Haven't gotten a session in a while now and today looked like it should have been good. Its no mystery that inland prairie winds are chop, gusty without remorse. This morning was no different. I set out my stuff last night so I was ready in the morning. Looked out the window and the winds look strong. Checked the forecast and it was 38km/h gusting to 57km/h. Stepped out to take a measurement and found that it was also with frequent lulls down as low as 24km/h. It definitely reminded me of cruising powered then, no power with kite surge and fall from sky only to power strong in the middle of window (happens just like that lots). I have never kited above 48km/h for this reason. I opted to sit it out as I didn't feel I needed to start the year taking an unnecessary risk. I watched the wind grow to over 60km/h at times today. When this happens the wind will usually tame down as the sun starts to set. It will be dark in half hour and judging by the non-stop sound of snowmobile riders I won't dare play in the dark. As always I start thinking that maybe I should have manned up pulled the 6m access. I also start wishing that I had my old 10m synergy or invested in a smaller arc just for those times. (even though I probably would chicken out and not go anyway) I always read posts on here of you guys having a great time when the winds are 30+mph and it seems like it would be so worth it to give it a go. My conscience always tells me not to. Many times I often wonder if maybe its just a small fear that I need to confront. I'm sure that I can't be the only one, who's gone through this. How did you guys get over this hurdle? I'm tired of getting stoked of a windy day only to sit it out because I can't get the nerve to fly. That is all thanks.

shaggs

IMO you are always better to err on the safe side.If in doubt,launch something smaller to get a feel for the wind.Don't be afraid to pull out those trainer kites you have listed as in your quiver.Giving your 3.5m a go would have told you if the 6m access was within your comfort zone.
It can be a tough call when you're itching to get out & the weather isn't playing along.Depending on experience it is best to give it a miss if in doubt...especially if going out alone.
BEtter to wait a day or so at home than in traction somewhere.......although if the nurses are cute a sponge bath might be a good way to kill some time.lol

Good Winds
Mike

Unless it's a male nurse.

Mike's got good advice there. Nothing wrong with being conservative the first few times out. There's a whole season ahead of us so there's no point in risking injury before you've got your feel back.

These last few days have been pretty punchy here. Today was 17mph gusting to 38. The surface was 2 foot whales with ice patches in between. Personally I'm not a big fan of that combo but the whales were soft and I got to fly Molly's new 12m Charger 2 and though it was a lot work it was still a good time. I like riding in high winds but I prefer smoother surface.

Fortunately a friend of mine had been out and was able to tell me what was going on. It takes a lot of anxiety out when you go in with some feedback or get to see how others are fairing.

I don't see a problem with being cautious as long as it doesn't paralyse. I have moments where I don't feel like going out. Injuries and the prospect of getting thrashed be it on a kite, bike or whatever holds me back sometimes. But 99.9% of the time if I cowboy up and force myself to get out there it all falls into place and I'm psyched to be riding. And I totally subscribe to the idea that its better to regret the times I rode than regret the times I didn't.

Hell, I have gone to the beach and turned around in 15MPH winds! I have learned to listen to that "Little Voice" in my head. Sometimes it just does not feel right and why take the risk of getting hurt. I really do find it strange how sometimes I can pull up to the beach and have it constant 25-30MPH and go right at it then have low wind days [high ones too] and something os saying "No'.

Kite Gods? :ticking:

And those gusty drop from the sky then power up winds? UGH!!! hate those! I pack up and leave.

I too have "not had a session in awhile" and will be sneaking into the wind vs running!

I remember a day (my farewell visit before moving west) on Jekyll Island with Angus. The winds were 3-30 mph that day. I asked Angus what kite he would use on a day like this usually and he replied he would usually stay home with winds like these. Words to live by. If you don't hear the voice before you launch, then certainly pay attention to the louder voice you hear after the kite is up.

Quote:

38km/h gusting to 57km/h

30 knots is the most I've flown in with a 4m Access XT and I had to be very vigilant where I put the kite...BUT, that was on the coast and it was reasonably consistent. Inland.....nah, not worth the risk. I would have been sitting that one out too. When it's that strong and gusty it's definitely more 'survival' than enjoyment....for me, anyways.

Not chicken, but sensible!

57kph is about 30kts.

I don't like pushing it like that when I'm out alone.
Don't like it much when sharing either but it feels a bit safer.

Man, I haven't flown anything in winds over 20 mph and nowhere near close to 30 kts,... Maybe I'm just what you all might consider a "low wind" guy, but for my taste, a 15 mph wind is "high wind"... Live to fly another day!!!

Wind here in north Ga rarely goes anywhere near that speed, much less over 13-14 mph.

I'm too Chicken too. I keep thinking that I need a 5m or 6m for those days and then I wonder if I would just stay home too. The longer I kite the more I value the great wind days and am more picky about the days I go out. I have pushed it and gotten lucky. I have also pushed it and gotten burned. Getting burned cost me months of no kiting and years of residual soreness.

I have worried that only flying in better conditions and usually under or moderately powered has limited my skill development. Honestly that is why I like water because I feel I can go when I am well or overpowered and not suffer too much. I try and hone skills there so I am better on land.

It is great to have an amazing session but listen to the voice. Live to kite another day.

Thank you everyone. I guess I'm not the only one after all. Going out and getting lucky isn't really what I want to happen either. This thread has given my wife understanding to my reason for wanting to save for a big 18 or 21 meter speed 4 this coming fall. If the winds are below 30km/h generally they are pretty consistent. I'd imagine getting more than one or two sessions a month would boost confidence and skill to eventually get out there. Just glad that I'm not being to cautious.

Glad to hear those that listen to that small voice. Better the small voice in your head than the loud one standing over you in the hospital, and if you were lucky, that will be taking you home to remind you again and again and again and again........
The wind will blow and you will have another chance to go out. Far better to be able to go out whenever, than not be able ever again.

I wouldn't call it Chicken", I would call it "Smart". Glad to know you are a smart guy.

I'm an openly self-professed fairweather kiter. I love flying the big wings and the comfort (lessened wind chill factor) of light winds. Throw in a deep blue Canadian sky and I find my aoxomoxoa

On the water I have a bit higher threshold for comfort but then it gets to the point where the building waves start to keep me on the beach. Plus the inflatos have a far better power dump than any of my foils (don't ask me why I'm not pumping up for the snow...I really don't know why).

I'm wiser after 40 years.

Now I know the difference between being brave and being Young and Dumb.

Going out in gonna-get-hurt winds falls in the later category, in my experience.

-joedy

Quote:

Originally posted by joedy I'm wiser after 40 years. Now I know the difference between being brave and being Young and Dumb. Going out in gonna-get-hurt winds falls in the later category, in my experience. -joedy

Crap I turn thirty in 5 months. I guess those years must be behind me. I couldn't even grab the nerve to try some small jumps at the hill. Seemed more happy just riding down.

It's been strong winds here last few days. Fortunately I have a suitable kite for strong and even punchy winds. And I use fixed bridals.

I never thought I would get comfortable with 30+ mph winds. But if you go small enough to not be overpowered..the fear and anxiety goes away( well...mostly).

Know your kites(power) and go slightly underpowered especially if winds speeds somewhat unsure(in max end) or changing(increasing) variables. Always better to be underpowered than overpowered. Nothing new here being said.

A 2m low aspect FB can actually be fun in 25-35....even up to 40 mph gusts.

That was the situation the other day. Big fun.

We should all be a little chicken..to be safe....BRrackkk!