yt35 - 29-6-2009 at 05:10 PM
Hey,
i have been looking into getting my wife a couple of kites. I have looked at some charts for kites and weights. I was thinking of getting her a 7 and
9 meter kite. Now i am reading that she may need a bigger kite. like 9 and 11 or 11 plus for around 15 to 20 km winds. she is about 130 pounds. any
advice.
Bladerunner - 29-6-2009 at 05:28 PM
7 and 9 are too close in any style of kite.What type of kite are you talking about ?
What are your wind speeds in your area ?
What will She use it for ?
I would suggest 7 and 12 in depower style kites. 13 and 19 in arcs. 3 and 6.5 in fixed bridle. That is very general and doesn't account for wind below
7mph..
yt35 - 29-6-2009 at 07:32 PM
it will be for water. the wind speeds are 15 to 20 kms on a good day here. i am thinking a hybrid or bow kite
arkay - 30-6-2009 at 01:21 AM
I'm 215, but in that wind I'd use my 12m. I've really only seen experienced female kiters that are that size and I've noticed they go out on 9/10m in
that wind. Out on hood river the smaller folks i've seen taking lessons are generally on 5/6m but the wind is more like 25. This is just an
observation. I'd ask locals where you'll be flying what they fly and what they weigh.
If she is just getting into kiting then I'd suggest getting her lessons first before you think about buying equipment. There's a lot more to
kitesurfing the flying the kite. I personally think it's really important to know your safety systems and how to do self rescue inside and out. It
sucks major rocks to have a downed kite that you can't flip and be pulled downwind in deep water.
In looking for a school I'd look for IKO certified instructors that come recommended by locals. I think it's also important to know what equipment
the school uses, because this is the stuff you'll likely get comfortable on. I recently took a lesson on a slingshot and I'm used to flexifoil and
best and I spent way too much of my energy focusing on flying an unfamiliar kite. Another added plus is that when you're leaning you're likely to
crash and abuse the kite; if it's the schools you're lesson fee covers use of the kite 
If it's yours you'll need to repair or replace 
Schools out here use such a wide swatch of kites; but a bunch use Best kites because of their price point and beginner friendliness. At this point
thought most new major brand entry level kite are good. It just depends on what style you want to get comfortable with as they all have different
characteristic. The kites from the past year also have much better safety systems. Another good reason to get lessons, your instructor can point
you towards equipment that suits you; kite and board. Will save you a ton of money in the long run. and many schools offer deep discounts on
equipment.
Hope this helps!