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How low can i go in light wind with my board and a 9m?

Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2013 5:51 am
by shabakablonie
Ok, so I just got a new (used) Liquid Force Lowrider 165x50 light wind twintip, and my kahoona 13.5 is stuck in the shop and Its killing me to not have this kite =(... So all I have left is my 9m Naish Cult, aaaaand I was wondering what you guys think the lightest wind I can go in with that would be? I weigh about 150 pounds btw lol

Re: How low can i go in light wind with my board and a 9m?

Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2013 6:05 am
by plummet
just a complete guess. 11-12 knots

Re: How low can i go in light wind with my board and a 9m?

Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2013 8:06 pm
by shabakablonie
okay sweet, just wanted an idea, so I don't have to spend unnecessary gas money lol Thanks dude!

Re: How low can i go in light wind with my board and a 9m?

Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2013 9:27 pm
by TheJoe
It all depends on many factors. Currents, air pressure, kite, rider skill/weight, board characteristics, how well you are at trimming and working a kite to build apparent wind etc etc.

I would suggest if you have a safe shallow spot with decent amount of room to try and see what you can do. It would be good training for you on how to actually fly a kite. I actually recommend everyone do this. You can work on light wind relaunch and getting back to shore with out swimming.

I know with a skim board and my old 12m I was able to ride in 10kts at 180lbs and go upwind a little. Anything less than that and it was hard to keep the kite in air let alone get enough pull to get up on a plane.

Re: How low can i go in light wind with my board and a 9m?

Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2013 9:51 pm
by plummet
yes location makes a huge affect. i can kite 8-9 knots on dead flat with current against wind on my 15m speed. but at my local waves/white wash/ swell/ current with wind... 12-13 knots or its a waste of time.

Re: How low can i go in light wind with my board and a 9m?

Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2013 9:54 pm
by HAMLINDP
Dude, now that trick I've never seen before!

Doing the Limbo on a board? Whoa!! I gotta see the footage!

;)

Re: How low can i go in light wind with my board and a 9m?

Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2013 10:25 pm
by TheJoe
plummet wrote:yes location makes a huge affect. i can kite 8-9 knots on dead flat with current against wind on my 15m speed. but at my local waves/white wash/ swell/ current with wind... 12-13 knots or its a waste of time.
Yeah my wave spot has current with wind I don't even bother unless the forecast is above 20kts. That and it is notorious for having a pressure bubble where the wind will not be low enough to kite. Go 15min drive on the bay side and it will be blowing 10kts more :angryfire: .

Re: How low can i go in light wind with my board and a 9m?

Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2013 2:21 pm
by shabakablonie
TheJoe wrote:It all depends on many factors. Currents, air pressure, kite, rider skill/weight, board characteristics, how well you are at trimming and working a kite to build apparent wind etc etc.

I would suggest if you have a safe shallow spot with decent amount of room to try and see what you can do. It would be good training for you on how to actually fly a kite. I actually recommend everyone do this. You can work on light wind relaunch and getting back to shore with out swimming.

I know with a skim board and my old 12m I was able to ride in 10kts at 180lbs and go upwind a little. Anything less than that and it was hard to keep the kite in air let alone get enough pull to get up on a plane.
Holy crap, there is waaay more that goes into it than i thought lol but i do have a shallow spot to practice in. I should be good with the kite, cause i fly it in light wind frequently.... seeing as i live on a lake in florida lol i just need to work on riding i guess? I never had a proper lightwind board so this is different. I tried my buddys glide once, and that was wonderful lol