All my new gear arrived! The only problem is ...

[tkaraszewski]

First ride today!

[Brizair10]

How was it ?

[tkaraszewski]

So, I felt a little rusty having not kited for the past two months, so this is a preliminary review. I'll be in mexico starting next week and be able to spend some more time on the new foil.

I'm mostly comparing the 683 to my 590. I wanted more stability for maneuvers without losing too much speed. I think I got that, the 683 doesn't feel noticeably slower than the 590, though I forgot to wear my GPS watch yesterday, so I don't have any real numbers. It actually felt like it might go upwind better than the 590, but again, no GPS track so I can't say for sure.

It felt particularly loose, especially compared to some of the bigger wings I've ridden. Small inputs get a noticeable result in pitch or roll change. It seems like this would be incompatible with my desire for "easier maneuvers" but after a short adjustment period, I noticed I was having nearly 100% success on my flying foot switches, which is better than I ever did on the 590. I think this might be due to more forgiving foot placement over the bigger wing. I'm not sure.

So far, it feels like exactly what I wanted. Next week I'll get it in the water with a GPS and get some angles and speed numbers compared to the 590, and after a few more days on it, see how my maneuvers are going.

[blu]

[We are up here at 55N. Been having great winter. Down to 2+2C.
Xcel drylock 6-5 with integrated hood, 7mm drylock boots, 3mm nookie gloves, Np edge windshirt top under. ION floatation vest.
I'm totally warm. The gear has improved greatly in last 10 years.
[/quote]

Tom
what's comfortable temperature range for your Xcel 6-5, I'm looking for a wetsuit for cold water since I'm not comfortable using drysuit while foiling?

[ap888]

Sounds amazing have everything but the wing and covers coming sometime this week but don’t want to risk hitting a floating ice block/chunk with the carbon mast would be a bummer...hope the ice is all gone by mid April until then it’s hoverglide...that mast has hit a tree just under the surface from river debris after a big rain didn’t even put a mark in it stopped foil dead...luckily was strapless at the time