Hello all, I was wondering if anyone could recommend a decent size for a kite to be used snowboarding my 185 lb ass in average wind speeds of 10 km/hr (~6 mph).

Probably looking at a fixed bridal at least in the 7-9m range, I'd fly bigger myself, but I'm a big guy (250lbs) and like power. I'd forget the depowerable route for winds that low unless you go with something like the Flysurfer Speed. But then I'd suggest a 15-17m size.

What experience do you have with kites? Unfortunatley, It's not easy or recommended to start with a 7m kite. Starter size in low winds would be a 4m, possibly a 5m max.

Are the winds really that low in the winter or is that simply your guesstimate? Winter winds tend to be bigger.

IMO, new fliers tend to generally way underestimate actual windspeeds and in this sport, that can bite you.

If they are truly that low, I agree with Pablo - you'll need a 7-9m fixed bridle foil but a 4m would be a better place to start.

To start, you'd be better off looking at a lower aspect kite (less lifty). Something like a buster or rage or beamer or ET instinct or samuari or its replacement.

I am going on local wind averages for each month. I got this from a government weather archive near the area I am targeting for using the kite.

http://www.climate.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/climate_normals/re...

The winds seem to be fairly consistent as I am on the east edge of the rockies. We tend to get chinook winds which are dry and warm and come infrequently during winter.

All I have tried so far were a trainer (maybe 2m) and a small depowerable one that may have been 3m or so. This was stationary (no board) on a hilltop local hang-gliders often launch from.

There is a wind sports club that sells kites but they only deal in Ozone and I was looking for some options and size recommendations. It seems I can get a used kite here for less than half what the local guys are selling new ones for.

Used is good and Ozone make great kites. Sometimes, it is better to shell out the extra $ to the local store to keep them in business and use them as a resource.

Fliers are likely to help you out no matter where you buy, but getting in good with your local dealer... that never hurts.

The call is yours but if you are looking to buy local you may get the opportunity to try before you buy - or you could try to get on the pass the brooza and blade deal going on here thanks to DaVinch and Pablo - that would give you an opportunity to try one or two kites too.

My 3M Ozone Samurai 2 w/bar complete with lines and bag, is a great first kite. I'm looking to sell if you are interested. It was used only once.

matthew

If you get something forgiving like a Buster II, you can get away with going a bit bigger on kite size, I'd still say 5m Max. I also happen to have some demo stuff to clear out as well as some old stock for PKD kites, drop me a PM if interested.

what stuff u looking to clear out pablo?

Agree with B Roc and Matt, 4 meter range perfect! Samurai and Beamer 3 good choices as well as the Profoils. There are a couple of Ozone dealers on the forum (DaVinch/secondwindkites.com ) that can help you out. The Profoil 3.5 flies will fly in 6 mph winds and with a top end of 25 to 30 possibly! Awesome price--$115 shipped and a sweet kite (if you dont mind pink). You can check them out on kiteinnovations.com. Good luck and welcome to the madness!:D

I grew up in Calgary and spent a lot of time in Kananskis Country.
The wind is going to be too variable for a 7m Fixed bridle. I suggest you get a smaller kite like the Beamer TSR 3.6 ( it's fixed bridle on a bar ) and then about a 10m Access.
try WWW.kitesource.ca Jeff is a Calgary local. He has gear for sale and local knowledge.

It looks like they have snowkite lessons now

Thanks for the advice.

Anyone think a 6m depowerable would be a good idea?

For snowkiting, depowerable would be good, changing winds in the mountains is a factor.



As for clear out items, I've got a 4m Brooza I, 4m Buster II, 5m Buster II and a 7.5m Brooza II, all used but in good shape. The Buster II is an awesome entry level kite, the Brooza's are a bit faster and more agressive, have a bit more lift but are awesome in the gusty winds. If something catches your eye let me know and I'll dig up a price.

I started last winter at Crowfoot Park on ski blades with a ProFoil 5.5, then bought a RadSail 3 for those 25kph+ days and an 8m AccessII for longer sessions & touring.

I agree with B-Roc, & tridude, start with a 3.5-5m fixed bridle and handles - it gives you more control, faster turns, and you just let go if you are about to get spanked and let the kite killers take over.

The best in-Calgary snow came from the north and the winds tended to be more like 15-30 kph. If you head out to the lakes when Chinooks clear snow in town, the winds will also be higher than 10 kph.

The U of C Outdoor Center offers lessons for $85/session starting in December. They run them through Muller Windsports in Cochrane.

Enjoy. Don't forget a good helmet too.