G'day,
I started kiting because I wanted to surf and carve and slash about with some help from a kite.
I have a 2009 13m xbow which I learnt to kite on last Oct. (2009) and am wondering if getting a wainman boss (12m) or a bws noise (12m) would be much better in turning speed, parkability, stability, power and worth the doh ($1000). Alot of surf oriented crew I've met around Torquay and different parts of Oz recon they don't bother kiting if they have to use anything bigger than a 10m. So I wonder if there is much in it?
I use a wainman smoke (9m) as often as I can and a 5'9" wainman directional, mostly strapless, or an airrush hammer144. I find the 9m to be so much more fun than the 13m which I use in 10 - 17 knots or if it's not so steady and dropping below 15s.
The 13 is really amazing in light wind, pulls super smoothly, like a giant marshmellow and it moves like a b-double truck. Its great fun with the surfboard (& the twin tip) until we bear away or try to connect a few turns together. Since manouverability is the main aim for me the 13 can seem pretty useless and its not much better on a wave when its windier. I have developed a feel for using the 13 that comes with time and patience but I'm really interested to know if these larger surf style kites (wainman boss (12m) or a bws noise (12m)) are going to be any better down the line especially if its cross onshore. Are they really as quick to turn as a 9 as the adverts claims? How much more wind will they need to get going than the 13 or say a xbow the same size?
It might be cheaper, easier and more relaxing to buy a hammock to put in a tree, then lie there until it's windy. It could save a fair bit of frigging about.
Rider: 72kg, intermediate kiter, experienced surfer and wavesailor (now pushing 40)
Style: Surf and flap about
Weather: 10 - 17 knots
Disclosure: I enjoy kiting enough to buy the things I need to keep 'the experiement' running!
Thank you. I hope someone has some first hand experience with this quandry.
Pete
The wainmans are great surf kites, but there are other good delta kites like the kahoona that would also be a good choice and a lot cheaper the 11.5 should have a good turning speed and they are very grunt for there size.
Go and get a ride on a 12 park,a bit over budget but it'll put a smile
on your dial.
some of the best waveriding days i've had have been on my 13 and 15 fuels. a bigger kite is less flighty and will just sit there while you ride down the line.
its a different way to ride compared to 9m weather but its just as much fun
Thanks Waxman. I'll have a look at the kahoonas
Tobes. As a wavesailor I only ever ran a 4.7 or smaller and rad boards. I figured if it wasn't on, then there was nothing to be gained from floppy rigs. All the gear has got alot better in both sports and I have certainly been blown away by how much fun I've had on the kite in 12 knots. I kinda seems rude to me.
Using a bigger board is a good tip. Often times the little 5'9" is too small in small waves to run along with out much sail power. Maybe a fish or a twinny would be better.
Relative to the crossbow, the smoke is pretty fickle at its the low end. It can become pretty dodgy when there ain't enough breeze. I haven't seen many other kites 9m to compare to. I have often used it when other crew are still on bigger kites. From what I've read they're comparitively grunty down low.
Radman. I hadn't heard of a park so googled it and found an interesting post. www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Kitesurfing/Review/Exmouth-Expo-2011-results/
Stamp is onto it though. The surf is heaps cleaner under 15 knots and you can get out and pick off a few pearlers before the mob assend with their sub 10m kites as the wind kicks in. It makes sense to use a biger kite and board.
The question is: Is it worth getting a delta style drifter to replace the xbow? Or all big kites just too big and slow to worry about?
The answer: Go and try one on demo b/c its probably heaps better in a drift.
Thanks for all your thoughts, pointers and tips.
You've all helped to clear up my muddle.
I'd still like to hear from anyone who can compare using a 13m xbow and 12m delta/hybrid in the surf. (or slop)
Cheers,
Pete
I also have the 2009 13 xbow. This kite IS VERY slow to turn definitely not for the surf. Even the 9m is slow compared to other kites out there more park and ride style... I was thinking of getting smaller kites next because of this too but am now considering 10/14 Rallys these are supposed to turn real sweet even the 14 check them out if you can. There's some great info here www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Kitesurfing/Review/2011-Slinghot-Rally/?page=2 check out Rhys posts.
Do not bother with above 11m; at 110kg I have tried them all the Boss is ok.
Get a bigger board use the 9 way more fun I use a 7 footer now get out on a 10 OR in 15 to 18kts less than that you cannot go down the line in cross on you need cross off.
Yes you can go in and out all you like. Flame suit on
Hi,
Naish Park 10m
Blade Vertigo 10m
I have tried both these kites and have found the 10m size to be the best alround size.
Gets you going around 12knts and you can use hanging on in 25 plus.
Best to try before you buy.
Danny
Definitely go demo a Slingshot Rally 12m. Much quicker turning than my 09 Switchy 12m and more grunt. Seems happier to sit that it as well (though only used 4 times so far) I believe the switchy to be quicker than a Xbow so gotta be an improvement.
Really recommend a demo.
At 70 kilos I kite in waves 90% of the times with a 12m.....
If I have to listen to some guys here I should never get in the water!!!
+bow 13m is a very slow kite.. Wainman 12m is a nice wave kite and quite grunty.
You will not regret the choice specially if you are already happy with the 9m..
I'm PRO using the same kites in your quiver!
Bye Jankie
