Power Kite Forum

Beginner landboarding

Fred - 18-6-2017 at 01:25 PM

Hi there,

I just start landboarding and would ask your help in buying a kite as I just have a ignition 2.5.

I can practice on nice big beach with decent wind
Belhaven bay in Scotland if you want to check.

My board is a MBS comp 16
wheels are : mbs primo rebel 200*50

Is that sound a good set to start with or should I change ?

Thank for your time guys.

Bladerunner - 18-6-2017 at 01:45 PM

Welcome.

Your board sounds good but you will want to get a bigger depower kite.

The ignition will take a lot of wind to power you on the board. It is much easier and safer to learn in lower winds with a bigger kite. NOT saying you can't do it but go in understanding the limitations of that kite and the danger in using it for traction in real strong winds. Strong snappy bits of power rather than the long smooth power stroke available on a depower.

bob3 - 18-6-2017 at 05:20 PM


Fred - 19-6-2017 at 12:26 AM

Hey, cheers for that.

Can I ask you what size and brand of depower kite I should go for ?

Thanks

B-Roc - 19-6-2017 at 09:22 AM

How much do you weigh and what are the average wind speeds?

Bladerunner - 19-6-2017 at 12:30 PM

No single kite does it all.

Usually you need at least 2 depower kites to cover the lower and stronger winds. Really 3 kites is better. If you can only afford 2 kites having them slightly overlap your typical wind is probably best.

If you can only afford 1 kite get the smaller of the ideal 2 quiver size. Learning to milk every bit of power out of your kite is really valuable. Having a kite that means you don't have to pack up when wind gets strong is also good.

Next you need to decide if you want a kite with a bit of lift or not.

Used kites are the best bang for buck. Old used kites are best avoided. DON'T IMPULSE BUY!!!!!! Extremely cheap kites are usually that way for a reason!


Suds after thuds - 20-6-2017 at 05:40 AM

for a nice collection of vids, google:
carltb Landboarding

He delivers a quality set of progressions in his tutorials.

Fred - 20-6-2017 at 09:28 AM


Beginner landboarding

Fred - 20-6-2017 at 09:33 AM


Fred - 20-6-2017 at 09:56 AM

I weight 75 KG for 1M80

and budget is between 600 and 900 $

But i quite like the idea of a first kit to get going and invest in more in the future.

Thanks

B-Roc - 20-6-2017 at 11:16 AM

At 75kg you will want a depower kite in the 7.5-10m range depending upon your average wind speeds. Something like an Apex/Access if you want to remain on the ground and something like a Frenzy/Montana if you want lift and the ability to jump. Either are OK for learning but lifty kites require more diligence and should be flown in lower winds and milked for power as you learn. Less lifty kites offer less upwind ability but more stability. You say you fly on a big beach so that usually means smooth and predictable winds which are great for taming more lifty kites while leaving their lift available when wanted. I would go the Frenzy/Montana type route unless you want an arc or inflato then others can better guide you.

Windstruck - 20-6-2017 at 12:22 PM

If buying on the used market you might consider a 6 or 9m Flysurfer Peak1 or Peak2. If you can consider new kites, the Born-Kite LongStar2s are a great call. They come in 2m increments from 3.5 to 9.5 and then jump to 12.5. I'd be thinking about a 5.5 and 9.5 as a two kite-quiver. One kite only? 7.5m. www.born-kite.de. FlyGin made excellent suggestions as well.

Bladerunner - 20-6-2017 at 04:10 PM

6 - 900$ US gives you a few options.

Buy 2 used kites of slightly older models. Possibly 2 kites and only 1 bar?

Buy 1 better quality kite fitting the smaller of a 2 kite quiver. ( 3 kite if you plan to use your ignition for nuking winds ) . Use the extra money for a harness, set of line extensions etc..

Look for a used Peak.

If you look at your ignition as your high wind kite then something like 8 - 10m to get started and grow into higher winds. Then a 12 - 14 or bigger depending on how low your low winds usually are. True high wind depowers are more the 5 - 7 size but with a 2 kite + ignition quiver you may want to go a bit bigger?

What are the average wind speeds at your local spot. What do the locals fly most?




ikemiester - 21-6-2017 at 05:58 PM

What is your end goal with landboarding? Cruising, jumping, sand/grass? This could help determine which kite best suits your needs. If you want to eventually jump, a single skin might not be in your best interest. Also, normal wind speed as previously mentioned would be helpful.

Bladerunner - 22-6-2017 at 03:37 PM

I agree with Ike. If you have jumping in mind and you have decent winds the single skins will leave you wanting more. Their quality is in the huge wind range you can use them in + their gust munching ability.

Fred - 23-6-2017 at 11:54 PM

Sorry for the late answer.

As I start, I'm mostly focusing on get going but I want to jump and have fun in the future.

I'm living in the countryside 30 min from the sea in Scotland so I might try on grass the only thing is the grass can be pretty dense here, Is it a problem?

For the wind it vary a lot.

The spot I usually go is Belhaven or Gullane.

https://www.windguru.cz/47830

Bladerunner - 24-6-2017 at 09:08 PM

Long grass is a real issue.

Looks like the only thing consistent with your winds is that they are gusty? A Peak may be re-entering the equation? Definitely plan on a multi kite quiver and start small.

Size your kite for the gusts and put up with the lulls.


Fred - 25-6-2017 at 08:14 AM

what do you think about a powerkite evo 12m ?


Bladerunner - 25-6-2017 at 09:07 AM

LEI are great for gusts but don't stand up to crashing on land well at all. You WILL crash a lot at 1st. Not a good place to start. Something to consider for your second kite.

12m is too big. You need to fill the small kite spot on your quiver 1st with those crazy winds you have.

Checking on here is the right thing to do. Look for foil kites. With your gusts it is probably best to go for a less lifty kite for your small / high wind kite. Look for Apex, Access, Peak.

Checking on here is the best thing you can do before putting money down. Folks will do their best to see you get the right gear.

Fred - 25-6-2017 at 09:18 AM

Ok, it's just because I saw this advert.

https://www.gumtree.com/p/other-sports-leisure/powerkite-sur...

Fred - 25-6-2017 at 09:20 AM

ok what size you recon ?

B-Roc - 25-6-2017 at 11:00 AM

You'll learn more in a one hour session at the beach than you will all year flying inland in gusty conditions on thick grass. If it's only 30 minutes to the ocean, I'd advise you to take that trip. I started on on grass and fields and wasted 3 years. Got to the beach and never turned back or flew inland again. You need to size up when flying inland as there is so much rolling resistance especially if the grass is thick. Then you don't slide well either so you are prone to being pulled forward off the board or coming to a complete stop and hopping the board around because you can't slide to tack.

If I were you and learning in land I'd go with a 6-8m Apex or Access. If learning at the ocean I'd go with a 8-10m Frenzy or Montana. If you can get a deal on Gin Eskimos in your country, they are worth considering too https://www.ginkites.com/product/pack-eskimo/. They even sell used kites on their website. Their distribution channels have diminished greatly over the past few years making the kites harder to get "locally".

Start in winds that leave you underpowered and learn to work the kite and practice using the safety. Inland conditions can be tricky so you need to be prepared.

indigo_wolf - 25-6-2017 at 01:50 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Fred  
Ok, it's just because I saw this advert.

https://www.gumtree.com/p/other-sports-leisure/powerkite-sur...


Might want to look elsewhere. The issue might have been resolved, but earlier EVOs had issues with the reinforcement tabs where the bridle connects to the kite.

Unless you can absolutely confirm that has been resolved, the lower cost might come back to bite you and be more headache than is worth the lower initial cost.

http://forum.kitecrowd.com/beach-zone/warning-eolo-radsails-...

ATB,
Sam

Fred - 26-6-2017 at 12:09 AM

I went for a gin eskimo, now I just need to find a harness and I'm ready to rock.

I will go on beach as it's very close.

Cheers guys so much help.

Unk - 26-6-2017 at 12:14 AM

Those winds/gusts are not the norm here at this time of year, we have just had a bit of a wild weekend :o
I live just over the water from Fred and I got my ass handed to me on a plate on Saturday morning, a vertical OBE with my 3mtr buster, the wind had picked up so I sent the kite high to reduce the grass slide when I got totally caught out by a gust, straight out the buggy and dumped on the ground.
I spent the next half hour jumping between the buster and a 1.4mtr beamer but the wind was all over the place so just cut my losses and when home before I ended up hurting myself.

The "Bridge to nowhere" beach at Belhaven will normal have much better winds than this and is well worth going to if it's only 30min away, much better than learning on grass and much more chance of meeting up with some other flyers.
Where about are you based? I am over in Fife but total buggy headed so no advice on L/boards I'm afraid.

https://goo.gl/maps/HHrE7q3q76s

Bridge.jpg - 5kB

Unk - 26-6-2017 at 12:26 AM

The PKF spell check will not let me mention the place beside Prestonpans.
https://goo.gl/maps/MhTxyTEcqxp
The grassy area beside the old power station, not sure what is like now but it used to be great with a north wind

Bladerunner - 26-6-2017 at 01:22 AM

What year of Eskimo?
What size?

Fred - 26-6-2017 at 02:25 AM

https://www.ginkites.com/product/eskimo-second-hand/

9 m


Unk I'm staying near Guifford.
I never thaught about this spot but it sound amazing.
I dunno if you use a facebook page to meet up with people or something else?
Just let me know

Thanks


Unk - 26-6-2017 at 03:28 AM

Hi Fred,
You are smack bang in the middle for both spots :D

Unfortunately there are not the same amount of people out flying there used to be, the main FB contact I use are SPKA (Scottish Power Kite Association), they mainly run buggy racing but are a good bunch always ready to help out, I am sure a few fly at Belhaven or know people who do.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/125600400807481/

They are having their Summer Fly at St Andrews this Sunday 2nd July, it would be worth a wee trip up even if you don't have the new kite/harness I am sure somebody would help sort you out.

https://www.facebook.com/events/416308535436489/?acontext=%7...

Fred - 28-6-2017 at 01:31 AM

Are you going Sunday ?

Unk - 28-6-2017 at 02:55 AM

I'm afraid not :(
Between work, family and other commitments I usually only make it out first thing in the morning before anyone else is up or later in the evening in the summer month's when it light enough, autumn & winter when ever I can snatch the free time.
A full days buggying has to be pencilled in weeks ahead and then it turns out to be the day the weather does not play :(