Stay connected in the wind. This forum is for anyone who rides the wind, winter or summer, on whatever board suits their fancy. Share the stoke, find out where people are going, ask any question, share your discoveries, and discuss any esoteric idea you may have related to the pursuit of wind. Please keep it positive.
I want to turn this topic back to it's origanal. "this weekend @ mille lacs"
Not this weekend on my bow kites.
The entire weekend was sweet. when I left on friday there was no wind in the forecast. but some how I was able to ride every day. most of the time it was lite.... but rideable. and 4 out of the 5 days there was at least an hour or two of powered rideing, espicaly Da Father on monday terry and I got about 5 hours of being way overpowered on the big stuff. and at the end of the day on monday after we packed up the wind just stated to crank but our stomaches were turning inside out from hunger and we had to leave
all in all it was a great weekend 5 days of wind @ milly. and in two days (thurs night) it will be time to head back up there.... I can't wait
I chuckle when I think of Winter having to work on ANY kiting skills, especially when compared to my own. Wish I had 1/2 his abilities where watersports are concerned. Back when formula boards appeared and big light wind sails, he gave me lots of tips on what & how to rig. When I expressed an interest in kites he was always there with tips and suggestions. He was and is light years ahead of me and most others in both disciplines, and we're lucky to have him among us. Not that he doesn't deserve his share of chiding, tom-foolerie, not to mention skull-duggery! IMO... Jim N.
looking forward to making it out there this weekend, if I can get away. Im hoping to pick up enough pointers and tips to finally get the hang of this. Will be a nice change from just flying the kite.
Tighe the earlier "pissing match" was to convince you bows where good for the midwest....I guess we just can't leave you alone.
Lightwind... I got Nancy one of the 14m Contras. It has a slightly flatter profile, there are other improvements to the bar and bridle which I would call tweaks or to use a technical term process improvement. Nancy has been planing under it in 8 to 9 mph winds using and sx151 but in the 7mph lulls she was bobbing for musky. Using a flat lightwind board would probably lower the light wind threshold a little. What I can say is the design is very well thought out, safeties improved, sprint one pump seems to work well, bridle improvements are nice though not lighter ( light wind) but will reduce wear. For smaller people a 14m is a good Mn kite size as it flies and turns faster than a 16m but has a little more grunt than a 12m. The smaller 14m size gives a wider window of use than a 16m which over powers light weights (160lbs and less) in the 15 to 16mph wind range.
We have not had it out in a good wind yet so we don't know the top end, maybe this weekend?.
I'm kiting 5-10mph on the 17m/FlyDoor. Special techniques are required. Lot's of sineing at low end, light on the edging. Jumps are possible for me at 8-10. It's definitly not everyones cup of tea, but it sure beats jogging...for excercise. Never tried top end yet, but due to my light weight, it's going to be limited.....maybe 15-17.
Had it out with the Chanhassen station quoting 4-8mph, and still could go up wind. Hard work though.
Tom..that's amazing. In light winds I have always envied you lighter guys. Windsurf racing I hated you, you reading this Adamski?. Light is definitely fast when the winds not cooperating for the fat guys.
It looks as though we may get some lighter winds this weekend so we'll get to see the light weights strut their stuff.
Jim N.
poke poke