After watching the experienced flyers handle the high wind conditions of WWBB Spring 2011 (worth the trip right there), I got to thinking. I know, dangerous.

Some were out with small depower foils. For PL, I saw a Venom of unknown size (can anyone fill in the blank) and a 6m Phantom as I understand. Back to the open cell foils, HQ and Gin seemed to fill this niche.

Although I am broke this year, I’m thinking about Christmas for the boy.
Two Questions - open or closed cell, #2 is my focus question. I would like to solve both with one kite if possible.
1) What do you use as a high wind depower? I (190-200lbs) want to keep moving when the wind really blows.
2) What is a good depower starter for a child who flys his 2m Beamer well and weighs 50-60lbs now?

A 3m apex was in the air quite a bit if I remember correctly.

The 3m and 5m apex should be a safe bet if you are careful about the right winds. My oldest started out on depower on a 9.5 Montana III. He was about 70 lbs at the time though. Wexler never met a kite he couldn't fly though. He hasn't met many he can fold up and put away either but that's another story.:embarrased:

I agree with Bob. I have not flown the new 3 m yet but that is what Chris and Craig were flying at WW during the 25 + mph days. The Apex is a nice, manageable kite that would work for both of you.

As for the other arc on the beach that day it was an 8m venom.

3m apex or 4m access or 4.5m yeti would be the types of kites to look at. I'd avoid inflatables, not because they aren't great but because they take more ground handling skills and you want something simple.

For you at 190#s I'd say a 6m Access, 5m Apex or 6m Yeti (maybe a 4.5 - depending upon how much power you are comfortable with in high wind).

Flysurfer Viron is starting to become more and mroe readily available. Not particulary cheap, but available in 2.5, 4, and 6M




ATB,
Sam

My son has been flying a 5m apex and he weighs about 80 lbs, i recently just purchased a 10m vortex for him as well- i expect it will be a lot of kite for him initially, but the stability of an Arc is hard to overlook in helping to build confidence, and by next yr he should weigh over a 100 lbs so he will definetly grow into it. Here is a video of him riding the board for the first time with the Apex in 15-17 mph winds, and yes i did put up the apex at ww on saturday but had a few problems. discovered later that the line lengths were way out- power lines were over an 1" longer and i think had i moved to the second knot on the center lines would have flown a lot better.
Scott

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCgvxoKoEgM

There's also the HQ Hydra Powerzone edition in the 300 or 350. I've heard good things about, I believe it's about 1/2 the price of a viron.

Thanks for the input folks. You provided more options than I thought.
Brought the idea up to the wife tonight and she is willing to discuss it.
Now it is just down to choosing the kite and sizing appropriately. But, I have time.

Apex 3m absolute perfect high wind depower and learn to fly kite. That said you also cant go wrong with the deal being offered in the for sale section 4m and 8m Access two for the price of one!

Thanks, I looked at it.

But, taxes are due this month. Timing on several deals (Kami, BB, & this) Have, Been, Killing, Me...
I'm out of the buying game until the end of the year.
Just keep saying, "must be responsible; must be responsible"