Light Wind Help

[artificialname]

Hi. The arguments in the kiting community are driving me in circles.

For light wind (approximately 8-15knots) I have no idea what to get. Should I spend my money on a 17m kite or on a "light wind" directional board? (I'm an experienced surfer).

The kiting community is clearly divided over kite v board for light winds. It makes it really hard for a beginner. Can someone explain the consequences of kiting in light wind with a 17m kite v using eg a 15m kite with a "light wind board"?

I'm a 200 pound beginner - I just started going upwind.

I can only afford used kites.

Thanks in advance!

[matth]

If you are a beginner I would go big. Nothing replaces the power and grunt of a big kite, but once you become a really good kite flyer and your upwind skills are solid you will most likely ditch the big kite. At that point, a good light wind surfboard or even a foil will be much more fun to ride.

[Matteo V]

For light wind (approximately 8-15knots) I have no idea what to get. Should I spend my money on a 17m kite or on a "light wind" directional board? (I'm an experienced surfer).

Big board or big kite?....... if your winds are gusty and unpredictable, go for a bigger board first. A smaller kite with a bigger board is just plain safer in those conditions and at your skill level.

The kiting community is clearly divided over kite v board for light winds. It makes it really hard for a beginner. Can someone explain the consequences of kiting in light wind with a 17m kite v using eg a 15m kite with a "light wind board"?

I'm a 200 pound beginner - I just started going upwind.

At 200lbs, you can definetly utilize 2m more with a 17m AND a light wind board. But I'd only reccomend this if you are kiting in steady winds or have gradually moved up in size with experience at your specific location. Every inland or ocean spot is different. Gusty inland winds can be more dangerous with a huge kite.


Give us more info on your location.

[artificialname]

Give us more info on your location.

I kite in Toronto Canada and in Lake Michigan

[Trent hink]

Quit dreaming about 8 knots.

At 200 lbs and working in freshwater, you need a big kite and a big board.

And with both, and some skill and practice you might be able to go in 10 knots, but you will probably need 12 to have any chance of staying upwind.

If you are short on funds, there is a chance you could use your small wave surfboard and a large kite to make it work.

[joriws]

One option could be 2nd hand cheap foilboard set as you already are a surfer. As price example I sold my Liquid force foil fish set (still very useable) last year to a student for 420 euros which is 500 usd level. Totally fine kit for learning and light wind with a kite can get you top of board. If you pair that with Peak4 8m (they are very cheap as new compared to other kites) 2nd hand, with training you'd be last man standing and very cost efficient. Another thing is if you want to go for that direction (foil-on-foil) but just to mention that possibility.

I read you are a beginner but I know that with going out with a kit delivers you learn as rest of us. Peak is easy kite to fly and it stays airborne very well, only if you crash it you need some technique&experience but it is not end of the world, but it depends a lot where you kite.

Below is 3rd party video where 17m aluula-kite (supposed to be the best lw kite, not!) cannot be relaunched and rider with Peak4 8m & foil goes on..

[1234567Simon]

If you are a beginner I would go big. Nothing replaces the power and grunt of a big kite, but once you become a really good kite flyer and your upwind skills are solid you will most likely ditch the big kite. At that point, a good light wind surfboard or even a foil will be much more fun to ride.

Im only 165 pounds
I learned on 17m with 155x46 twin tip.

I soon got a second smaller twin tip
Then sold the big one.

Still have the 17m and still often use it.
Session saver for at least being on the water.

Now have also got a directional, but when wind is so light I rather use the TT.

Hydro Foil is the perfect solution for 200 pounds, ONCE YOU ARE A GOOD KITER.

[nothing2seehere]

Hi. The arguments in the kiting community are driving me in circles.

For light wind (approximately 8-15knots) I have no idea what to get. Should I spend my money on a 17m kite or on a "light wind" directional board? (I'm an experienced surfer).

The kiting community is clearly divided over kite v board for light winds. It makes it really hard for a beginner. Can someone explain the consequences of kiting in light wind with a 17m kite v using eg a 15m kite with a "light wind board"?

I'm a 200 pound beginner - I just started going upwind.

I can only afford used kites.

I think you might be better off considering more lessons? Kiting since 2009 and still working on going upwind is pretty slow progress. Maybe a few refresher lessons might help a bit?

[Foil]

Hi. The arguments in the kiting community are driving me in circles.

For light wind (approximately 8-15knots) I have no idea what to get. Should I spend my money on a 17m kite or on a "light wind" directional board? (I'm an experienced surfer).

The kiting community is clearly divided over kite v board for light winds. It makes it really hard for a beginner. Can someone explain the consequences of kiting in light wind with a 17m kite v using eg a 15m kite with a "light wind board"?

I'm a 200 pound beginner - I just started going upwind.

I can only afford used kites.

Thanks in advance!

that's 2 posts from this user that have me thinking is this fish bait.
could be wrong but the signs are there.
kiting for over 11 years yet asking about basics that will open a can of worms.

[Windigo1]

At 200 lbs 8 knots is possible but you will need both a powerful 17m kite and a huge board like the Spleene Door. You also need some skills in light wind you have to keep the kite moving at all times and go up wind in every little gust and try not to loose ground when the wind is down. On a hydrofoil 8 knots is pretty easy but you should wait to have a few years of experience before attempting to foil.