SailingJunkieXL - 30-8-2004 at 07:46 PM
I'm a 16-year old sailing yacht racer, who is interested is breaking into the hardcore wind sports. I already have a mongoose mountain board,
but was wondering exactly what kind of kite I should be looking for and what price range would come with it and if its not too much to ask, where
(online preferebly) I could find a kite. I weigh about 135pounds if that matters at all. Thanks.
RMV - 31-8-2004 at 01:34 AM
Hello there,
+++++++++++++++++++
Love Life... Live Life... Die Happy.
+++++++++++++++++++
Not bad for a 16 year old, but please take your time and enjoy it.
In the forums you will find generally the same type of advise being given to a beginner, of any age in fact.
Just like in your present sport activity, somewhere someone showed you the ropes of sailing, so go to your local kite shop if you can, or meet with
flyer's, watch and listen, you will then realize the relationship that exist between wind speed and type of kite/size needed for the new kiting
activities you are seeking.
Doing some homework will also help you have a better understanding and ultimately put a limitation on potential serious accident.
I have been making and flying kites since I was a kid, but only got serious about it, as an adult, since the last 15 years.
I discovered kite bugging in my early 40's and intent to enjoy it for many years to come. But here is my secret in life: "I learn from the
best" and I would not do it otherwise.
The general wind conditions in your area will dictate a little bit the type and size of kites you will be looking for, as to your weight, yes, it is a
factor.
A lot of kite boarders start with a Little Devil, from Ozone, as they handle gust pretty good, stable, are fairly priced and are of excellent quality.
I had an OOBE (out of buggy experience), short for "accident" with a Little Devil 1.5 in 25+mph gusty wind. on the other side, a Bego 600
lift me of the ground in 3 mph wind, and I weight 195lbs.
Enjoy life ........... :singing: safely
RMV
bondcw - 31-8-2004 at 07:33 AM
For any beginner getting anything bigger than a 4m kite would probably be a mistake. I started earlier this year with a 3.6m HQ Beamer (£110 plus
delivery from 4kite.co.uk) which will fly in almost no wind but took me off my feet at the weekend in about 20mph winds! :tumble:
The PKD Buster is another excellent kite but the real trick is to go out and fly some - where are you in the country? Find some sites nearby and most
people will be willing to give you a try or at least talk to you about flying.
Getting off the ground
SailingJunkieXL - 7-9-2004 at 09:36 PM
Taking advice from my first post, I am planning on getting the very fairly priced "Little Devil" from Ozone. But beeing the gutsy person I
am, I want to know what size would be recomended. I am looking at the 2.1, but I want to know what will lift me up off the ground. I weigh 135
pounds and it typically blows 8 to 12 knots in my area. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanx :D
bondcw - 8-9-2004 at 01:18 AM
To be honest it will have to be blowing a gale for a 2.1 to lift you off the ground. I'd recommend the 3m but not any bigger as it is your first
venture into the kiting world.
You may find after a bit of learning you will want something bigger for lower wind days (I certainly did). The 2.1 is ideal for high wind days but 3m
should give the best of both worlds.