Well my problems can be based on this graph of the winds in the Hobart region
Situation:
I'm a beginner on a 9m Convert, 134 NBL and I weigh in at 67kg
Problem:
How do i get out on those days when its a bit lighter, I realized that heck the wind doesn't just blow a constant average as shown in the above photo but I guess i'm after something that will get me going when the afternoon seabreeze's kick in which are rather light down here, so something from 10knts to 17-18knts thats when i'll jump onto my 9m, and something that will handle a few knots of variance either end would be great
Possiblities:
So obviously i'm looking in the range of a 12-13m kite I was looking at either a 13m Crossbow or maybe a 12m Switchblade, along with any other kites anyone else rates
Solution:
VVVVVVVVV
The old light wind argument, kite vs board who will win this time.
Lucky for you your a bit of a light weight and you would probably get away with a bigger board like a slingshot glide with the 9m kite should get going in just over 10kts, or there is the nobile skim board which is a lot easyer to ride than it looks, or grab a big old surfboard and get out there.
The problem with bigger kites in light conditions is they are heavier, turn slower and a lot of the time you would still need the bigger board. But a small kite can still turn fast in light conditions and generate more aparent wind and still get you going in the light condition on the bigger board.
it really depends on what your aim is, are you just looking at going out for a cruise or do you want a bit of power for tricks, jumps etc.
If its just crusing then grab a 12m kite and ride your current board but you may find you dont make your 10knts that you want to get out in. Or grab the big board and use your 9m and see how light you can ride.
If you still want to do tricks, jumps (little ones) you will deffinatly need the bigger kite and the bigger board. Last years 14m bandit dos was a great light wind kite, as was the 15m rev. Or you could lash out and go for the ultimate light wind kites like the flysurfer. All these kites will get you out in 10kts but will handle like a old rusty tractor turn slowly etc but will also pull like a tractor. Then board wise you would need a larger tt board than you would normally ride like the light wind NHP that nobile make.
Really i think light wind kiting is more about how deep your pockets are as the bigger kites cost a lot more, more expense on bigger boards, and for what a lot of the time you still only get a quick ride or get blown off the watter.
Best money i have ever spent on light wind gear is definatly the nobile skim.
Looking at your wind chart i would be sugest that you dont set your goals so low there is so much difference between 10kts and 13 kts and at 13 kts you would definatly get away with just the bigger kite.
I hope your confused as that is what light wind kitting is about, there is a lot of options and what suits one rider wont suit another. There is only one real solution that would 100% solve your problem,
MOVE SOMEWHERE MORE WINDY
Your board is a reasonably fast one Sillyman so a bigger one wont offer you much.
The "I'm a beginner" bit is most likely your biggest downfall in lighter winds, you will get much better in the light stuff with more experience.
I wouldn't go for too big a kite at your weight as you just wont need it. We have a local that rides his 9m Bandit from about 12knt and he is 5-7kg heavier than you.
If you really want a light wind kite the Ovando will beat them all size for size. The 11m will make more power than a 13-14m Bow.
Jas
Get rid of that silly suit for a start .Thats a pretty good average over the whole day (BTW where did you find that graph).Stop moaning and learn how to kite properly
Dude - I just got a second hand 16m 09 crossbow for those gutless days we seem to be getting more and more of in Sydney. Just go big my friend - the 09 and 2010 kites have great technology so even the big ones fly easy and turn OK - I'm heavier then you - 85kg - but if I were you I'd get at least a 14 or even a 15 metre. By the time you are too overpowered on that you'll definately be able to use your 9.
Too much power is never a bad thing dude - you will spew if you get a 12 m and you still can't get out
Go BIG dude 
Mate, Im from Tassie originally, wait for summer to learn to kite, its too frustrating this time of year! light wind kites are more hassle than they are worth!
Firstly thanks for the replies!
not all of us can look good in fluro haha
light winds are frustrating. if the breeze is from 8 knts to 15knots and inconsistent your kite will fall out of the sky no matter what for the exdeption of a foil kite. you need a widish surfboard with a fair bit of volume and around 6"3. a nine meter kite should be enough as i have found that the faster the kite the more short bursts of power i can generate and onm the right board cruise and stay upwind ok. but overall light wind kiting sucks and is only good for teaching how to fly a kite. i have learnt heaps on how to fly a kite in light winds.
if you have to get a mal and have a cruise
Hey sillyman,
Think I saw you out yesterday on the cabhrina (but you were quite a bit down wind so couldn’t ID the wettie
).
This time of year is mega gusty and when the gradient winds are dominant, it’s a matter of picking a kite size that you can hold down when it really cranks, which usually means being underpowered on the lulls. As for the light seabreezes – yep, they are kicking in now and will build soon – don’t worry they are epic from mid nov through to march and we have actually had some good wind in the last week too. I’m 62kgs and really happy with my 12m/9m setup. Not many of the guys own bigger than a 13 here as the wind is pretty dense – most prefer a 8-9 /11-14 setup - reckon you would do well on a 12 or 13. Just heard the wind is on so will leave it there. Good luck.
Yo Hicko,
Cheers for the heads up on the kite sizes, its good to know that someone my size is got a 9/12 combo, especially as I just got myself another Convert a 12m, so I should be rocking for those seabreezes
Yeah i reckon that kiter you saw was me, if it was the lonely guy WAY downwind of anyone else! I'm surprised that you couldn't spot the fluro though haha
I'll have to say hi next time there's some wind, fingers crossed its soon!
