With the wind nuking late now, I notice lots of people with kites that are too big for the wind IMO. Just remember that things happen a lot faster at 30 knots than at 15...safe kiting.

When was it 30 knots?

The ocean reef station seems to show it gusting to 30 now-ish?

different people can hold different kites in different wind strengths. Just because the kites are big for you dont assume they are the wrong kite for the conditions.

I can hold by 12m up to around 28kt. The recommended max strength is around 22kt.

i love boosting and doing amazing generals

Bye bye Seabreeze.

You guys know you can jump higher on smaller kites right?
They are a million times more fun to fly. And they take less pumping. I always take out the smallest possible kite.

I love riding overpowered- personal preference, each to their own.

You can all do as you want - I will do as I please.....

I used to dig riding overpowered then read about the small kite = bigger jumps (think it was Kitehard's post) and then went down that road. Much more fun goin big than hangin on white knuckle fever! Love my 9m (even though it nearly killed me).

Much more fun to throw around a little kite in the waves too.

Also nicer having the extra range when the gusts come than feeling my back legs burning from diggin in.

I should say these days i prefer to do downwinders too so don't need the extra grunt to keep posi too.

Each to their own..

Only the inexperienced will fly a kite too big for the conditions. If you can't hold a kite comfortably below 11 o'clock it's time to change down. I see then all the time. Not much fun trying to pass up wind of them when they don't dare lower the kite for fear of losing their edge.

Small kites rule.
I have no idea why you would put up a 12/14 or 10 even over a 5, 7 or 8

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poor relative said...

Small kites rule.
I have no idea why you would put up a 12/14 or 10 even over a 5, 7 or 8

Because small kites are twitchy, and for some styles twitchy= bad. Plus people trying to edge out the power with the kite at 11 are clearly kooks (including you 511kev). Kite low is so much easier to edge when overpowered.

I think the point gruezi is trying to make is that a lot of bow riders (begginers to intermediate) put their faith in so called 100% depower and their riding skills aren't quite up to scratch.

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511kev said...

Only the inexperienced will fly a kite too big for the conditions. If you can't hold a kite comfortably below 11 o'clock it's time to change down. I see then all the time. Not much fun trying to pass up wind of them when they don't dare lower the kite for fear of losing their edge.

Mate it's much easier to hold an edge when the kite is lower!

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Spacemonkey! said...

I think the point gruezi is trying to make is that a lot of bow riders (begginers to intermediate) put their faith in so called 100% depower and their riding skills aren't quite up to scratch.

It was funny yesterday at City Beach, i was coming in on my 7 after a neatly powered session and a guy was heading out on a 12m CB1
Reminded me of myself and Gruzitskidinkski 4 years ago

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poor relative said...

Spacemonkey! said...

I think the point gruezi is trying to make is that a lot of bow riders (begginers to intermediate) put their faith in so called 100% depower and their riding skills aren't quite up to scratch.

It was funny yesterday at City Beach, i was coming in on my 7 after a neatly powered session and a guy was heading out on a 12m CB1
Reminded me of myself and Gruzitskidinkski 4 years ago

I was on 11m C kite, oops

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TheChad said...

511kev said...

Only the inexperienced will fly a kite too big for the conditions. If you can't hold a kite comfortably below 11 o'clock it's time to change down. I see then all the time. Not much fun trying to pass up wind of them when they don't dare lower the kite for fear of losing their edge.

Mate it's much easier to hold an edge when the kite is lower!

Then I wish they'd do it

Yesterday was what i describe as "perfect" conditions.
Smooth wind, on my 7m, no depower pulled in but almost.

Was just practicing big air all arvo... I would have been able to hold my 10, but i would have had a lot less control and my jumps would have been **** because i would have been losing my edge at the start of the jump.

I love my 7m.

Was out on my 9m yesterday, fully depowered with short lines. Comfortably in control and fun, but wishing I had a 7m kite for better jumping. Saw a few ppl with 12m kites - it is easy to go upwind when overpowered but I think you learn bad habits and don't learn to fly the kite hard. That is the fun part imo

Agree that you often see beginners overpowered - it is dangerous when they get a gust they can't handle and can't slow down or steer their kite away from you. Has happened to me a couple of times, had to take evasive action to avoid them.

Jesus christ! there are some muppets on here!

The Gruizer is right! Its a general message for newbies and interms who dont know the wind they are playing in!

Its a friendly reminder for you to consider if you are riding in maxing conditions.

EXAMPLE

I was at Woodies yesterday a female kiter was about to launch her boyfriends 12M Vegas in 25knts+ and she looked around 55KG. I had a friendly word and she packed up!

THIS is who the reminder is for. I love these forums ;)

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poor relative said...

Small kites rule.
I have no idea why you would put up a 12/14 or 10 even over a 5, 7 or 8

Wimp

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poor relative said...

Small kites rule.
I have no idea why you would put up a 12/14 or 10 even over a 5, 7 or 8

Because some of us weigh 100Kgs even if we don't look it and like to fly kites that require a little more wind than others.

D

Sorry to see you go Gruezi. No point casting yer pearls before swine.