What size kite has been most used in the area???

[hert0035]

I would like to know what size kite some of you use around the metro. Of course AR and line/board length contribute, but im just trying to get a feel for how to stack my quiver. If memory serves i recall most the time winds run around 12 to 15 knots with a few nukin days and several drifters in july.

But i would really appreciate a bit of info on the most common setups on tonka or WBL.

thanks,
Stefan

ps- if you find a really good deal on a Naish x3 14 let me know mine was stolen in Hawaii along with a jetpilot 2 pc wetsuit and a magic marine trap harness....bummer.

[Jim N]

I'm a relative beginner, but I've got a 16, a 12, & a 9 sq.m kite. There were often days when I wished I had something bigger like a 20 or so.
Maybe when I get more "dialed-in", Ill shop for a light wind monster. What kind of harness did you mention? I don't think I've ever heard of that kind. J.N.

[Chris B]

Murphy's Law; it is the kite you don't have. I would have to say if you are just starting your 13 would be great choice. When you can harness the power the 17 will be your bread and butter kite. The nine is a must when it nukes out. It really sucks to go home because its too windy.

[Tighe]

I agree with Chris and Jim. One kite just won't cut it. It blows more in the spring and fall and you'll use a 8-10m a fair bit, and your 11-14m a bit more, then mid june til mid august, you'll mainly ride 15-20m and bigger.

Two kite quivers tend to be the two biggest kites, just cause you'll use them more.

hope that helps.

[Coach]

I have to voice a slight difference of opinion. A one-kite quiver can cut it. But, if it's ripping and you don't have a smaller kite, you are out of luck.

For the most part, I use only a two-kite quiver - 12m and 16m. I have a 20m and 8m, but let's leave them out since they account for about 1% of my kiting. Many people get away with 12m and 16m only. The 20m is really a 'contest' kite - If it is SO light that I could use my 20m, I might as well go biking or something else. For the 8m days... well, that kind of wind just gets stupid in a hurry.

For the remaining 99% of my riding, 16m covers the vast majority of the days. I would say my 16m vs. 12m riding ratio is 10/1 (or more) for a typical MN year.

It just doesn't get windier than about 15knots that often around here. If you are willing to forgo 10% (at most) of the days it is too windy (or too light) to ride something other than a 16m kite, one kite will do.

Of course, once you are addicted, all bets are off. Just don't blame me when you suddenly have a 5 kite quiver.


-Coach

[Dave Z]

Could we factor weight into the equation???? I have yet to hit the water but given my weight (140 lbs) and based upon the thread I'm figuring my grunty 9M and Medium Aspect 14M should cover me pretty well this summer for my maiden water "experience" this summer? Or should I look into extending my quiver with something in the 17/18M range????

[Coach]

Dude, you're a flyweight.

9 and 14 should be great for you. Most people are in the 160-190 range. I should have mentioned that's what I was basing my sizing on.


-Coach

[hert0035]

Thanks for all the replys... they have been very useful in confirming my thoughts. I've found a package deal on a 16 and 20 and would plan to round it out with a 12. which for my weight (155-160 depending on lunch) i think it would work out pretty well. I thought i would try to run the x3 14 as a one kite quiver but now that i don't have that anymore its time to re-evaluate.

The harness was actually a trapeze harness for sailing skiffs. I've also got an international 14 sailboat and found that the harness worked pretty well for kiting. Anyway if anyone wants to get out on a 200 pound boat with over 500 sq ft of sail (about 50 sq meters) let me know its a wild ride. There should actually be a few skiffs sailing on WBL this weekend if anyone is out on a kite i'll try to swing by.

thanks,
Stefan