Hi Guys,
Sadly I am poor. This means I own only 1 Kite (Cab Switchblade 10m).
I do however own 2 boards. A normal sized one (Cab Prodigy 138) and a big one (Cab Prodigy 148) that I learned on.
The Big one makes a huge difference when winds are light. This has convinced me that a big board is better than a big kite on light wind days. (It is much cheaper & more convenient too!)
I would really love a smaller kite for those +25kt days but I'm stuggling to lay my hands on the $$$.
I also feel I need a new board (the Prodigy is really pounding my knees as it is pretty stiff). I was thinking something in the 135 length
What I want to know is will I feel less powered up if I get an even smaller board - say 125 or something like that (I'm about 80kg)?
Is there a practical limit on going for a smaller board in strong winds (other than being dragged down the beach when launching & landing!!!)
Thanks.
i reckon you should just suck up and buy the smaller kite. i found a used 7m rev fairly cheap (same price as a board), and it is the mst fun to ride with. great in 20ish on surfboard, or sick for when its hell windy on tt.
you certainly wont regret buying a small kite, only when you get hell edgey between decent winds. hahaha
EDIT: i thought a main kite for WA was like a 7m. haha. maybe you need a 5m.
aloto fpeople don't realise that by shortening and lengthening lines a kites range can be greatly extended.That could be worth trying before you hand out the hard earned on a smaller kite
I agree with surfingboy. Just go out and get a good second hand smaller kite for those heavier days. Since it won't get as much use it seems silly to go and splash for a new one. Eg I have a 12m Boxer SLE and a 9m Helix (bought second hand repaired, but still crispy). My 12m is my workhorse, I use it probably 80% of the time. But when the bigger winds kick in, its nice to have something smaller. Remember, you are still directing the power of the kite through your body to the board, it's just that you have less surface area to contend with on the board. You still have to work your back leg hard to keep the kite at the edge of the window, and your knees sound like they would love you less if you have to work them hard. I find that on days where I change from a 12 to a 9 everything becomes easy again, and I'm going as fast, if not faster than when I was battling with the 12m. Also its a lot more fun for jumps!
youy dont need a smaller kite. just ride well powered up. i ride my 10m SB3 in 30+ knt and im only 65kg. youll be fine.
ditto, 12m hydra in 30+ knots suits me fine, saves pumping up 2 kites if the wind starts off at 15 to 20 and increases to 30 while your out there,
just find the right kite in a 12.
126 board.
Select to expand quote bennie
Yeah, good advice idiot. why not tell him to ride without a safety, through the flagged areas with swimmers too. I hear thats heaps of fun!. I have 20kg on you and wouldnt ride a 10 SB3 in 30+ knots, but I guess I am just not as hardcore as you.
il leave that for you. HTFU.
Cheers guys.
Not what I wanted to hear - but I guess I'll just have to start saving my pocket money.
I must say I am awfully impressed with a 65kg kiter who can sail a SB3 10m in 30+ knots.
I struggle to walk up the beach with mine - I'm sure it is all technique.
Thanks
A soon to be poorer General Dude
General, smaller kite is the only way. Think control and safety, you'll boost way higher than the guys struggling on big kites in strong winds and have way more fun. It's all about the fun factor, not how big your balls are.
