Thoughts on lightwind boards and kites

[Kenny]

I think every intermediate+ Utah kiter needs a light wind kite/board setup for the following reasons:
1. Think how many sessions you missed because you were unsure if the wind would pick up over 15 mph? If you have a lightwind setup you know that you will at least be able to ride.
2. Light wind conditions are perfect for practising new moves as it is easier to land more complicated tricks on flat water and the kite movement is far more predictable. This is true whether you are learning to do kiteloops, wakestyle, or sending the kite.
3. We have far too many days with light to moderate wind. When I review my postings, I find that 50% of them are on my largest kite.

Let's talk boards and kites. I think a light wind board is more important than a light wind kite. Big boards are less expensive than big kites and they are less intimidating to handle. I have tried the Spleene Monster Door, Door and Session. I have also tried the SS Glide and Misfit as well as the Best Float. For pure low-end performance, the MDoor cannot be beat, but it comes at the price of being attached to a big board while in the air. I find it does work better in the chop than the glide. I don't like the big fins on the MDoor because I have become accustomed to the tiny fins on the glide. I just took them off and I think it works great. The Door is similar to the MDoor, just a bit narrower (5 cm). The Session is a very sweet board and I would pick it over the Glide. It has better pop and handles way better when the wind picks up. Don't get me wrong the Glide is a good board and an excellent choice, but it is weak in the chop or if the wind picks up. Due to the small fins, it is also not good for wakestyle tricks. The MDoor and Door are also so big that they are not much good for wakestyle. The Session, Misfit or Float are better for wakestyle, but all 3 have less low-end.

Kites - There is a reason I use the big foils. Light wind tends to be more flukey and I find that the big foils are easier to keep in the air due to their light weight. Especially, the Silver Arrow. They also have a lot of depower. I used to ride big LEI's, but I found them more difficult to relaunch and they take forever to pump up. My philosophy is rig big to stay powered through the lulls and go big during the gusts. It is not the safest philosophy, but I find that as long as I am willing to drop the kite when the wind gets too strong that it works okay for me.

Marty led the 13M max campaign. I think he is still sticking to it. It really isn't a bad way to go if you weigh less than 200 LBS and you are not addicted to jumping. Rigging a bit smaller and using a larger board is a good way to ensure safety as you can keep riding through the lulls and often jump in the gusts.

Technique is important as well. Proper stance (don't stick out your butt) and working the kite properly can keep you going when others are sitting on the beach. Trimming the kite properly can make a real difference as well. I find that by using a big flat board, I just need to get enough speed going to catch the apparent wind. Nothing is worse in light wind than a short, narrow board.

Your thoughts are welcomed.

Kenny

[windzup]

Nice post Kenny!

My thoughts on boards for lighter air... SURF BOARD SURF BOARD SURF BOARD...you can float on it, they crank upwind and they are fun. Downside is re-learning that jibe thang, upside is riding directional both toe and heel to train for Snowkiting on long powder boards (COME ON POWDER!)

Next, I fell in love with my Crazy-Glide this summer. It is a giant flat board like the SS Glide, yet it has a slight better shape that allows it to ride in flat and choppy water, where other big boards lose their feel. It has the same lift and float as the 179 Lite wave and the big doors, yet it feels light and nimble in the air. Just my two cents, I'm psyched to have finally found a board that works for me in anything under 15mph, and I don't plan on buying a replacement for a few seasons. Size is 145 x 48, my weight is 195.
The key is width...the wider the board the more 'lift' it gives. Even a short 132 will fly well in lighter air if it is 41 to 44 cm's wide. wide = float Skinny = speed


Kites: You got me on this one Kenny, I love foils too
But I am in between the Marty and the Kenny philosophy... I like bigger kites in lighter wind, yet not too big. Once a kite reaches the 13-15 meter size, a compromise from parasitic drag comes into play. The faster a kite can move thru the air, the more energy it can build, and I have found that going bigger than a 15 meter the kites become too slow to manuever.
On the flip side, if you have dead steady winds and don't need to stroke the kite, than it can be pleasant to park a giant beast in the sky and ride under it like its a hot air balloon. I just have a short attention span and like playing with my kite while I ride.

The Silver Arrow is an amazing kite and very light materials...but for me for the same price, I can buy a paraglider and really fly in wind less than 10mph

Good post...keep em coming!

Windzup,
Brian Schenck

[jason morton]

I wish Ozone would come out with a 17m light wind performance inflatable like the Cabrinha contra. What are the chances of that happening? That is the only area that Ozone hasn't developed. I love my 15m Glide combo but a little more lift could keep me in the air a little longer. The board is really the most important thing for light wind, but a good kite helps. Just ask Billy. I've been experimenting with stance and technique. This helps alot in light wind.