True, but if you work or loop the kite, it can stay up in 2 knots only when standing on the beach, right?edt wrote: ↑Sat Nov 09, 2019 11:50 pmI ride in light enough wind that the kite won't stay in the air if I loose apparent wind even with a foil kite. Not sure of the exact wind speed it's light tho. Then I have to swim in.Peter_Frank wrote: ↑Sat Nov 09, 2019 11:33 pmIt doesnt matter if you can pull your transitions off or not, regarding how light you can go when marginal - with good kite flying technique you can ride even if you crash, no problems.
Peter
As you are drifting a bit you need somewhat more wind on the water, but if you work or loop you kite, you can definitely keep it flying in less wind than you can hydrofoil
My current 15 m2 foilkite weighs 2.0 kg only, and in 4 knots I need to work it yes and can not foil either really, but in 5 it can almost hang actually, and also where foiling can start most often (long lines, special wing, special board).
In 6 knots it hangs just fine
That is not the point though, even a tad heavier kites, with good powerspike, can be flown in extremely light winds, as said less than where you can foil.
Peter