Duluth

[ice_kmauve]

Thanks to Chip for the priceless explanations. I would hope you could talk to me before my next supplication at the Mother.

I've been up there thrice now (regular veteran I tell ya), and some of your sage wisdom on the shore break is beginning to have the least glimmer of recognition for me. I doubt if I can read waves amidst sandbars, but I can tell when I see a large wave.

The rip seemed slight to non-existent on Sunday, perhaps a function of the wave size, which is a function of the wind size. People have warned me about it, the conveyor belt out to sea. On the other hand, like you said, it can get you out there, where the waves can't hurl you into the shore (as quickly).

For me Sunday was just another kite/wind call, and another chance to throw myself at the endless barrages of our little sea.

I have a shortage of kite options. I can use a tiny 7m or a 12m. I need something in between, for days like yesterday. Well, I used the 7 and got what I paid for. It towed me around indifferently among the waves, I even got some good air. But of course I should have inflated the 12. My reason for going small was, I was half expecting a 40+ gale to blow up, and wanted to be properly rigged for when the party started. Unfortunately, I was a bit underpowered all day, but that was the least of my problems.

I can't believe i rode this monster a year ago when I was even lower on the learning curve. This time it was easier although not effortless, to punch through the wave froth, after they broke. Then other times the breaking wave would catch my board dragging me onto my ASS! Other times, I launched off a few sweet lips and nailed some air in the process, several times.

I took a break and had a couple of beers and went back out. That was weird. You definitely want to have your "edge" amongst the wicked waves. This isn't a stoned conversation with your landlord you can fake your way through. The beer buzz, added to my native lack of skill, saw me fall hard on a wave--which hurt. It's hard to understand that your head can hurt from hitting water!

That was the least of my problems. the 7m Waroo (and I believe, now, all 2006 small Waroos) are not meant to handle the high gusty winds. I saw mine and Max's both fold in half and crumple, humiliated onto the beach (threatening to drag us of course) in high gusts. Thanks ground crew for jumping on them. What pieces of junk. I don't meant to dump on my favorite kite. But I should have listened to the cynics on kite forum. The larger Roo's from 2006 are irreplaceable lightwind machines. But get a 2007 for the smaller sizes, or punish Best by buying obscure kites like the RRD hypertypes and Slingshots.

Thanks for the help everybody. See you at least one more time before freezout, lord willing.

[MAXIMILIANO]

Dave, first thanks for the beer .....

I talked with Best this morning and we just have to change the back bridles to the 2007 Waroo model...50 bucks and the problem is fixed.

I saw maybe 15 kites in the air yesterday and have to give A+++ to the Eric P.'s Bularoo 7! the most stable kite I have ever seen in those conditions.

I don't know you yet, but Judd you know what you are doing out there A+++++ Dave and I were whatching you and exellent job!

[ice_kmauve]

you know what, F U C K Best. If they said, "pump up the leading edge more," I would just turn tail and accept the rebuke. But instead they hand you this horseshit. When they tell you changing back bridles would stop the 06 Waroos from flipping inside out, tumbling onto the beach and nearly killing us, they prove they are no better than the crooks they are made out to be daily on numerous forums. They should just admit, the 06 waroo is not fricking stable in high, gusty wind. I'm sorry, I love the damn things, I've flown my 7m in some very high, gnarly wind, but I will not listen to Best trying to rook us out of another 50 bucks with their swindling lies. New back bridles would not make one damn bit of difference with the instability problems with these kites in high winds.

Dear Best: Quit trying to cover up problems on an obsolete old kite!!

Sorry, back to what matters most, MN kiting.. please ignore me and carry on.

[JRN]

There is a mod for a front bridle stopper knot on the Best Forum. it is supposed to control the high gust wobblies. I have it on my 12, was able to launch it, but felt too overpowered anyway. I did fly my 7 without the knots and you saw the results. I'd be happy to get you the measurements
if you wish to try this simple mod. Jim N.

[Randy]

Michael,
Judd and Diane showed up just as you were leaving, so there were riders that kept the stoke going through yesterday's wind. As many of you saw, Judd went out Sunday at 10:30 and didn't come in until 2:30, and then called Monday to ask if I wanted to ride up with them. My body was in dire need of repair as I saw more beautiful wind on the current reports. Anyway, sounds like they also had another awesome day with Mother. Great stories from everyone. Diego, you looked like a long time veteran out there. Any highlights to share with us? Terry D., Judd said many of you stayed Sunday long after we left. Highlights? How the hell did your body hold up? I'm finally back to mild aches and pains.

[Terry Dunklee]

I was too whipped yesterday to join Judd and Diane for another day on Superior. If we could all sail as smooth and relaxed as Judd maybe we wouldn't have to pay the price. After getting pounded in the shore break on the windsurfer I went back to kiting and had a great time on Anna and Eric's 7M Bularoo. That was the kite for the day. Thanks guys. Eric and Denis finished off the day with impressive dialed in sailing. A few beers at tot lot and food at the Green Mill provided a mellow ending to an adrenalin fueled day.

[Diego]

What a day! it was my third time up at the Mother and it was by far the best of the 3. I got there ~noon to find epic conditions and a lot of familiar faces. Went out on a 5.0 for a while and I had more power than I needed so I rigged down to a 4.2 and I it was perfect for another hour. The waves were perfect, the ramps awesome, I had a pretty high jump that I landed completely flat! Ouch, I immediately looked at the board and it was in one piece! I thought for sure it was cracked but I guess those older F2 are super strong! By 4:00 I couldn’t hold the boom any more. My arms and legs were cramping up and I didn’t have anything left. I’m still sore today, I need to get in shape! I was nice to see everyone having a great time. Sorry I missed you call on Monday Michael, I'm glad you score a nice solo sesh. Hope for more soon!