Can any of you experienced riders rate todays (tues) wind!?

[HAPA]

Helloooo,

I'm a newbie. Was out today on WBL for the third time since my first lesson and was by far the strongest wind I've attemted to date. Would'nt say I had my ass totally handed to me yet was a real challenge for me. I ride a 14m inflatable. When I first started I was taken well downwind. At least there were no yard sales! When I started to get the hang of it again I finally managed to get back upwind to my car.....whewww! Thought I was gonna have to walk! It took some time however. By the way, sorry to the two guys whos path I was crossing in my quest to get back up-wind. My thighs were burning majorly when I was done. I'm a downhill skier and am used to having my knees bent all the time. Is that the way most of you ride or is it normal to straight leg it once in awhile to save my thigh muscles!? Anyway was still a blast! I am curious though.......was the wind today a walk in the park for you experieced guys? Just wondering how far I have to go! All comments appreciated!

[mjcarter]

I was out on white bear with a 10M foil yesterday. was overpowered some, but definitely could handle it. Its my second year kiting and I've come a long way so far... i remember my first couple of times in strong wind and being constantly overpowered and unable to ride far upwind. Today was the first day it was all clicking - good airs, easy for me to get up wind, a REAL blast. I am definitely sore today... Also, the 14M may have been a bit large for today's wind, but I'm sure once you get experience you'll be able to handle that kite in yesterday's wind!

Also, as far as the straight vs bent legs.. You should be able to extend your 'outside' ski leg, or the ski that would be down hill if alpine skiing. Kiting is a lot different, its more about leaning into your harness against the pull of the kite than getting forward

Hope that helps, yesterday was awesome

[Eric P]

Over on Waconia it was blowing pretty good. I would say around 25 MPH in the biggest gusts. I was on a 10 Meter having the time of my life, but if the wind was similar on WB, I can see why you would have some problems at times on the 14. I assume it was a 14M TD2 or 3? Those thing do have amazing range. I'm impressed that a relative NewB like yourself was able to get back up wind in those conditions. Pat yourself of the back, good job. The snow is great though, that would help. Keep getting out in those types of conditions, that is when you really find out what you are made of and progress. Great conditions all around. Now, I heard we are scheduled for another blizzard on Tuesday and Wednesday next week. Yeah, bring it on. I love spring kiting.

[RandyL]

I was plenty powered on my 12m Rally as the winds really started coming up on WBL after 2:30. I could have been on a 10m but the 12 was SWEET!!!
Holding down a 14m would have been a handful for most experienced kiters not to mention being a newbie. Do you have a smaller kite? If not you may want to look at getting a 9 or 10 too.
There was six of us riding west of Bellaire and the kites ranged from 5m (Debbie) to 13m.

[slopecat]

I was out on WBL yesterday too and I was surprised at how strong the wind was when I got there. I have only been doing kiting and skiing since middle January so everything is still new to me. I would say I am taking things slowly. I was the guy with the tiny orange and white 3m foil with no harness. I ended up covering a lot of ground and pretty much wore myself out by the time the Sun went down. But what I time I had!

I was thrilled to have gone as far as I did and find that for the very first time I could get a good ways upwind and returned to my car every time. No long or short walks for me yesterday! I think I took some big steps in my development.

I had a new 10m Key that has not yet flown with me, but there was no way I was going to put that up by myself with my comfort level. I really have no sense for what that would fly or pull like. I cannot imagine what a 14m would do. You must be much further along than I am. I would love to chat with some of the others new to the sport and share our experiences so far.

[HAPA]

Yeah....I saw you out there slopecat! Honostly, seeing how fast you were getting pulled around with that 3m is what really concerned me getting out there! But I figured, hey.......I was here! I'm happy I went, but it gave me a huge respect for the wind. Looking back not sure if it was the smartest thing to do! I'd be a liar if I said I was'nt ever a bit nervous! Thats why I really appreciate the posts so far..... thanks guys. I thought I was losing my edge! I guess I will have to start saving for a smaller kite to have on hand for days like these. By the way eric, my kite is actually an Ocean Rodeo. Not to hard to find me! Dont see to many of these around it seems!