't think you need a huge wing, just big enough for the wind of the day. I have dropped the size of my front wing temporarily from 1250 sq cm to 990 sq cm and the effect on getting up and foiling was insignificant. (Moses wings are very efficient). However I could fly the larger foil a couple of knots less in speed on the water before it stopped foiling.
And small kites, especially Peak4's are fun. Even if the wind did drop to virtually nothing you can still fly them and drag back to shore. Something which would not be possible with an LEI kite or comparable twin skin kites.

One caveat in all this discussion. One or two knots difference in light wind can be the difference between foiling and flailing around in the water. Under 10 knots every knot matters and consistency is king. A one or two knot additional gust may be what gets you out of the water and onto the foil where apparent wind takes over. I also have an 8m Peak4 which comes out when the gusts barely reach 8 knots. Even though the 8m only adds 2-4 knots to the bottom end of your range there are enough days where this is the difference between getting up on the foil or not. It's been said that the Peak4 kites are not so much a light wind kite but are the best kites in light wind! Get your head around that

Someone mentioned earlier that they wanted to see what the Peak4 5 meter could do going down wind and drifting. Here is a quick little phone grab of a straight down wind run in about 8 to 10 knots. This kite performs extremely well and is a lightwind joy to fly.

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dafish said..
Someone mentioned earlier that they wanted to see what the Peak4 5 meter could do going down wind and drifting. Here is a quick little phone grab of a straight down wind run in about 8 to 10 knots. This kite performs extremely well and is a lightwind joy to fly.

I've found in 15-18 knots I can foil straight downwind towards my Peak 5m without having to turn the kite. In fact I've caught myself out a few times with the kite facing left and catching a swell to the right and almost forgetting to turn the kite so it flies with me instead of flying to the edge of the ww. The best thing about downwinding is that it holds its altitude without much adjustment. It doesn't tend to sink towards the water like you'd expect. I'm not brave enough but you could totally unhook and ride it downwind for miles. Maybe I need to set my leash up suicide and try. I'm afraid if I crashed whilst unhooked and flagged the kite I'd never get it relaunched again.

Joined the Peak4 Mob with a 5m two weeks ago. Five sessions on a Zeeko 950cm2 Carver wing so far - one each at Cottesloe and Leighton, and three on the Swan River. Love it. On Sunday it stayed in the air when it dropped to under six knots,. The previous week in about 17kts at Leighton I was able to do carvey turns on swells, hardly using the kite, that were only 2-3 widths of the board because the kite just stayed with you with its mega amount of drift. I put it on 20m lines because I'm 92kg, but have 15s for more consistent days. Bridal and line tangles have been solved by folding the kite so the grey lines say in the main canopy, then hold in half a rolla bit, then put in the first half of the bridal, roll a bit more, then fold in the final part of the bridal. I been removing the bar for even less chance of tangles. Very close now to demo'ing the 8m for milder autumn, and will get the 3m eventually.