Rider: Johnno 96kg kiting 11 years Style: Surf
Weather: 22 to 28knots knots
My Comments:
Had a session at Scabrough WA last night in 22 to 28knot winds on new 5m Rebel 2011 and surfboard. Every one else on 7m & 8m Kites, I couldn't wait as new 5m kite arrived so wanted to try it out. Normally would have been on my 7m 2011 Rebel.
Kite was not so quick, super stable and was super fun on waves, in the gusts 25plus the kite was perfect, when winds dropped out a bit I just did the old style up and down stroke to keeep the kite well powered up. Amazing low end for a 5m kite and my weight, not to quick, super stable, easy to fly and makes flying 25 knots plus stressless. Cant wait for the next 30 knot sea breeze in WA.
The 5m sounds real nice and very suitable to the conditions in WA, most days gusting higher than 25. What size board have you been using for the 5m Johnno and how light can the wind get before it is just too small? I have been using the 6m myself and found it to be very easy to power up in 18-20 on 5'10" Rocket fish. Would love to have a go on the 5m.
If any one wants to have a go on the 6m give Kym at Geraldton Surf & Sail a call i'm sure he'll get it out for you. 5 or 6m needs to be in everyones quiver.
Only had it out last week for 1st time, yes I had last years 2010 6m and found at 30knots on surfboard it was maxed. I've had 5m kites before 2009/2010 and found them to quick and power was like a Yamaha YZ 125 motorcross 2 stroke 10 years ago, way too on or off in power band. Tried many and liked none. The new 2011 5m Rebel felt really nice, even power and not way to quick to enjoy. When I get a few more kites on it I will let you know how it goes. I kite a 6-4 surfboard, 6-4 tall and 96kg when i'm kite fit.
I reckon kite needs at least 22 gusting to 25plus to be fun to ride. I would say a steady 25 knots plus would be perfect for me.
I remember when the first 9m kits were coming to market in 2003 and they were quick and very unstable - infact dangerous, its amazing that the kite designers are getting super small kites, stable and easy to kite. What a great sport we are into.
