Windtunnel kite research

Check out this new video of Windtunnel kite research with a Flysurfer Pulse2 at Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands.

Measuring shape and deformation of a Flysurfer Pulse2 surfkite in two different windtunnels using photogrammetry and laser scanning.
A collaboration of Delft University of Technology, Stuttgart University, German Dutch Windtunnels, Nikon Europe, Flysurfer Kiteboarding and Max Derata Photography.

watch it online on

interesting... I wish we could have big fans like that on Sydney beaches for all these windless days ;)

I guess we're waiting for the remaining tests:
C kite
SLE
Boots
Straps
Strapless
Surfboard
Twin Tip
Unhooked
Hooked
Male
Female
Euro
Local
Old
Young
East Coast
West Coast
All the different brands
10 knot wind testing

Flysurfer added another $300 to their price to cover the cost of "Gadget Geeks"

Suggestion:
Why don't you test it with waves (swells) to see if it will come out of the water after that?

Well Marty maybe you should try it ... I think you'd be very surprised.

I've never had any problems with relaunching a Flysurfer in waves ... last two times I flew LEI in waves not only could I not relaunch but both times the kites were ripped in half!

keeps plenty of kite repairers in full time and overtime work

There seems to be a lot of misconceptions about foils; your point above was the first question I asked Ian when I met him to try a Flysurfer. He said they can stay on the water for considerable periods of time, including having waves over them and still be relaunched. Conditions were light on the day to the point where I ended up having the kite in the water for at least 15 minutes while it was too light to relaunch (lack of skill/very light wind) and at no time was I worried it would sink as it maintained an excellent volume of air. Similarly self rescue is just as easy as on a LEI - perhaps easier.

FWIW, I currently own a Psycho IV and Cult 09 so have experience on both, and I feel no less safe on the foil. Like many things in life, you can follow the crowd and go on what other people tell you, or you can test things for yourself and make an educated decision. If you have questions then ask someone who flys one or make a time with Ian to try one.

Cheers,

Ben.