Concept Air Smart Wave 6.5 & 4.5 & 3 and now 8.5

[ladomi]

Haven't foil kited in nearly 20 years, going back to the F-One Start, then Peter Lynn Waterfoils, and the Windtools Mosquito Pro. I will be going back to the future with an 8.5 Wave thanks to El Guapo.

Started hydrofoiling last summer on our lake and I'm hoping that the kite will replace my 12M OR Flite for lightwind conditions (10-12 knots or just barely starting to whitecap). I'm 75 kg and primarily on the Slingshot Space Skate wing (1500 sq cm). I also have an Infinity 84 (2000 sq cm) which has tons of lift but not nearly as playful. I hope to exploit it in waves on a surfboard as well since we can get some rollers (2-3 ft) once the wind gets around 20.

Need to get a larger bar as the largest I have is 52 cm. El Guapo suggested a 60 cm bar from Kite attitude and it looks good and is at an excellent price. They have several line lengths and extensions so I'm looking for a good combo that will cover lightwind and the upper range. Does 19M and 3 or 4M extensions seem like a good idea?

[slowboat]

23 meter lines is a reasonable starting point. If your underpowered water start skills are not there yet, 27 meters might be better for 10 knots (which I think is the low end for that kite and your size)

[stefFZ]

Started hydrofoiling last summer on our lake and I'm hoping that the kite will replace my 12M OR Flite for lightwind conditions (10-12 knots or just barely starting to whitecap). I'm 75 kg and primarily on the Slingshot Space Skate wing (1500 sq cm). I also have an Infinity 84 (2000 sq cm) which has tons of lift but not nearly as playful. I hope to exploit it in waves on a surfboard as well since we can get some rollers (2-3 ft) once the wind gets around 20.

You may be too optimistic regarding the lower wind range. As far as I know, the 8.5 start to be playful around 14-15knts on hydrofoil, a little above 15 for me on a light wind surfboard.

For strapless surfing, I use it on 19m lines with a 60 cm bar and I like it like that.

Stef

[ladomi]

If your underpowered water start skills are not there yet, 27 meters might be better for 10 knots

I don't think they are. Does it take a lot of technique to fly lines that long?

[ladomi]

You may be too optimistic regarding the lower wind range. As far as I know, the 8.5 start to be playful around 14-15knts on hydrofoil, a little above 15 for me on a light wind surfboard.

For strapless surfing, I use it on 19m lines with a 60 cm bar and I like it like that.

You prefer 19M lines because they allow the kite to react faster?

Do you think with longer lines it would be possible to get to 12/13 knots for the lower threshold?

[slowboat]

I don't have the Wave 8.5 (I have a smaller one) but I did an extensive amount of research on its low end including speaking with Ben and 2 other people who own them and who hydrofoil. With a weight of 75 kg and huge wings (1500 and 2000), I believe with adequate technique (which will naturally come with experience), OP should be able to get down to 10 knots. This will be easier with longer lines, hence the recommendation of 27 Meter lines. Of course, I could be totally wrong but this is my opinion.

[slowboat]

If your underpowered water start skills are not there yet, 27 meters might be better for 10 knots

I don't think they are. Does it take a lot of technique to fly lines that long?

no, longer lines will make everything easier including longer time in the power zone which will help on lighter days.

[ladomi]

no, longer lines will make everything easier including longer time in the power zone which will help on lighter days.

Cool. They make 7M extensions also so I could go 19M + 7M extensions which would get me in the ballpark.

Thanks!

[gl]

I have one of the older versions in an 8.5 and although they are quite a bit different I get going in about 12 knots with 24 meter lines but that is marginally powered. I only have the newer version in 4.5 so cannot compare them but find the newer version might be a bit quicker but not sure about low end power. I would be surprised if it would get you going in 10 knots with the Wave 8.5.

[ladomi]

I get going in about 12 knots with 24 meter lines but that is marginally powered.

12 knots would be acceptable to me. I'm a bit lighter than you at 75 kg. What size wing do you use?

Thanks for the input.