The real kite ranges

[Werito]

Hi Scott, and welcome to Funland.

I think that others pretty much answered to your questions already, but since you mentioned that you don’t know any other kiters around, I wanted to point out that Helsinki area kiters do have couple fb-pages and a telegram group to have a chat. Welcome to join if you want to!

[Bille]

Hi Scott, and welcome to Funland.

... Welcome to join if you want to!

Did the OP ever get in touch with Ya ?

Bille

[scottinfinland]

Hi Scott, and welcome to Funland.

I think that others pretty much answered to your questions already, but since you mentioned that you don’t know any other kiters around, I wanted to point out that Helsinki area kiters do have couple fb-pages and a telegram group to have a chat. Welcome to join if you want to!

Thanks for the info, I have found a few places with locals chatting about kite boarding. Hanging back a bit first as would like to improve my skills a bit first, then I'll start trying to find some people to share the drive and journey with!

[scottinfinland]

...

Anyway, I live in Finland and originally from UK. Don't know any local kiters so my knowledge mostly comes from online reading and YouTube.
...
I can't really afford a bigger kite right now so hoping to use any days that have okay wind range with my 12m.
...

I'm a Little bit curious , as to Why you didn't ask for advise on this kite forum ;
before Ya spent your hard-earned money ?

Bille

Because I didn't know it was here before ..

Ain't hindsight a b*tch

[scottinfinland]

Hey guys, thanks to all of you for your replies.

That's some good info and now I have a very good guideline before I head out for the day!

I have an Rrd Juice V3 138 x 42. Probably a bit small for weight but decided to jump the gun a bit as I have 20 years snowboarding, and some wakeboard experience. Heard this helps so tried to avoid getting bored of a 'door' board to early.

I'll be on the hunt for a used 14m / 15m kite to help out on those light wind days.

Appreciate the help!

I'll be back with more stupid questions I'm sure...

[HALF]

138x42 for 88kg, and 15m kite = minimum 15-16 knots (to be able to stay upwind)
i know it because i am around the same weight, have the same size naish monarch, and i ride a 15m foil kite as my main one
I strongly, STRONGLY suggest you get a bigger board (second hand, cheap board, minimum 144)

they are NOT boring, what is boring is waiting on the beach for the wind to pick up, and then going home not kiting the whole day

[edt]

The calculator above shows 88kg, with 16knots is enough to ride. But also shows minimum is 12 knots. Is this really achievable? 12 knots seems so low for my weight and a 12m.

12 knots 12m 88kg only if you mow the grass in butter flat water. 12 knot wind isnt that fun on a twintip no matter what. On a hydrofoi though you can get going really fast and it's a lot of fun even down to 8 knots or so. I would save money for a hydrofoil not right away but after you get more experience. If you do buy a bigger kite for the 12 knot days just keep in a mind a 12m is all you need once you hydrofoil.

[knyfe]

Rather add a large board to your collection than another kite. Especially with a small board as the next step. Keep in mind that with a board you can just come in and swap while with a kite you need to pump / switch bars ...

A door has been in my collection for a long time and while most parts cycled out the door stays for sure. Just my opinion.

Or even make a door as it’s the simplest of boards to make.

G

[Bille]

...

Anyway, I live in Finland and originally from UK. Don't know any local kiters so my knowledge mostly comes from online reading and YouTube.
...
I can't really afford a bigger kite right now so hoping to use any days that have okay wind range with my 12m.
...

I'm a Little bit curious , as to Why you didn't ask for advise on this kite forum ;
before Ya spent your hard-earned money ?

Bille

Because I didn't know it was here before ..

Ain't hindsight a b*tch

You mentioned that Ya didn't have a bunch of money for another kite .

I have an (OLD) 15M Ozone C4 that i got for free , and if the guys here say it would
work for Ya ; then all ya got to do is pay me for shipping from the USA.

The bar looks OK, but lines are toast ; the plastic on the sheeting along with
the 5mm cord to the QR,is also bad, (Don't use them in the water) !!!!!

I payed a guy on a forum, for a 15m Ozone Edge, and got the C4 instead ; he returned
my money, and told me to Keep it. I don't want it ; and i refuse to sell it.
It did hold air ; the one time i took it out .

Really don't know , if it's a good beginner kite ?

Bille

[edt]

C4 doesn't boost go upwind but it's great for handle passes his current 12 is better in light wind