Hudson yet? OK-that's 2 topics, so smack me.....Jim N. P.S: I am a large (200+lbs.) ,but buoyant individual with limited athletic abilities. 
Recommendations: Kites and Launches
Moderator: MK
Recommendations: Kites and Launches
Had a taste of kiting w/foils on sno&ice this season having less than stellar results....What's your take on a VERY USER-FRIENDLY 1st inflatable(for 1st timers on H2O)? Also topic #2...Where to launch at Clear Lake...Was somebody going to post a map? Has anyone attempted Hudson yet? OK-that's 2 topics, so smack me.....Jim N. P.S: I am a large (200+lbs.) ,but buoyant individual with limited athletic abilities.
Hudson yet? OK-that's 2 topics, so smack me.....Jim N. P.S: I am a large (200+lbs.) ,but buoyant individual with limited athletic abilities. Jim, it is nice to see so many recent witty postings from you. A nice addition to this forum.
Just about every manufacturer has a use-friendly beginner kite. Shop around for the best deal. Most of them are designed so that you can begin in 2-line mode for ease of use, but then can convert to 4-line mode later when you want more performance. I strongly suggest considering a used kite since inflatable kites depreciate about as fast as computers. Last year's cloeout deal would be fine too.
My understanding is that Clear has launches all around, but there is not much reason to go there now. Hudson is completely sailable on both sides. Terry and I had a great session there Monday. Cannon and Pepin are open too. The sailing at any of these spots well be better than Clear when the wind direction is right. Try to get to Pepin on W if you can. I will try to make that happen.
Just about every manufacturer has a use-friendly beginner kite. Shop around for the best deal. Most of them are designed so that you can begin in 2-line mode for ease of use, but then can convert to 4-line mode later when you want more performance. I strongly suggest considering a used kite since inflatable kites depreciate about as fast as computers. Last year's cloeout deal would be fine too.
My understanding is that Clear has launches all around, but there is not much reason to go there now. Hudson is completely sailable on both sides. Terry and I had a great session there Monday. Cannon and Pepin are open too. The sailing at any of these spots well be better than Clear when the wind direction is right. Try to get to Pepin on W if you can. I will try to make that happen.
Good insight on your part. Far too often I see people starting off with advanced kites and then hindering their learning process as a result. As Mike said most manufacturers sell an entry level kite. While a few years ago they were 2 line convertable to 4, now most of them are 4 line convertable to 2. Two liners are simpler though I'm not sure if they are great to learn on around here with our gusty conditions. Ultimately you will go to 4 lines, so why not learn on them. Foils work in 2 line mode because they are so fast that they scoot to the front of the window to depower themselves in a gust. The lower aspect ratio inflatables on the other hand, are designed to sit back in the window and provide a more solid pull. When a gust hits, having the ability to adjust the Angle of Attack of the kite on the fly ( with 4 liners) you are able to keep the kite right where you want it.
Great used kites are the Wipika Free Air, Naish AR 3 and R3, North Toro, Naish Aero. Most of these have 2 line conversion kits.
This years kites, which are definately an upgrade in terms of materials and safety systems, include the Slingshot GTO and the North Buster.
You will be hard on your first kite, guaranteed. So as Mike suggested, buy used, or buy robust. Both the North and the Slingshot are the most bomber out there.
A good size to start out with for your weight would be 10-12m flat.
Were you asking about kite or windsurfing launches on Clear? If you are thinking of starting kiting down there, please give these points some consideration:
Without assistence, you need to have a pretty ideal launch, and I just wouldn't suggest it if you're not experienced. There are a few launches on Clear that would work if you had someone to help launch your kite. Unlike winter where we can drive/walk out onto the lake, water launches are much more critical. There is so little margin for error. If you are inexperienced find a sideshore launch and find a spot or spots downwind where you'll be able to get out. When learning everyone does at least a few downwinders, ending up on the downwind side of the lake. Do not launch into onshore winds.
From what I've heard Hudson is not real kite friendly.
hope some of this rambling is helpful.
Great used kites are the Wipika Free Air, Naish AR 3 and R3, North Toro, Naish Aero. Most of these have 2 line conversion kits.
This years kites, which are definately an upgrade in terms of materials and safety systems, include the Slingshot GTO and the North Buster.
You will be hard on your first kite, guaranteed. So as Mike suggested, buy used, or buy robust. Both the North and the Slingshot are the most bomber out there.
A good size to start out with for your weight would be 10-12m flat.
Were you asking about kite or windsurfing launches on Clear? If you are thinking of starting kiting down there, please give these points some consideration:
Without assistence, you need to have a pretty ideal launch, and I just wouldn't suggest it if you're not experienced. There are a few launches on Clear that would work if you had someone to help launch your kite. Unlike winter where we can drive/walk out onto the lake, water launches are much more critical. There is so little margin for error. If you are inexperienced find a sideshore launch and find a spot or spots downwind where you'll be able to get out. When learning everyone does at least a few downwinders, ending up on the downwind side of the lake. Do not launch into onshore winds.
From what I've heard Hudson is not real kite friendly.
hope some of this rambling is helpful.
Tighe