The wind is wallowing in WA. Much to my disgust 20+ knots have been somewhat lacking of late in Perth. And Im not too keen on trying to water launch over the lines of surfers waiting for their next wave again cos its about as windy as a sparrows fart. Leaves me with two options - wait for the next 6 MONTHS!!! or restock the quiver.
Question: I'm 78kg, fairly newbie with a 132 North Jaime. Local spots are pinnaroo and scarbs so a bit of chop to waves. I'm currently riding an 08 Airrush DNA, gives me a range of 20-30 knots. Say I just found $900 (cheers Rudd) how can I increase my range?
Do I go bigger for the 15-22 that we're getting at the moment? Or smaller for the gale force beauties in Winter. What would you do knowing Perth weather, will I get more use out of a wee one or a sail? Also the choice between a C kite or bow, my current is a stable bow, and I was thinking if I go small C is good (although will it be as smooth with gusty winter breezes?) and bow for big (for wind pockets), or is this wrong way around??
Probably going to go second hand for bigger kite as I dont know if Im gonna have as much fun on it. Some opinions from some veteran sandgropers would be appreciated, I don't know the winds that well yet been unitiated last year
The front are coming, go for a smaller bow. But even with this you'll still get walloped by the winter winds and waves. Should make or break you.
A smaller kite is fun...but you'd get more use out of a bigger bow kite. For the few occasions that you need to use a 7m, there are many more in which you need a 12m, especially in the beginning and end of the season.
If you want range, get a 12m Bandit DOS. I'm a little lighter than you (75kg) and I can get out on a 132, easily, in 10-12 knots. This will extend your range from 10-30 knots with your two kites, with the bandit covering 10-22knots, then your DNA covering up until 30 knots.
We have it available for Demo, and also have new and second hand DOS's.
Hey Durks,
We have a couple of 2008 12m DNA's which will give you change from your $900. Both in good nick and are complete. You know where we are.
Cheers,
Get a surfboard to extend your lower range would be my advice, and swap to the twin tip when it's getting really hairy.
If you want to ride the lighter easterlies at Pt Walter though, you'd probably want a 12 in your quiver.
I'm 85kg and rode a 9m waroo all winter. A few hairy moments at the peak of the fronts, but generally ok if I chose the correct board (i.e. twin tip or surfboard)
Cheers for the input guys
I'm looking at a 7.5m and a 13m Bandit and maybe trade in the DNA.
I hope this will broaden my wind range from say 13-30knots, or is it going to make a huge hole in the middle right where the cream is 18-22..
Is anyone else my level of experience or weight on a 13 in Perth (not river, I appreciate the westerlies are always a few knots under)
