Big wrap for Flysurfer

This message is just a quick thank you to Mathias Wichmann, team rider for Flysurfer, who is currently in Perth.

Having made an enquiry to Flysurfer in Germany last week I received a call from Mathias who offered to meet with me to give a personal demo of the Flysurfer Speed 2 - 15m.

I currently ride the North Rhino 08 12 meter and have a Rhino 07 9 metre aswell. I love both of these kites but am looking for a light wind solution. Today was a great day to test out the Flysurfer as it was 12 knots at max, but generally under 10.

The first thing that impressed me was the speed at which we had the kite in the air. There was no pumping we just shook out the kite, put a little sand on the edge of one side, unravelled the lines & hooked in. As I was doing a self launch, I then took one step back the kite simply lifted into the air and sat there hovering above me. My brothers who had come down to look at it, all shared my look of awe, at just how easy the launching procedure was.

The wind at this stage was around 9 knots. The kite just sat there, stable, as though saying "well...are you going to get your board or what?" My plan was not to ride it but just to test out the launching, landing and recovery processes. Bugger that, were's my board.

Although quite sluggish in the air, due mainly to severe lack of wind, the kite dropped into position and pulled my 83kg body out with ease. I had to work the kite hard but I was going, staying upwind and, the best part, had the water all to myself...bonus. My 12 meter Rhino, would have battled to stay in the sky, let alone have any grunt to get me going.

I returned to the beach where Mathias instructed me on the landing procedure. I wanted him to show me all the self landing/launching techniques, as on light wind days most kiters are somewhere else.

To land I simply brought the kite above me, then pulled on the 2 outside lines. The kite depowered totally and fell backwards down onto the beach. I was able to control the decent direction by pulling on either of the lines in the direction I wanted to position the kite. This was very easy and I managed a perfect landing on every attempt.

So far so good, now how do relaunch this beast. And a beast it is at 15 meters, it's a bloody big kite. Again Mathias was right there for me. He said to crash the kite into the water. I did this and the kite landed front side down. To my amazement, I simply had to pull the outside lines & the kite took off backwards. When it was about 4 meters off the water i let go of one of the lines and the kite spun around and returned straight up above me. God that was easy. I can't believe this kite can fly backwards!!! Very handy when in the water.
I did crash once and could not recover it, but I think this was because of the lack of wind.

After a while the wind dropped completely (4 knots) and we decided to call it a day. On a day that I would have normally stayed home to watch the footy, I was on the water, doing the sport I love. Mathias tells me that in Europe, this style of kite rules the water. I can see why. Here in Perth most of us don't get an opportunity to test out this style of kite so we stick to what we know.

As Mathias in Perth for only a month or so, I would strongly recommend you take an hour to test this kite, for if nothing else but to dispel the myths surrounding foil (Floating Mattress) kites. Mathias tells me he is happy to show anyone interested and can be contacted via email: info@mathiaswichmann.com

I am going to buy one this week. I think you can buy these from SOS, Choice and more info is available from Ian Young, the Perth Distributor.

Hope this helps anyone interested.

Glenn W. (Normal bloke - not paid but very impressed)

Looks like the Flysurfer Pulse 2 will be my next weapon of choice. A chance meeting at Woodies gave me the opportunity to chat with Mathias Wichmann, one of the Flysurfer riders. Mathias couldn't have done more as he showed me the setting up, launching, relaunching and landing of these amazing kites. Pumping up kites and assisted launches are a thing of the past for me. You don't even untie the lines. Mathius was doing aerials on his Psycho 3 10m while LEI 12m were still on the beach waiting for the wind. Too many pluses for me to ignore anymore. Go the Flysurfers!!!!

the Speed2 15m (or 19m for guys above 90kg) surely is a great toy, it is the kite I have used 80% of the time this summer... in 8 to 20 knots (though I think for me, 63kg, it is not as much fun as a smaller kites past 15-16 knots).

what I like about this kite is:
- amazing upwind ability, as soon as it can fly (if you have a relevant board!)
- jumping ability and float
- quick set up
- the excellent depower
- it changes your standards of 'from what wind speed is it worth it going kiting?'
- you can speak directly with the designer of the kite on Foilzone.com for tips or tunning questions

what I do not like:
- the long bridles (Flysurfer, please make them shorter on the Speed3!! )
- the price
- you can easily overfly your kite if you mess-up a jibe or ride a wave straight downwind... nothing specific to the Speed2, but this is especially noticeable with this kite because you use it in lighter winds. (that said, it is a high aspect ratio design, hence sits further in the wind window, which makes it more technical to pilot and jump)

cheers
Jacques