North EVO at 9m is a good step down because it is 1. 3 meters smaller, and 2. Not a super high aspect kite. High aspect kites allow for better angle of attack (upwind, racing) and for more lift in lofty jumping or explosive pop. A high aspect kite in the hands of a beginner will be pure frustration ...

Don't actually have one, but I think the valve is the same as on an inflatable SUP, etc. If you push the valve in and turn, air goes both ways. If you push the valve (red button) in and it comes up by itself due to the spring, the valve is one way for air to go in only. Maybe spring is missing or no...

I got it. Surfers ear too. Pre-cancers on the face. Wear a hood most of the time surfing (water is 48-55 deg.) Wear a hat with a brim when warmer... just seems inevitable. I'd like to know if anybody has religiously worn Specs or similar and after 20 or more years, doesn't have any eye growths!? I s...

Bummer! Do you have any other brand kites that have the same storage and use and no problems? The black plastic failure looks like what happens when exposed to heat. Like maybe pump up two kites, leave one in the sun all day on hot beach... or store in car with windows rolled up, especially when sto...

Did you mention what board you're riding and what wave conditions? Your profile says Bay Area, so assuming Ocean Beach since you want a 9-10m. OB is onshore with fast moving waves. Trying to go "down the line" is hard to do as the wave is pushing you into your kite. Most people just ride either toes...

"I forgot to mention that this happens when I am standing still, I have had no problems when riding" Ha! Yes that was important. To clarify my earlier post; and which was very well explained by Whattheflock, when standing on the beach in steady winds, if you yank on the trim cleat area and let go, t...

Some really good advice so far. Assuming you (watched video and) checked your flying lines and they are set correctly, you should be able to reach over the bar and grab the depower cleat area while kite is falling from a lull or backstall, then yank on it (the front lines) and it will surge forward,...

Cabron: Verry interesting information, BUT would you say that the board is still fine for 30 knots days although it's wide especially at the tail area? If you are heavy enough. I rode in 15-25+ knots with a 9m. It carves both wide and tight arcs well. It is a fish so slashy is what you'd expect and ...

:thumb: Just rode the Celeritas strapped in small waves, side-onshore. Pro's: Very fast upwind, easy to jibe, super maneuverable on the wave face and in the flats. Planes up with little kite power needed and blasts down the line without needing to be pulled. If you kite sloppy waves this board is gr...

:thumb: Just rode the Celeritas strapped in small waves, side-onshore. Pro's: Very fast upwind, easy to jibe, super maneuverable on the wave face and in the flats. Planes up with little kite power needed and blasts down the line without needing to be pulled. If you kite sloppy waves this board is gr...