Kite size for 10-16 knots - a beginner foiler

[grigorib]

I’m 95 kilos and would take a 7m UFO in 10-16 knots.
Rather 9m UFO in 10 knots and 5m UFO in 16 knots.

[glfmkg]

Thanks for more input! I will prioritize the 10m, but I am buying used. 10m is an Airush Ultra v3 and 11m would be 01 Contra 1s. Not sure if this makes any substantial difference. If Airush turns out to leak air when I inspect it (or there is a different issue), I'll look at the 11m Contra or wait for another 10m to pop out on the used market.

I'm buying only one kite, but I do have a nice and light 7m 3 strut that I'll use once this kite tops out. If the gap will be too big, for now my heavy 9m will do.

I'm not sure what foil you are using, that could make a huge difference, but assuming you are using a low aspect big foil like the 633W wing I use... this is my experience

The 10m ultra will be a perfect kite for you are describing. I'm about your same weight, and I just got about 40 sessions on the foil (I can now gybe both ways and ride toeside in both stances - working on foot switches). I learned on a 12m ultra but very soon into the learning process I realized that I was overpowered most times and was limiting my progress on the same wind range you are talking. I started to use my 9m from 12knots and it made learning gybes much easier, specially after I realized that looping the kite on turns was the ticket to success for me. I think with at 10m ultra you could have the ideal kite for that wind range. Good luck and don't be afraid of loops... game changer for me (even in water starts).

[Blackened]

I’m 95 kilos and would take a 7m UFO in 10-16 knots.
Rather 9m UFO in 10 knots and 5m UFO in 16 knots.

You obviously don't suck at foiling.

[tymonkerste]

Thanks for more input! I will prioritize the 10m, but I am buying used. 10m is an Airush Ultra v3 and 11m would be 01 Contra 1s. Not sure if this makes any substantial difference. If Airush turns out to leak air when I inspect it (or there is a different issue), I'll look at the 11m Contra or wait for another 10m to pop out on the used market.

I'm buying only one kite, but I do have a nice and light 7m 3 strut that I'll use once this kite tops out. If the gap will be too big, for now my heavy 9m will do.

I'm not sure what foil you are using, that could make a huge difference, but assuming you are using a low aspect big foil like the 633W wing I use... this is my experience

The 10m ultra will be a perfect kite for you are describing. I'm about your same weight, and I just got about 40 sessions on the foil (I can now gybe both ways and ride toeside in both stances - working on foot switches). I learned on a 12m ultra but very soon into the learning process I realized that I was overpowered most times and was limiting my progress on the same wind range you are talking. I started to use my 9m from 12knots and it made learning gybes much easier, specially after I realized that looping the kite on turns was the ticket to success for me. I think with at 10m ultra you could have the ideal kite for that wind range. Good luck and don't be afraid of loops... game changer for me (even in water starts).

Second this. Started foiling 2 years ago (85kg, 1100CM slow front wing) and the Ultra v2 10m is my most used kite. 10-15kt range. Works like a charm. It could work with less kt even but restarting becomes a pain in that case.