Bigger board or bigger kite in light wind?

[MadsBirkedal]

Hi all

I only have 1,5 years of experience as a kitesurfer. My biggest kite is 12m, but I really want to be able to kite on sunny days where the wind in Denmark typically only is 6-10knots (3-5 m/s). My board is 140 x 41,5. My question is:

Would you recommend to buy a bigger board or a bigger kite? (edited: and foiling isn't an option).

If a bigger board: Which size?
If bigger kite: which size? And one strut or?

In both scenarios, I will keep my current equipment.

Br
Mads

[Havre]

10 knots with a twintip doesn't really work regardless. Maybe a surfboard or foil? I would imagine you would need to able to loop the kite to get going with a foil in that kind of wind? I wouldn't know about foiling as I have never tried it.

[Baptiste_FR]

6-10 knots is really light wind. In those condition, a foil board and a foil kite are the best solution.
But if you want stay with LEI, a single strut kite is a good thing.
As for the board, the only thing that will make you ride upwind is a Tiki or an Alaïa (a big twintip is not fun).
https://takoon.com/collections/tiki/products/tiki

[MadsBirkedal]

Ok. Thanks. Foiling isn't really an option for me

[HugoMC]

I think that the answer may be both a bigger board and a bigger kite. It also depends on what type of kite your 12m is..... I know my 12m is useless in lite airs as its a open C shape. I purchased a 14m single strut as my big kite and its much much better in lite airs.

What are the local guys around you riding? If they are on foils then maybe that is the way to go.... Depending on your level I bought my foil 6 months after learning to kite.

A surfboard is a great option too.... I bought one a month ago and I love it just waiting for this lockdown to end to get out into proper waves.

[RalfsB]

Both bigger board and bigger kite. And also longer lines for the kite (like 5 or 10 m extensions).
The kite size can be like 16 to 18 meters. When choosing the board look for width. There are some great twintips like 48-50cm wide. Or use a wide surfboard. Also an alaia style board works great in light winds, it is very flat.

[MadsBirkedal]

My 12m kite is Liquid Force Envy (delta-shaped 3 strut). Before this, I had another Liquid Force Envy 12m kite (older model) and that one had problems launching in light wind (8-10 knots). It could not get in the air.

I have not tried this one yet. But meaningless to buy a bigger board if my 12m don't get in the air Have you experienced the same problems in light wind with your 12meters? Because then I obviously need a new (bigger) kite before even thinking about a new board as well...

[FLandOBX]

Mads, what is your weight? I agree with others that trying to ride a twintip in 6-10 knots is barely going to happen at the top end (10 knots) and not worth trying at the bottom end (6 knots). I weigh 80 kgs and can have fun riding a 149 cm x 44 cm twintip with a 15-17 meter kite in 10 knots. As others have said, a surfboard is better in light wind, and a foilboard is even better.

In answer to your question, a bigger board is more economical than a bigger kite, so that would be my choice. Depending on your weight, look for a used board in the 148-154 cm x 44-45 cm. Width of board is more important than length. A board that size will allow you to extend the range of your 12 m kite to lighter wind days.

As an alternative, a surfboard is fun to ride on light wind days. You'll quickly adapt to strapless riding on a surfboard, and it will open up a new range of tricks and challenges for you. A used surfboard can usually be found at a very affordable price, and riding a surfboard with your 12 m would be fun.

Finally, if you can find a 15-17 meter kite at a good price (again, depending on your weight), it would open up a lot more light wind riding days. There is a tremendous difference between a 12 m kite and a 17 m kite for light wind riding. The combination of a 17 m kite and a larger board would get you out on (consistent) 10+/- knot days.

[grigorib]

First, start with line extensions. 10-15m of extra line length will help you a lot to water start and get going even with your 12m and your current board.

Second - bigger board. Find the biggest/widest you can, my Flydoor is 170x50cm and I loved it.

Next, get a lightwind kite - Turbine/Contra/Zephyr in 15-17m sizes depending on your weight. A large foil kite would do the job if you’re up to foil challenge but I went in opposite direction.

You won’t twintip in 6 knots unless you weigh 60 kilos but 8-10 knots is pretty realistic. In steady 10 knots you should be able to have good fun, jump, throw rolls and do pretty, floaty air transitions

[jakemoore]

Bigger board first.

If foiling is no go then I would choose an old formula race board or Airush sector first provided the water can accommodate the fins. Does Flysurfer still sell the Razor? Second choice would be an Alaia or Tiki. Third would be a Monster Door type board. Consider a plywood door style board ala zeroprestige.org

Long lines second. Think 30-40 meters as your beach allows.

Get a big kite last. The first thing the kite has to do is stay in the air. The second is it needs enough efficiency to pull you upwind at the speed you need to keep the board planing.

______

LOL grigorib post came up while I was typing mine. Long lines could be the first choice.