I am new to kiting and am wanting to snow kite this winter and do not know what size kite to use with my snowboard. Would a 2001 Cabrinha Black Tip 3.6 kite work well.

Some info from the web:
"aspect/high lift kite with Power Drive System (de-power loop)
2001 Cabrinha Black Tip kiteboarding kiteThe combination of its enhanced inflatable frame and its Dynamic Aspect Ratio Technology (D.A.R.T.) make the Black Tip the pros' choice for boosting huge airs and the favored kite for hang time competitions.

The Black Tip's four line set-up provides the rider immediate reaction to the kite and unprecedented control. The centerline adjustment strap together with its power drive loop allows for a greater range of tuning and control... on the beach or on the fly.

Cabrinha's Dynamic Aspect Ratio Technology ensures stability and consistent handling throughout the Black Tip's range, giving a rider the ability to throw huge inverted air tricks on any size kite with confidence. Its enlarged struts increase the rigidity of its frame, reducing distortion while flying and play a large role in its easy water re-launch capabilities.

Black Tip Features & Benefits:

Inflatable strut frame - Maintains the kite's intended shape. Reduces distortion while flying. Key element in kites ability to water re-launch.
D.A.R.T. (tm) - Consistent handling and feel across entire range.
Aerodynamic seam protectors - Reduces drag across profile while protecting seams from abrasion.
Dedicated four line control - Faster kite response. Extended range of performance options including ability to tune kite while riding.
Water re-launchable - Mandatory in the safe operation of kitesurfing.

Size/Aspect Ratio:

3.6/3.8"

Im 145 lbs and have windsurfing/foiling experience. It looks to be an inflatable kite which makes me nervous that the bladder part could puncture or maybe a 17 year old kite is too brittle for snow kiting in 0 to -15?C weather. Or Is a foil kite like a open or closed cell the only real option here. I dont think I want to go too small in size since I don't want to have to buy a bigger kite after figuring out in a few days it lacks power. Plan to kite in winds from 8 knots to 20 knots (maybe not 20 on the first run)

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Not really...

Very old kite with no depower and it needs a lot of wind to get it in the air, very likely the kites valves will delaminate if they haven't already.

A 3-4m trainer kite or foil will be much easier for you to use on the flats but you aren't going to climb any hills/mountains unless its very windy. Most snowkiters are using 6m - 14m foil kites or inflatables.

A light weight 9m or 10m LEI I would recommend.
I use a Ocean Rodeo Flite 10m, in the 8-20knts range.
A three strut wave kite also. You want good drifting ability.
The problem with old kites are the valves. They are either about to fall off or starting to crack.

Throw that blacktip in the bin (or the museum). Any kite made since 2010 will have massively better performance, ease of use and safety, and there are plenty available cheap as chips.

was it just me, or was it an altitude thing
the one time we tried snow kiting with an LEI
we pumped and pumped and pumped
and the farking thing wouldn't blow up....
maybe it was the bucket bongs

I do not own this kite just considering option. I didn't know about the valves delaminating over time...so thanks for the heads up. I think I will try to buy a foil kite. I like the idea of closed cell foils so I can use it on the water as well. Do you have to pump up closed cell foils? But I just need something for the winter at the moment.
What are LEIs?

OK, a true noob, which is fine, but good to know where you're starting from.

LEI = leading edge inflatable.
No pump needed for foil kites.

If you've not had lessons either get some or start by learning to fly a trainer kite.

Trawl through all the forums and you'll find lots of information on safety, equipment, technique etc that will save much hassle and possible death/injury. There's a lot of crap on forums but a lot of good stuff too - well worth your time.

All inflatable kites from that era were hard work to relaunch off the water and even harder off the snow when leading edge down. In the water you had to swim towards them faster than what the kite could drift downwind in order to get them to roll over onto their back.

It's like learning how to windsurf with a Windsurfer One Design sail from 1970. Yes it's possible, but it's not going to be fun. And you're much more likely to get injured or killed. Very little depower on that kite ( = less wind range + less safety) and no safety release. Foils back then also didn't have a safety release and limited depower capabilities. Don't get a kite pre around 2010 even if it's free. It's not worth the hassle and the risk of injury.

It's very unscrupulous for anyone to try to sell this kite to a beginner. I've got a quiver of 2005 kites that I haven't used since 2008 but haven't sold or given away for that reason.

A 2010 kite is not worth more than $200, even in very good condition. Although you'll find some ads on here and eBay asking for much more.
A 2001 kite is worth nothing .

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theDoctor said..

was it just me, or was it an altitude thing
the one time we tried snow kiting with an LEI
we pumped and pumped and pumped
and the farking thing wouldn't blow up....
maybe it was the bucket bongs

Fess' up. Was it a North kite? Did you forget to close the deflate valve?

(Might have done it once or twice myself )

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weebitbreezy said..

theDoctor said..

was it just me, or was it an altitude thing
the one time we tried snow kiting with an LEI
we pumped and pumped and pumped
and the farking thing wouldn't blow up....
maybe it was the bucket bongs

Fess' up. Was it a North kite? Did you forget to close the deflate valve?

(Might have done it once or twice myself )

Havnt we all!