Power Kite Forum

From a 1.4 to Kite Surfing...Help me find MIDDLE GROUND!

steelydan - 24-4-2008 at 09:22 AM

I'm new to power kites as well as the forum. I currently fly a little, fun, duel line HQ1.4. Yesterday a guy offered to by me a power kite if I would fly it at some events he is planning. I am looking for a good quad line middle of the road power kite that will build my skill set enough that by the end of the summer I might could move up to Kite surfing. My weight is 185 right now, but I'll get down to 165 soon. I'm relatively athletic, but my desk job helped me put on a little more winter padding than I like. Any suggestions on what to practice/learn with?

dylanj423 - 24-4-2008 at 09:23 PM

I weigh 190 lbs, and my first power kite after my Symphony 1.8 was a 3.2 Crossfire. The size was perfect for me, but if I had it to do over again, knowing what I do now, I would get a comparable sized Flexifoil kite. Theyre great... expensive, but great.

I wouldnt recommend the Blade, yet, but I really like my Rage, too. Was flyin it today, matter of fact. I think they make a 3m size, I recommend it without hesitation.

Whatever you do, dont go too big first, this can be dangerous. Ive had to pack up my 3.2 on some days, just because it was getting scary. And always use kite killers and pads and helmet.

Eventually, if youre like me, the quest to learn kite surfing will just get you hooked on kites, and youll have a nice quiver in a very short time.

Dont forgett the all terrain board... I recommend start with a used 4 wheeler of some sort.

Bladerunner - 25-4-2008 at 04:01 PM

Your next step depends a LOT on how much you want to spend !
Lessons aren't cheap but you should try and work them into the budget. They are very worth while. A spring board into the self sufficiant level.

If you are looking to the water a kite on a bar may be helpful. You can fly hooked in + with one hand on the bar to get used to that aspect. An HQ Scout or TSR is good and purpose built for kiteboard training. A company called Sensi or something has just come out with a relaunchable 2 line at a good price. It doesn't come with a D loop on the bar so you would need to order one from H.Q.

Powerzone as some converted Profoils that can be used for kiteboard traing. The only depowerable trainers I know of .

An ATB is also a great way to work out the board skills on land !

Bladerunner - 26-4-2008 at 07:04 AM

Speleo's Quadrafoil is a thought ! They are AWSOME kites. The 4.9 is a close match to the Blade but you can use it in water to practice ...... everything !

It is a bit advanced but with due respect you should get VERY COMFORTABLE with this kite in a shrot time. I would say it's a great optio :thumbup: :thumbup:

dylanj423 - 26-4-2008 at 01:39 PM

I dont know about the quadrifoil mentioned, but if I were you I would seriously consider it. Versatile, big enough for good traction on land (dont know about water)... and water relaunchable.

Probably a lot cheaper than a new kite, too.

Happy hunting

Bladerunner - 26-4-2008 at 06:38 PM

Speleopower gets lots of days in on the water with his 4.9 Blade :cool:
You just need a very big board . Or a skim board !


Quote:
Originally posted by dylanj423
Versatile, big enough for good traction on land (dont know about water)... and water relaunchable.

Probably a lot cheaper than a new kite, too.

Happy hunting