Utah Windriders Association

Saw the forecast at NOAA pointing to a promising NWN wind. With clearing sky and below freezing temperature, I decided to head up for a morning session. Arrive at 10:20 to an empty parking lot. Wind was gusty, but manageable. Set up my 10 meters and rode for about 30 minutes in really fast condition. Then Bob Allen showed up, follow by Tyler and the rest of the gang follows soon (at least 15 kiters out). It was the most fun I have flying at mad speed for 2 hours. Try to glide on the east ridges but my kite was too small. Trevor and David got some pretty good hang times though. I had to come back to work at 1:00 Hope the rest of the gang had more fun for me.

Wasnt too bad of a session. Wind was mid twenties in the late morning and calmed down throughout the day.
Was planning on working on some big glides but the snow was scorched and too dangerouse for my comfort level.
Winds were also very hard to manage in flight so I dialed it down a notch. I rode 17m Waroo with very little problems.
Thanks for your concern Leo, but my 17m is always the right kite for me unless the wind is uprooting trees.

Nice after work session. Got an 11m NEO 2 the other day and was the first time out on it. Fun kite. Bought it to hopefully boat launch this summer when the wind picks up. Loops great up the hills due to the tight turning radius. Pulls straight uphill. Wish there was more new snow from that last storm. There were a few stashes of pow to be found. Winds were punchy which made it hard to dial in the kite jumping wise. Seemed like everyone left early with the wind still howling. I stayed out until the light got bad.
Dave - I don't know if the wind was stronger earlier, but someone was out on an 18m Caution while I was there. Go bigger next time.
Mike L.

Rode with Trevor Dave and Billy
Also seen Leo earlier

Soooo Much fun
Took some Video too
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uk7-nNeEfRw

Good day at the East end too. 12 or more kiters from Co op to CC East. I had 2 sessions on my 9M with 170 Burton. Wind was 18mph at 1PM and also when I left at 6PM. South Faces were suncrusted, too bad for that good wind. North exposures had some pow. I rode with Riley and Eric G who had students spread out all over having a good time.

We hit the far east end, , view area lot.
Playing in the hill on the east end of the reservoir,
tons of terrain features out there.
I think everyone was on 12m, nicely powered.

Also launched from the view area. I was launching just as marty and 4 or so others were coming in. Kited for about 2 hours by myself, and then was joined by Sal. Nice spot out there. Snow was kind of crusty, which didn't inspire me to go too big, but it was the strongest wind i've kited in this winter. around 20 on the lake and 25 on the ridges.

I rode 17m

Safety issues aside (i'm a big fan of darwin, so do what you like), why would you rig a 17m in 20-25mph winds and fast snow conditions? It just can't be much fun spending all your time trying to hold the kite down. I'm all for rigging big, but you're really just adding a lot of work if you're that overpowered.

Jason Klein wrote:Also launched from the view area. I was launching just as marty and 4 or so others were coming in. Kited for about 2 hours by myself, and then was joined by Sal. Nice spot out there. Snow was kind of crusty, which didn't inspire me to go too big, but it was the strongest wind i've kited in this winter. around 20 on the lake and 25 on the ridges.

I rode 17m

Safety issues aside (i'm a big fan of darwin, so do what you like),

why would you rig a 17m in 20-25mph winds and fast snow conditions

? It just can't be much fun spending all your time trying to hold the kite down. I'm all for rigging big, but you're really just adding a lot of work if you're that overpowered.

Why would I ?, for one reason because I can. I am a 200lb rider who wants all the power and lift I can get. I'll toot my own
horn by saying that I am a very fit and powerefull rider that does not spend "anytime" trying to hold my kite down no matter what the wind is blowing. I inspect
every inch of my gear after every session and am not showboating, so you ride what is right for you and I'll be fine riding what ever the hell I want, and love it

Wasn't trying to be a d1ck, Dave, just curious. Rock on.

Well I am sorry for for taking you as one, hope to ride with you
some day.