How low can you go? (wind)

[MK]

I pulled the 20M 2003 Best out of the bag yesterday and was able to get a little ride on a 147cm board. Albeit down wind... Needless to say I'm going to keep the big boy since my next size is a 14M and I can't ride that without at least a few whitecaps. Whitecaps were not out yesterday from the wind, boaters created a few, but not the wind.

I'm bugging lately on the low wind capabilities of kites and boards. It changes by a persons weight but I have to believe there is an alternative to getting out only when the wind is 13mph and above (for me). If I could get out at a lower wind speed....

Buoant board has come up in lighter wind conversations and Flysurfer kites. These are both pricy options and the thought of a foil kite on the open water doesn't conjure the fullfilment of this sport I seek.

I've seen videos and read articles on foil kites on the open water. I know this works. However, limited launch areas and the thought of 'what if my kite gets wet' holds me back from the purchase (and the price).

What's your low wind input?

[Tighe]

8-10mph steady on my 14m T3 and a big twin. 200lbs

[Bryce]

16m cab crossbow 1 and a giant plywood board gets me going well in like 10. Take one of my plywood boards for a spin sometimes. You get the range of a big spleene door for much much cheaper. Definately more flexy then a door and is a bit harder to land jumps... but we just want to get out and riding right???

[mdh01]

I'm always impressed at those that can fly and ride so efficiently they can enjoy really low wind. For me, the fun doesn't start until 15kts (on the water). I used to plow through less wind, bought big boards, big kites and eventually, found it just wasn't that much fun for the work involved...

That said, wish we had more 15-20kts weekends in the summer!

Mark

[BBAddict]

Not enough launch areas? This guy doesn't have that problem. I'm not saying I'm an expert, but it clearly can be done.

Running 10 miles a day is probably another option...maybe not 10, but they probably wouldn't make 20m kites if we all weighed what Debbie weighs!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2PCJsKf3Jo[/youtube]

[Tighe]

that's pretty cool.

[nickfastswim]

I guess this kind of goes along with the topic but are there any foil riders here during the summer? I was thinking of getting a closed cell foil (HQ Neo 2) for my next kite since you can use it both on water and land (snow). I was wondering if it is worth it for our MN conditions?

[BBAddict]

Hey Nick,

There aren't a lot of closed cell foil riders around here compared to tube kiters. I think some of it is for the same reason there aren't as many Naish kites as Slingshot kites, just historical reasons. However, it is easier to drift launch a tube kite compared to a foil kite. I haven't tried it and it does make launches without a beach less attractive unless you have somebody to help you launch the kite.
I wasn't really a closed cell kiter until I tried the new Peter Lynn Charger, but I fell in love with the way it flies--super fast and hard pull and fun to fly. I think a lot of people see it as attractive for the reasons you specify. The guy at MNAdventure.com sells the HQ kites and the Peter Lynn kites. I know one guy that has the Neo and loved the low wind performance of it. I guess it would be like the Flysurfers in that it is a bridled closed cell. Sounds like a pretty good kite and I've heard good things.
All this being said, there's no reason you can't use a tube kite in the winter if you're just lake kiting and not doing any backcountry expeditions. The only down sided are your hands get colder from walking out lines and pumping and some of the lines and other polymer components may not perform as intended when it gets really cold and ice chunks and such can be hard on the kite. Foils are easier to setup and tear down and have some other advantages, but they aren't absolutely necessary for winter kiting.
So, how far north are you?

[nickfastswim]

Well my location is slightly deceiving, by "the far north" I meant MN as a state . I live in St. Paul.

My main reason for looking at closed cell foils is for durability, there are no bladders to blow. The portability factor is also nice. But at the same time main issue that is making me lean away from foils, is what you pointed out drift launching. I mainly fly at Waconia and there is zero beach space at the DNR launch.
I have seen that video before but I am still unsure of how it would work and how much hassle would it require. Is this method of drift launching closed cell foils kite specific (Flysurfer kite in the video) or can it be applied to to other closed cell foils?

What about if weeds get in the bridal, would this hamper the foil's ability to fly?
With my tube kite I can usually shake the lines and the weeds come off.

Also what Mike mentioned what if the kite falls and gets wet, how much time do I have to relaunch?

I have about $1000 to spend on a new 10-12m kite (LEI size). The 8m Neo is $1060, cheaper than the Peter Lynn Charger. On the other hand I can get a new tube kite with bar for $800 or so which leaves me with $200 for other stuff or future repairs. So it appears tubes are still more cost effective...?

I just starter kiting this summer so haven't been out on the snow yet. With foils no pumping in the cold does seem like a big plus though!

[JRN]

NICK: The next windy weekend @ Milly, you can try out my Peter Lynn Synergy 15. Just post if you are heading up. I just ordered a Liquid Force fish, which I hope will be a light wind option along with my 17, with enough size and volume to get my massive bulk up & riding in under 10 mph. We'll soon see.

[MAXIMILIANO]

Many times we have seen people onshore waiting for wind with different brands, different sizes of kites and boards. The only one always out there with a kite up and riding in very light wind (9-12mph) is Jerry S.

2006 16m Waroo and the Spleene Door 164 rock!

[Tighe]

The Legend Rules the breezes

[scottman]

Yes Jerry is the light wind God for the Moment, I'm finally loosing the weight I have wanted to so look out Jerry, 14M Helix and 154 Spleen door make an awesome light wind machine( as soon as I loose a few more pounds). Just kidding Jerry you are the master blaster when it comes to light wind riding!!

[peterrib]

Just finished a nice session with the Legend on Washington. Spleene Doors. Jerry on his 16m and I had out the Zephyr. Got in about an hr before some weather moved in. Definitely wind starved out here.
Peter

[smrsco]

Hey Scottman-

How do you like that helix? I'm thinking of picking up a '09 14m Helix 2nd hand for my light wind kite. Would you recommend it? I'm trying to decide between that and the 15m Cult.

[scottman]

I'm really liking the Helix 14M, it's super fast and has a ton of low end pull not to mention it jumps huge, did I mention how fast it was. It's probably the fastest 14m kite I have ever flown. The only down side if you can call it a down side is there is not a movable stopper ball on the center lines, the one that comes with it is non-adjustable, so you attach it to where you are comfortable. Other than that the kite is real stable in the air, in light wind I have found if I can roll it over I can ride it, if I don't have enough wind to roll it over I don't have enough wind to ride. Love the kite, it's going to be like the 9m Ozone I have, I will never get rid of it as my high wind kite. The Helix also depowers quite a bit by pushing the bar out, you push the bar out and it will drop out of the sky. If I'm ever out riding, which now days is few and far between, just ask and you can take it for a spin, did I say how fast it is!!!!

I would 100% recommend this kite!

[JRN]

CHAD WAS OUT ON MY HYPERLIGHT LANDLOCK WAKESURFER & HIS 13 OCTANE. I don't think it was blowing more than 6 to 8 mph. Of course it helps to weigh less than 2 bills, and have some skills that I don't seem to posess.