Hi All,
My tax return has come in and I am thinking of buying a new kite.
I moved to brisbane from the UK 18 months ago and brought my 12m switchblade 2 and an 8m GK Sonic with me. Since I've been here I've struggled to get out on a regular basis and whenever I look at the forecasts (usually seabreeze or windfinder, are these the best options) the winds always seem pretty light.
It is coming back into summer and I am determinned to get out more and actually improve this year (advanced begginer at the moment and have been for ages as I dont get any regular practice!).
I like to fly powered up so usually want at least 15 or 16knotts with my 12mtr (i weight 70kg).
The question is:
Do we get much wind 16+ knotts in the brisbane area (sandgate/brighton is the closest for me) and I am just missing it?
Or should I be looking for a 14m kite so i can get out in 12+ knott winds?
Cheers for the advice on this,
Dave
Hi Dave
At 70kg a good 14m will get you going in about 12kts. Size of board is also a factor you should consider, a bigger board will get you going much easier in lighter winds. Try a few different kites, we have a range if you would like to give them a go, just pop in the shop right across the road at Sandgate.
Padi
try this link
www.bom.gov.au/qld/observations/brisbane.shtml
i am 78kgs and ride a 10m IDS. i donwsized from a 12 last season and would never look at going bigger again, i still get out in 16 + knot days quite regularly.
would be worth having a demo of a newer 10/11m and see how they go.
Best to wait till the season kicks in and see how you go from there. winter westerlies which is what you get now are not our best winds for the year
What do you weigh? What kind of board do you have? Are you any good?
I used a 12m Switchblade for 3 years as my light wind kite. I could get out and ride when people can't get off the beach. I weigh 80 kg.
The most useful thing is a light wind twintip. 135x48cm. Minimal rocker. It's easy to ride and goes in minimal wind. It's easier than a race board and a far superior to a surfboard (I've got three surfboards).
Mine was custom made. My mate has an Underground which is a touch longer and narrower and that works fine. He was 90+kg and could almost keep up on lreally light wind days.
Cheers for the replies.
The board i am using is a 132cm nobile 555, not sure of the width.
I think I'll head to Sangate and have a try of a few different kites and sizes. It will be interesting to see the changes that have gone on in the 4yrs since I got mine.
I will also start praying to the wind gods for a good summer!
Dave
