Ok so im busy with my course and I have already got a kite and the rest of the kit needed. But my instructor told me I need a kite of at least 11m2. I'm 75kg and I got a Cabrinha Crossbow 10m2. The winds here are usually between 32-40kmph. But can be as low as 25 and as high as 60(with a front and not rideable for my skill level). So average wind I'd say is about 35kmph. And my board is 128(I know quite small).

So I was wondering if my 10 would do the trick or if I need to start looking for a bigger kite. Any help appreciated. Today was my second lesson and was just busy with water starts and rides. Got up on first try but obviously didnt stay on for long. But my last ride was about 75m and included an accidental jump(thanks to my big speed and a nice little whitecap). Quite funny I didnt wipeout after the jump.

Im still struggling with keeping going after I get up. I usually get up 8 out of 10 tries but only about 2 out of 10 gets farther than 5m. Any help on this also appreciated. Thanks guys. Cheers. Mozzie

One way to get an idea of kite size needed in your area is take note of the sized kites you are using in your lessons. At least it will give you a starting point of reference

Thanks jono. I started waterstarting with a 8 but was underpowered. So notched up to 10 and was better. But i still found that I lose power in my kite most of the time after I got up but i think thats because I need to slack off on the bar.. I think Im stalling the kite and therefore cant drive it as well as I would like to(in a sine wave). Maybe once my technique is a bit better I will be able to judge better. But the school's board is very big. But i'll be able to decide better once I give my rig a go(with the small board). But Im thinking a 12m switchblade would work nicely. Will keep posting my progress

Yesterday there was a guy kiting in 21 knots with a 14m2. And then another with a 9. Pretty much same size. Both boosting good and flying along

You can always spot a noob coz they're using kilometers not knots.
Classic!!

You can always spot a poley coz they're still using fathoms!!
Get it.....??.... Coz they're old!!

Select to expand quote

Ragzilla said..
You can always spot a poley coz they're still using fathoms!!
Get it.....??.... Coz they're old!!

Except fathoms is a unit of depth not wind speed, maybe mph??

If you already have the 10m give it a try first and see how you go. For your weight it should be OK. It is a much nicer kite to fly than a 12m. I'm 88kg and my 10m switchy is my goto kite, I use it most times people are out on 12m without a problem and just as powered but I have a lot more years experience under the belt that you don't have...

beginners tend to need a bit more kite area to compensate for lack of technigue... Good luck.

Firstly, your question belongs in the newbies section.
You're probably losing power in your kite after you waterstart because you're not turning your board upwind soon enough. There's a bit more to it, but start with this and you should notice an improvement

Thanks for the replies all. Duly noted. Will take care to post in newbies section. Sorry for that. Still new here. Ok just a bit of a progress update.

So I went for my third lesson last friday and got the hang of it finally! Still was going way downwind. My instructor's assistant then rode the kite back upwind each time I ended up downwind. But thoroughly enjoyed it!!

This was with a 10m2. So yesterday I went for my fourth lesson..this time to ride upwind. So this time used a 14m2. Very nice kite! Got up no problem and started going upwind no problem on first try..wohoo!!! This is awesome! Turn around going right foot first. Ok thats a bit harder. Lost about 15m. Proceeded with the walk of shame and after some advice from my instructor and kept at it. Eventuall I got my downwind drift down to a mere 5m. Got going well once to my right side but still needs practice.

I was getting riding 95% of the attempts so I was very pleased with my progress. Had a blast that session..wind was very nice for the kite and got a few nice jumps in too.

If there is enough wind today I will go for my fifth and final lesson.

Ok so a 10 should work then. If my technique is refined I should manage. Thanks for the advice and comments guys. Really appreciate it.

Cheers Mozzie

Just a final update on my progress. Went for my last lesson yesterday. The wind was almost completely onshore. Once again I was rigged up with the 14m2 and walked to my upwind spot. Went out no problem and started riding upwind. I was still struggling with my right foot in front. But I then compared what I was doing with my left forward and what I did with my right foot forward. I was sitting on the tail too much and just breaking all my speed. As soon as I eased off the back I just flew over the water. What an exhilarating feeling!! After I figured this out I managed to keep my place upwind and actually gain some space upwind. So much so that I could stay out of the whitewater area. Great fun to say the very least.

After this I just cruised up and down performing heel turn gybes without sinking back into the water. Very chuffed to say the least. Also got some air off a few nice waves. Not massive jumps but nice enjoyable jumps for my skill level. Fortunately no wiped out landings.

I am very satisfied with my progress after just 5 lessons. Now I just need some strong wind for my 10m2. Tried it yesterday after my lesson was over and not enough to keep me going on my tiny board. So watch this space!! Cheers. Mozzie