Power Kite Forum

I've Decided

Conju - 23-7-2007 at 03:22 PM

Greetings!

I've been looking for a hobby for my new wife and I to share and she has expressed an interest in powerkiting. I've been reading and learning alot and have decided on an Ozone Imp Quattro 3.5 as our first kite.

I'm 160lbs 5'6" and she is smaller (guessing around 40-50lbs lighter :))

Is this one going to work pretty well for both of us? I'd like to get something with enough power for me, but not too much for her, so that we can fly it for at least a little while before dumping 400-500 on a good jumping kite.

Thanks for your input!

Bladerunner - 23-7-2007 at 05:49 PM

I expect you will find the 3.5 about perfect. Try to avoid scaring your Wife with it and she will be fine. What I would suggest to her and most folks starting out is to avoid big actions with her hands. Show her how to do TINY figure eights at the very top of the window, out of the power zone. Demonstrate to her what you mean, show her how little lift there is at zenith and pass it to her at zenith. Have her only move to bigger figure eights when she is ready. Try to make sure she really feels in control doing those small moves and she will feel a lot more confident when the power comes on !

WELCOME to you both !!!!

kitemaker4 - 23-7-2007 at 06:53 PM

If your wife is a little over 100 lbs. then be careful with a kite if it is a 3.5. If the winds are around 12 mph it will be too much for her in the power zone. You need to fly it first and see the power. You might think about something smaller.

If there is someone in your area that has power kites ask them if you could test out a small kite.

Susan

awindofchange - 24-7-2007 at 12:25 PM

When you are first learning, have you and your wife sit down on the grass. This way if the power gets too strong it only gives you a butt slide instead of a "Rip you out of your shoes and 100 foot face drag" type of ride.

Sounds funny when you read it but it will make it so your wife never wants to pick up the power kite again.

Another tip...
Shag your own kite! If your wife ends up running around the field turning and straightening your kite for you all day, it will probably be the last day she goes to the park with you.

The IMP Quattro is an awesome kite, good that you are going for the quad line setup. That way you can flip the kite over by yourself with the brake lines. Take your time learning and the last tip...

Have Fun!!!

Conju - 24-7-2007 at 01:30 PM

I'm glad you chimed in, Kent. I ordered the quattro from you today (it's our birthday present to each other) and hope to see it soon!

Thanks,
Chris

Bladerunner - 24-7-2007 at 09:14 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by awindofchange
When you are first learning, have you and your wife sit down on the grass. This way if the power gets too strong it only gives you a butt slide instead of a "Rip you out of your shoes and 100 foot face drag" type of ride.


Have Fun!!!


HA HA, That's exactly the " scare your wife stuff I was talking about "
Kent,
For some crazy reason I have folks sit starting out on the beach but don't think to do it that way in a park. I guess getting dragged on your butt in the sand doesn't seem as harsh as on grass to me. :puzzled: Do you find sitting works O.K. on grass as well ?

Pablo - 24-7-2007 at 10:55 PM

Works fine, you just get grass stains on your rear

awindofchange - 25-7-2007 at 01:53 PM

lol - Yea, works great on the grass. I actually like it a lot better than standing up. The pilot has less chance of getting pulled over because the center of gravity is much lower.

Your kite is on its way to you already Chris. You should be getting it any day. Let us all know how it goes for you and if you need any additional info, let us know and we can help you out.