kite for 7-12 knots?

[Eduardo]

I'm a year into foiling and almost always use a 9m for 10+ knots. for my skill level, I can do a foiling jibe but rarely can switch feet successfully. I usually just stay toe side after a jibe. My new local spot has lots of 7-12 knot days. In a flat water spot, I could easily use the 12 or even 9, but this spot has strong on shore current and 1 meter on-shore waves making it very hard to get going. yesterday, my 3 strut 12 kite completely Hindenburged in a lull. do i just need more light wind practice or would a one strut or zero strut 12 make everything work better?

[GregK]

My recommendation in your quest for a great kite for foiling on those really light wind days would be stick with what you have until you get a chance to try a kite ( probably a 10 or 12m ) with the LE and strut(s) made from Aluula fabric.

I haven't had a chance yet to fly an Aluula kite, but have held a folded-up 10m 3-strut ( Ocean Rodeo Roam ) - definitely lighter than my 8m Boardriding Maui Cloud ( strutless ) kite.

Big improvements in light-wind performance are coming soon.

[deniska]

did other kites keep flying? if it drops below 3-4kts most of the kites will drop.
Do you need a no strutter?It really depends on what you like to do on the water..
I personally would not touch it with a 10ft pole...
I like to go fast and jump in 7-12kts. so my pick is 15 soul.
we'll see if aluula live up to it's hype..
companies tried cuben fibres, kevlar and other materials before.. not hugely successful so far..

[Qiter]

A one strut kite in 12m will make a big difference to your 3 strut kite. I have been in the same situation and the one strutter has solved many of my problems (much less hindenburging, stays in the air much longer..). Go for one of the newer models like Duotone Mono, Ozone Alpha etc..With the right wing and skills, it will get you going in 6-7kn.

[Saslater]

I have a Duotone Mono 13 that is amazing in marginal winds compared to an Evo 9. In the 8-12 knot range there is no comparison.

[mar menor]

In those winds I use a 12m Pete Lynn synergy (a new one strut kite) or a 10m Peter Lynn Nova (foil kite)
I like both,for different reasons.The tube v foil debate is ongoing.
I also think a 3 strut kite is too heavy,however the 1+2 mini strut Maverick from Kauper XT looks interesting

[matth]

I have a 9m and 12m Boxer....Fantastic kites IMO. Stay in the air with very little wind, and relaunch better than any kite I have owned.

[alowishus]

In those winds I use a 12m Pete Lynn synergy (a new one strut kite) or a 10m Peter Lynn Nova (foil kite)
I like both,for different reasons.The tube v foil debate is ongoing.
I also think a 3 strut kite is too heavy,however the 1+2 mini strut Maverick from Kauper XT looks interesting

Care to elaborate?

[Eduardo]

thanks everyone for the great advice and options to consider. I want to demo these!

@deniska: I was the only kiter so no frame of reference of what other kiters might be able to do in the same conditions. It's an interesting question of what I want to do in these conditions. Since I view that I'm still learning foiling, I don't know if I'll eventually want to jump or ride the small waves or...

[deniska]

thanks everyone for the great advice and options to consider. I want to demo these!

@deniska: I was the only kiter so no frame of reference of what other kiters might be able to do in the same conditions. It's an interesting question of what I want to do in these conditions. Since I view that I'm still learning foiling, I don't know if I'll eventually want to jump or ride the small waves or...

My point is that if your spot frequents shitty wind (like 0-9kts type with lulls) then maybe you should worry about relaunch-ability of the kite as everything will drop out of the sky in 0 kts. Now some kites (mostly foils) will have better chance of relaunching in say 5-8kts. None of the LEIs will deep water relaunch in 8kts..