The ideal light wind kite

[abel]

A big flat bard is more important than the kite !

[FredBGG]

A big flat bard is more important than the kite !

A big flat board is important, but add a really good low wind kite like the Flysurfer Speed 2
and you have a winning cobination.

The sport is called kitesurfing for a reason......the kite IS very important.

[bemex]

north evo 15m and a surfboard

[rodeoclown]

I weigh in at just over 200lbs, and discovered this summer that I don't need a wide board anymore
Sold my big board, a skywalker 135 by 48.
Just don't need it anymore with my vented 16m Rise and the MW in lite winds.
I used to think the board was the key, but sometimes the answer is 27 meters over your head.
Each sailor is different, whatever works for you and your lite wind spot is good man.

[aeberl]

The original question was if it is possible fo have FUN at those windspeeds. All I have seen on the lightwind clips so far is people being barely towed by ther huge cyrcus tents/kites. No jumping, no unhooking, no looping, ....no fun.
The first clip which deserves the benefit of the doubt is one of a 12m Psycho IV in action (some backrolls + kiteloops, no unhooking however) I'd love to see the turning speed of the 15m Psycho IV side by side to an equivalent SLE inflato. I have heard some good things of the 14m OR Riese Venturi as well, but so far nothing conclusive. I wonder how these kites would behave in a light wind, wet relaunch.
The Psycho IV is very fresh out of the oven, but looks quite promising, would love to hear some unbiased comparison from someone who tried both the FS PS IV and the OR Rise Venturi.

[kitehawaii]

I just returned from Peru. I was up north but the winds were pretty light. I used the OR 14m Rise and a 7'6" funboard to ride in the light winds. I have friends that use big Ram air kites here in Florida on very light wind days. The bottom line is if you're riding in light wind and waves your taking chances no matter what kind of kite you use. Risk reward. The 16m Rise is a great kite but it does require a steady wind just like all kites. Get your self a good wind meter and take some real wind readings. It may be that the wind is just to light in Lima. Everytime I have been there it has looked to light or just not worth it.

Aloha

[aeberl]

Acually there is some wind in Lima, but you have to take a boat ride about 1 mile offshore.
The more inteesting spot is 60km south of Lima (Puerto Viejo) which has 2 to 3 kitable days per week during summer month (+ very nice waves too). Too bad you lucked out on the wind during your last Peru trip, this is a very unusual season; normally you woul not need anything larger than a 9 during winter months up north. I ahve just returned from Pacasmayo and had the same luck.
Bottom line, I need a kite for Puerto Viejo, for about 9 to 10 knots side-offshore wind over 3 to 6 foot surf. I know the Speed could handle this wind, but it will not be the right choice for waves.

[jdub87]

Definately the Eze 13m from Eh is ideal for that. Really powerful though wouldnt
suggest you go over 15knts on it if your under 180lbs. In 8knts i dont think you'll
have that much fun, maybe on a surfboard or skim. but over 10knts your blastin
on an EZE. - freakdogkites.com

[rodeoclown]

The key is to be able to find that apparent wind quickly.
Fling that kite forward and try and match speed, even if you have to bear off,
then work that balancing act of hull edge angle, the forward thrust of your core and
those way point adjustments for aqua terrain and current flow.
A smooth steady wind, even if its light, can be a lot of fun with the right kite/board combo.









(16m Rise/Mako wide in about 12kts of wind)

[Innis]

A big flat bard is more important than the kite !

A big flat board is important, but add a really good low wind kite like the Flysurfer Speed 2
and you have a winning cobination.

The sport is called kitesurfing for a reason......the kite IS very important.

Abel is correct. A big flat board is more important than the kite.

Some folks don't want you to know this, but economically you'll get way more lightwind milage out of a big flat board than you will from a big, slow-turning, expensive kite. If money's not a problem, get the kite too (they help), but pay off your car loan and get a big flat board first.