BoardBikePlay - 11-10-2007 at 07:20 PM
Hello all, I was wondering if anyone could recommend a decent size for a kite to be used snowboarding my 185 lb ass in average wind speeds of 10 km/hr
(~6 mph).
Pablo - 11-10-2007 at 07:42 PM
Probably looking at a fixed bridal at least in the 7-9m range, I'd fly bigger myself, but I'm a big guy (250lbs) and like power. I'd forget the
depowerable route for winds that low unless you go with something like the Flysurfer Speed. But then I'd suggest a 15-17m size.
What experience do you have with kites? Unfortunatley, It's not easy or recommended to start with a 7m kite. Starter size in low winds would be a 4m,
possibly a 5m max.
B-Roc - 12-10-2007 at 09:27 AM
Are the winds really that low in the winter or is that simply your guesstimate? Winter winds tend to be bigger.
IMO, new fliers tend to generally way underestimate actual windspeeds and in this sport, that can bite you.
If they are truly that low, I agree with Pablo - you'll need a 7-9m fixed bridle foil but a 4m would be a better place to start.
To start, you'd be better off looking at a lower aspect kite (less lifty). Something like a buster or rage or beamer or ET instinct or samuari or its
replacement.
BoardBikePlay - 12-10-2007 at 05:48 PM
I am going on local wind averages for each month. I got this from a government weather archive near the area I am targeting for using the kite.
http://www.climate.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/climate_normals/re...
The winds seem to be fairly consistent as I am on the east edge of the rockies. We tend to get chinook winds which are dry and warm and come
infrequently during winter.
All I have tried so far were a trainer (maybe 2m) and a small depowerable one that may have been 3m or so. This was stationary (no board) on a hilltop
local hang-gliders often launch from.
There is a wind sports club that sells kites but they only deal in Ozone and I was looking for some options and size recommendations. It seems I can
get a used kite here for less than half what the local guys are selling new ones for.
B-Roc - 12-10-2007 at 08:16 PM
Used is good and Ozone make great kites. Sometimes, it is better to shell out the extra $ to the local store to keep them in business and use them as
a resource.
Fliers are likely to help you out no matter where you buy, but getting in good with your local dealer... that never hurts.
The call is yours but if you are looking to buy local you may get the opportunity to try before you buy - or you could try to get on the pass the
brooza and blade deal going on here thanks to DaVinch and Pablo - that would give you an opportunity to try one or two kites too.
matthewlavin - 19-10-2007 at 04:46 PM
My 3M Ozone Samurai 2 w/bar complete with lines and bag, is a great first kite. I'm looking to sell if you are interested. It was used only once.
matthew
Pablo - 19-10-2007 at 04:56 PM
If you get something forgiving like a Buster II, you can get away with going a bit bigger on kite size, I'd still say 5m Max. I also happen to have
some demo stuff to clear out as well as some old stock for PKD kites, drop me a PM if interested.
5m1FF - 20-10-2007 at 09:23 AM
what stuff u looking to clear out pablo?
tridude - 20-10-2007 at 09:42 AM
Agree with B Roc and Matt, 4 meter range perfect! Samurai and Beamer 3 good choices as well as the Profoils. There are a couple of Ozone dealers on
the forum (DaVinch/secondwindkites.com ) that can help you out. The Profoil 3.5 flies will fly in 6 mph winds and with a top end of 25 to 30 possibly!
Awesome price--$115 shipped and a sweet kite (if you dont mind pink). You can check them out on kiteinnovations.com. Good luck and welcome to the
madness!:D
Bladerunner - 21-10-2007 at 08:51 AM
I grew up in Calgary and spent a lot of time in Kananskis Country.
The wind is going to be too variable for a 7m Fixed bridle. I suggest you get a smaller kite like the Beamer TSR 3.6 ( it's fixed bridle on a bar )
and then about a 10m Access.
try WWW.kitesource.ca Jeff is a Calgary local. He has gear for sale and local knowledge.
It looks like they have snowkite lessons now 
BoardBikePlay - 22-10-2007 at 07:00 PM
Thanks for the advice.
Anyone think a 6m depowerable would be a good idea?
Pablo - 22-10-2007 at 07:46 PM
For snowkiting, depowerable would be good, changing winds in the mountains is a factor.
As for clear out items, I've got a 4m Brooza I, 4m Buster II, 5m Buster II and a 7.5m Brooza II, all used but in good shape. The Buster II is an
awesome entry level kite, the Brooza's are a bit faster and more agressive, have a bit more lift but are awesome in the gusty winds. If something
catches your eye let me know and I'll dig up a price.
canuck - 22-10-2007 at 08:45 PM
I started last winter at Crowfoot Park on ski blades with a ProFoil 5.5, then bought a RadSail 3 for those 25kph+ days and an 8m AccessII for longer
sessions & touring.
I agree with B-Roc, & tridude, start with a 3.5-5m fixed bridle and handles - it gives you more control, faster turns, and you just let go if you
are about to get spanked and let the kite killers take over.
The best in-Calgary snow came from the north and the winds tended to be more like 15-30 kph. If you head out to the lakes when Chinooks clear snow in
town, the winds will also be higher than 10 kph.
The U of C Outdoor Center offers lessons for $85/session starting in December. They run them through Muller Windsports in Cochrane.
Enjoy. Don't forget a good helmet too.