Power Kite Forum

KING OF KITES FOR KITESURFING!

Powerws - 3-9-2011 at 08:43 PM

Can anybody tell me what the best kite would be for kite surfing? I was flying my 3m method and saw a guy flying a Rebel 14m kite. (who makes this) Looks like he was having a hard time. He did dump it and then couldn't get it turned back over, so he swam to it, then flipped it over, the walked downI will eventually try this and want to get a kite that is easy to launch and fun. I love the ozone line and would like to stay with the line. I heard that some of the kites are a "B" to relaunch!

Powerws - 3-9-2011 at 08:57 PM

C4, Zephyr,Edge, or reo? Is there a peticular size that's best? I assuming that the bigger the kit, the more power? The guy I referenced above had a 14 meter and didn't look like it was working very well. ?:dunno:

bigkahuna - 4-9-2011 at 01:32 AM

Rebels are made by North. They've become very popular here (SOBX). Not sure where you were and what the circumstances were that kept the fellow you watched from relaunching his kite, but they are 5 line kites and certainly no harder than most to relaunch (in fact, the 5th line should make them a cinch to relaunch).

Best kite for kiteboarding? That's a loaded question. :P Everyone's got an opinion on that one. Depends what your skill level is, what conditions you typically ride in and what style you are looking for. Personally, I'd go with any recent bow / SLE inflato. They have improved a vast amount over the past few years and are miles ahead in safety / performance than earlier generations of inflatos. Arcs and Flysurfers are OK too, but don't have a very big following here. Flysurfers tend not to do well in gusty winds which are typical here and Arcs have very poor bottom end which is something we need a lot of here during the warmer months. I'm flying a 4 year old quiver of Best Bularoos / Waroos and they are just fine for me for downwinders here. Others are flying Cabrinha's, Cautions, North Rebels, etc. etc. They all seem to work fine for the people who ride them.

Powerws - 4-9-2011 at 05:22 AM

Awesome! I have taken the kite think to the next level. I love it and after seeing the dude yesterday, I have to give the kite surfing a try. I will be doing the buggy thing first as I love the concept behind them. Kite surfing may very well be the one thing that steals my heart, as I love the thrill of jumping and flying through the air, as I'm used to with racing motocross. Love the 80-120 footers. Thankfully no accidents lately. At least kite surfing would allow for easier landings, in a mishap. Thank you for the response. I looked at the required stuff, and what I came up with is harness board, and kite. I will get a wind meter so that I can get a handle on what kind of wind speeds are around this area, as this would determine the the kite size. What would be the best harness and of course what the best board. I do gravitate to the finest quality and will pay for it. Thanks Kahuna

bigkahuna - 4-9-2011 at 06:12 AM

Get lessons. Don't buy a thing (except maybe a 1 or 2 m trainer kite) until after you've taken some lessons. Living in Charlotte you're within driving distance to some of the best spots in the world to learn how to kite (ie. Nags Head / Kitty Hawk). Give Kitty Hawk Kites a call and set up an appointment to take some lessons. This is not a sport you can get into without learning how to do it correctly and safely. It's not just your safety I'm concerned about, but our right to access the beach. One bad seed can easily screw things up for everyone here. We've got a guy here who is self taught and regularly zips right through the middle of swimming tourists. The lifeguards have talked to me a couple of times about this idiot and if he doesn't stop his antics we're likely to all suffer because of it.

Looking_Up - 4-9-2011 at 07:27 AM

You already have your trainer kite but def respect the surroundings and be a good stuart we want places to open up not be shut down

Powerws - 4-9-2011 at 08:12 AM

Looking up, I don't have a kite surfing trainer yet, Are you telling me that my 3m or 5m fixed bridal would be a trainer for kite surfing? It can't get wet. Or are you telling me to train on land. Thanks and keep looking up!

bigkahuna - 4-9-2011 at 11:07 AM

@Powerws - I don't know your kiting skills so I'm assuming your just getting started. For beginners I typically recommend a smaller fixed bridle foil on a bar so they can get the hang of flying a kite. If you have good kite flying skills then go to Hatteras and get them to give you your first water lesson (that's usually the 2nd or 3rd lesson, so you can skip ahead if you have the flying skills). They'll teach you how to set up and launch an inflato as well as safety and courtesy rules for kitesurfing. If you are good at flying a kite and have some "board sports" skills (wakeboarding, water skiing, skate boarding, surfing, etc.) then you could be up and running during your first water lesson. If not, it might take a couple lessons to get there. The sound side of the OBX is the absolute best place in the world to learn how to kitesurf. I would highly recommend you take advantage of it since you're not that far away.

Powerws - 4-9-2011 at 01:39 PM

Thanks kahuna! Yes I have been flying for 20+ years and have been flying a 3m ozone method, a 5m prism tensor, fixed bridal with handles, and bar. I do have borading skills and look forward to Hattaras. I will be doing it this fall. I'll keep you posted.!

WIllardTheGrey - 4-9-2011 at 02:01 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Powerws on 9-3-2011 at 20:43
Thanks kahuna! Yes I have been flying for 20+ years and have been flying a 3m ozone method, a 5m prism tensor, fixed bridal with handles, and bar. I do have borading skills and look forward to Hattaras. I will be doing it this fall. I'll keep you posted.!

Quote:
Originally posted by Powerws on 8-19-2011 at 21:09
HERE
Hello, I wanted to introduce myself. I live in Charlotte, NC and I'm getting involved in kite buggying! I'm a nationally ranked BMX racer and like to race/ride Motocross. I have been flying kites for 15 years, but have just purchased my first traction kite. I bought a Prism Tensor 5 meter kite. I really like it, however have learned the kites aren't that good. Will probably go with a Peter Lynn. I'm looking for advice on Buggies, spreader bar,(whatever that is) harness. Thanks and I look forward to learning from the pros.!


.......... Don't get yourself hurt......

Powerws - 4-9-2011 at 02:18 PM

???? Been flying 2 line stunt kites for 20+ years. I'm 41 now, been flying 2 line foils for 15 years, been flying 4 line foils for 2 months and it down pat. Sorry for that and is why I clairified. Thank you for your concern.

joedy - 4-9-2011 at 05:33 PM

A 10m kite is not just a bigger 5m Tensor. Don't be lured into the false complacency that your existing experiences with stunt kites will keep you safe.

You should watch the kitemare videos on YouTube and begin the gather an early respect and fear of these powerful machines.

Then, book some lessons.

You've already got kite flying experience and this will most definitely speed up your lesson progression. If you refuse to take lessons, you might kill yourself and become a statistic, but (far more critically) you could end up hurting someone else in the process of your demise.

If you've got the bug, welcome to the club; it's a very addictive sport.

-joedy

mgatc - 4-9-2011 at 07:09 PM

Where do you kite in CLT?

Powerws - 4-9-2011 at 07:50 PM

Yes sir, I'm in. I plan on taking lessons this fall. I never said that I knew it all, I never said I didnt' respect these machines. I respect them fully! Why, because it's already dropped me on my face! I should have been more clear on my experiences with the various kites that I was called out on! No big deal! I appreciate the concerns and look forward to learning this sport, because it is something I've always wanted to do! The time is now! The wonderful thing here is that this community exists! I'm the one here gathering information so I can make the right decisions. I didn't come here to confide in the community only to get slammed! Save that for the guys that know it all and don't do their research. I am an extreme sports athlete and simply wanting to take up the sport. I look to you guys with experience for knowledge and education. As I said earlier, I appreciate you insight and it's not taken lightly. :)

Powerws - 4-9-2011 at 07:51 PM

MGTAC, I actually live in Matthews right on the line. 1 mile over the line. You live near?

mgatc - 5-9-2011 at 03:50 PM

Power,

I live in Florence, SC. Just curious where you were able to kite in the CLT area. Mathews is a bit less congested.

Great bunch of guys on this forum with a huge amount of expertise that they are willing to share. Please don't misconstrue concern for your personal well being as a personal attack. This is a very safety conscious forum, as it should be. Accidents not only affect the person involved but reflect badly on the kiting community as a whole. It would be inappropriate (negligent?) for someone on this forum to suggest a kite or activity that would or could exceed your current experience level. In order to avoid this, it is essential that we obtain an accurate "feel" for your current ability. Hence the questions, clarifications, and challenges of your experience and skill level.

Most of us have similar backgrounds as you and seem to be drawn to more "extreme" ventures. So, you are in good company. Any question you have on ANY facet of kiting can be answered by someone on this forum. Relax and enjoy the ride!!

tridude - 5-9-2011 at 06:14 PM

two shops here in Charleston for lessons catchsomeair.us and oli nah.com............................great time for lessons as beach traffic is on the decline...............3.5 hours from you to Sullivans Island or IOP.........................dont worry about the best kite yet, lessons include the use of their kite.........do some research and find what discipline suits you best.............see you on the beach!

Kamikuza - 5-9-2011 at 06:28 PM

Powerws - don't take it personally ... we all take the safety, public opinion and future of our sport very seriously cos there's a world of wankers, whingers and wimps who want to ban - everything about it :( So we tend get on our soap boxes a bit :lol:

...

Modern kites are great - I wouldn't buy anything older than 2009 and IMHO it's better to buy a new LEI.
Bow-type kites are the most powerful, have the most depower at the bar and are usually the easiest to ride ...

As for relaunch ... most modern kites should relaunch easily in their correct wind range. There are differences and compromises in every kite brand and model though ...
By way of example, take the Cabrinha Switchblade and Crossbow ... in my experience, the Crossbow is the "better" kite - bigger, easier boosting for jumps, more parS-P-A-M-L-I-N-K-n'ride power sooner, huge depower - but the Switchblade relaunches easier. The SB rotates in place to launch while the XB pops up onto the tip then drags itself to the edge of the window. You have the "hassle" of bridle and pulleys though ...

Take your time with choosing your kites, try as many as you can and try to find a dealer locally you like and trust.

Powerws - 5-9-2011 at 07:10 PM

I'm siked! Thanks for all of your responses! Nothing taken personally!:D

Kamikuza - 5-9-2011 at 07:16 PM

You mean ... psyched?

:lol:

Powerws - 5-9-2011 at 07:26 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Kamikuza
You mean ... psyched?

:lol:

yeah! Just like in general chat! mis-spelling! Very tired, been flying the 5m all day in 18 knots. got a short amature video!

Kamikuza - 5-9-2011 at 07:32 PM

Post video or it didn't happen :D

Cheddarhead - 5-9-2011 at 09:20 PM

Will the outerbanks be accessible by car. Sounds like "miss Irene" cut off access from the mainland via bridge. Ferry only?

bigkahuna - 6-9-2011 at 12:58 AM

>> Will the outerbanks be accessible by car. Sounds like "miss Irene" cut off access from the mainland via bridge. Ferry only?

The storm washed out highway 12 in a number of places, mostly the Southern end, cutting off traffic to Hatteras island. I read yesterday that the ferry terminal was damaged and ferry traffic to Ocracoke has been stopped. Last week, the Governor promised that highway 12 (in some form) would be restored by the end of September.

You can get current road conditions at the NC DOT website: http://tims.ncdot.gov/tims/

Powerws - 6-9-2011 at 03:30 AM

http://vimeo.com/28641522

Powerws - 6-9-2011 at 03:42 AM

ragden - 6-9-2011 at 05:47 AM

Lots of good comments and things to consider here.
As for "best gear", this is REALLY SUBJECTIVE. Harnesses are a very very personalized item. What works for one person may not work for another. Kites are the same. So are boards. What one person absolutely loves, another may totally hate, yet both are good boards...

Once you have had your lessons and are a comfortable rider, get some old used gear so you can hone your skills. THEN DEMO EVERYTHING YOU CAN... and buy what you will keep for the rest of your days... Turn around and sell your old used stuff... and do your best to find what you like...

:)

joedy - 6-9-2011 at 06:13 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Powerws


Wes,

That photo looks like N MB around 14th or 15th Avenue. My family vacations there every year. If you plan to be around the 3rd week of June, perhaps we could meet up and kiteboard down near the inlet?

I took lessons with Sail and Ski connection in MB and had a good experience.

It would be REALLY cool if you went ahead and bought a Flysurfer Speed 21 so you could be a pal and loan it to me! ;)

-Joedy

Kamikuza - 6-9-2011 at 06:15 AM

Nicely done, good scudding! Skills like that will serve you well with more power!
... you should have borrowed the skim boards off the kids behind you :lol:

Powerws - 6-9-2011 at 07:01 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by joedy
Quote:
Originally posted by Powerws


Wes,

That photo looks like N MB around 14th or 15th Avenue. My family vacations there every year. If you plan to be around the 3rd week of June, perhaps we could meet up and kiteboard down near the inlet?

I took lessons with Sail and Ski connection in MB and had a good experience.

It would be REALLY cool if you went ahead and bought a Flysurfer Speed 21 so you could be a pal and loan it to me! ;)

-Joedy

Yes your right! Our family owns many condos in N Myrtle beach. Let me know the next time you visit, and I'll TRY to hook you up with a discount. I would love to catch up and can go anytime. I will be going this fall and winter. You could come down and visit. Have plenty of space. Lets keep in touch!

Powerws - 6-9-2011 at 07:02 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Kamikuza
Nicely done, good scudding! Skills like that will serve you well with more power!
... you should have borrowed the skim boards off the kids behind you :lol:

Man.................... didn't even think of it!

joedy - 6-9-2011 at 01:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Powerws
Yes your right! Our family owns many condos in N Myrtle beach. Let me know the next time you visit, and I'll TRY to hook you up with a discount. I would love to catch up and can go anytime. I will be going this fall and winter. You could come down and visit. Have plenty of space. Lets keep in touch!


That sounds good. Won't be down there for the Fall, though, but will be back there in June of next year. We always reserve the next year at the townhouse that we stay at on Holly Drive.

There's a big kiteboarding scene down in Charleston and that's Don's playground, too. (Hopefully he'll be able to get out in the water next summer.) I've got Don's old Pulse 10m fresh back from a retuning from John at PowerZoneKite Sports. Hopefully by then I'll have a nice Speed3 to keep it company.

Can also bring my quiver down with me. Between the two of us, we'll have enough toys to keep us busy.

Sail and Ski Connection (located near the SkyWheel in Myrtle Beach) are a bunch of good guys. They only stock North gear and train with the North 2011 EVOs. I took lessons with Matt, but since he's back in college at Charleston College, I don't know if he's around on the weekends. Matt is a really good guy and has a lot of patience. There are a few other kiteboarders in Myrtle Beach. They mostly tend to hang out around Murrell's Inlet since the beaches in Myrtle Beach tend to be too crowded.

I'll definitely be giving you a heads up when I head back down there.

You ever make the drive up the Smith Mountain Lake? I'm up in the Shenandoah Valley and we're about 4 hours from Charlotte.

-joedy

4mylifetime - 21-10-2011 at 07:09 PM

One thing I have learned for sure in this sport...
RESPECT RESPECT RESPECT the power of the kite.
I have had my Hydra 350 (3.5m, water relaunchable) lift me off the ground and I am 290 lbs. :dunno: .. what happened, good wife I guess.
I took lessons from the best and stuff still happens...
We all must work together to help each other, watch each other so our access at all kiteboarding sites gets maintained.
Have fun but do is safe and in RESPECT for others.