Hi I am in Surrey in the UK> Only got 4 hours flying time with my little 1.5 FF 4 line Bullett. I am 9 stone and female but fairly strong. Since
reading the forums I reaise that I should have boughta bigger kite? every newbie gets recommended 2m and up I do understand that the big dogs go up in
the lower wind< but given my weight should I get bigger? will my little bullett lift me? I am looking twrds skud board and land boeard then
buggy> I am a wooz in english water. Any help and advice on newbie kites much appreciatedJohn Holgate - 11-10-2011 at 01:56 PM
Will a 1.5m Bullet lift you?? Strewth, I hope not, cause if it does, it's gonna let you down with a hell of a thump. Given enough windspeed, any
power kite will potentially lift you, but the trick is that you need the kite to also let you back down softly and depending on the kite, that could
be 4-8m. My 5m Apex II does not let me down softly at all whereas the 4m Method is much better - but I don't go out of my way to jump with them.
Jumping on land is very risky - a gust can lift you up suddenly pushing the kite forward and over the edge of the window and then luff, leaving you
off the ground with a crumpled shopping bag over your head.
If I was thinking of a jumping session, I would be thinking big kite, smooth onshore wind and soft sand dune underneath. A search of injuries on this
and other threads will quickly show anyone that jumping is not to be taken lightly.
As for a 1.5m kite being to small - no. You need to train your reactions so you can fly the kite without looking at it and instinctively know which
way to turn it when it's not where it's suppose to be. For sure you will need a lot of wind to get mobile with it and being a small kite it will be
very fast and a challenge to handle in a lot of wind. A 3m would be a good next kite - then something bigger again.
Keep putting plenty of time in with the 1.5m and when you're feeling confident, go for a 3m - Hornet/Rage/Flow/Beamer/Z1/Sting. Eventually you'll end
up with a good size range to cover all bases. Also, check out Angus's coastalwindsports site - there are some brilliant tutorials there.
Go at your own pace and enjoy the heck out of it!Luna Moth - 11-10-2011 at 02:21 PM
Thanx for that brilliant advice John will get a 3 m rage I think bcos the little one def not good in the gusts Really apprreciate your time and advice
lolChuffer - 11-10-2011 at 02:51 PM
I'm new to four line kiting, having a very old Flexifoil 6ft stacker. That could drag me along in strong winds, and I'm 17+ stone. My advice is
simple, fly in the conditions you feel comfortable in.
Regards,
Chris
p.s. I also fly in Surrey, mainly Staines. I have been told that Bedfont Lakes is a good place to fly.dandre - 11-10-2011 at 03:04 PM
be careful spending too much money.Luna Moth - 11-10-2011 at 04:53 PM
Thanx chuffer I appreciate that and to you dandre I have little budget but lots enthusiasm
Chuffer if ever want company I am only in Chertsey lolKamikuza - 11-10-2011 at 05:16 PM
Don't underestimate a small kite ... if you can fly it hard and fast and still cope with it's speed, you'll be well ahead of the curve when you go to
a bigger kite! Keep it for the buggy, and for your mates to have a bash on.
Then buy a bigger kite
Strength isn't a factor - a gust can pick you, me or Mr Universe up and spank us good if it all goes wrong
Oh and ... welcome! :smug:indigo_wolf - 11-10-2011 at 05:25 PM
There are plenty of places around where you can find some other kite flyers and have a go on different kites. Perhaps the closest is Upton court Park
in Slough, but my favorite is Gunnersbury Park near Kew. There's also Richmond Park but be careful of permit issues (more info at http://www.seka.org.uk under the flying sites section)
It's good that you've already decided to buy another 3 meter kite, as a 1.5 meter will only fly well in fairly strong winds and will flit around the
sky so fast it will be difficult to learn proper control. A bigger kite will increase the wind range you can fly in so that you can fly more days.
By the way, I live in Twickenham and go out buggying most weekends, either at Gunnersbury Park or Camber Sands. I'd be happy to meet up, show you
what I know and let you have a go with some different kites. Just message me and I'll give you my number.
There's a UK forum at www.racekites.com where you can get some UK specific answers if you like.carltb - 12-10-2011 at 02:17 AM
alot of great advice there.
also if you need any advice or encouragement go here, http://www.ridelikeagirl.co.uk/ ,karen is full of great advice and is on the front line of the womens kiting scene.Luna Moth - 12-10-2011 at 07:45 AM
Thank you to everyone, I am learning so much
ridelikeagirlsite - brill
Luna Moth - 12-10-2011 at 10:21 AM
Thanx so much for that link that is a brilliant site, I feel much more confident now knowing that so many girls are out there doing it (!)Chuffer - 13-10-2011 at 03:05 PM
Hi, Luna
I am intending to fly at Hanwoth Park on Sunday 16 th Oct from 2.30pm (ish!).
Weather permitting, of course. I've been told its a great place to fly. And a local kite club sometimes meets there, so may be able to offer tips etc.
Regards,
Chris
