Ok So my board should arrive next friday. Just a question not sure if it's a dumb question.. I got my Montana II 7.0 and
some Crossfires. Should I use the montana in light winds or Crossfire 2.4 in Moderate winds to practice?? :wow:

Being well powered is a HUGE advantage when learning to ATB. With only a 2.4 and 7m depower I'm afraid you won't have a good choice for low wind. Use the 7 from when it will fly until you are overpowered ! Do you have a larger kite ? if so, use it !

7m is the largest i got and it's the Montana....Should I maybe invest in a 10m Apex???

also might add that 12mph is average wind speed where i go

I'm not familiar with the Apex but as a rule of thumb Depower kites don't start to perform until about 10mph.

Don't rush out . The 7 is a nice safe size to work with at 1st and should have just enough power at 12mph giving you TONS of room for gusts.

If you are trying to learn on the 7 in under 10mph accept that you will have to enjoy downwind runs and worry less about staying upwind for maximum ride time + enjoyment. Trying to stay upwind in those conditions will be frustrating until you learn how to squeeze the most power you can out of the kite. That can only be done running downwind and then using speed to create your own wind and power.

If the winds are stronger it will be much easier to figure out how to stay upwind.


Something that is stuck in my head when on the board is : Up on your toes and down on your bum.
When you are riding well powered it will make sense. When the kite is flying up that is the right time to shift to your toes. If it is flying down you better be leaning back on your :moon:
My problem at 1st wasn't getting upwind it was getting downwind I had trouble with :duh:

awesome advice thanks alot!!!

If you are refering to that 10m Apex on sale here . You should jump at it !

It will be a better kite for your winds even if it is a bit too much kite right away. You'll grow into it fast !!!

I too have the same question :P i've got a ATB but I've only got a 3m beamer, looking at getting a blade, or something that has some nice pull/lift for cheap. Good deals on ebay for larger kites. I'm thinking of a fixed bridle cuz i don't think i have enough wind for the depowerable kites.

The 4.9 Blade is a great kite but it's not exactly a low wind kite. For that you want to look at 6.5 or bigger. The 4.9 is also a very unforgiving kite. ( dubbed the widow maker ) It has PLENTY of lift but needs to be redirected at the right time or you'll crash. Larger kites give a bit more float and are a bit more forgiving if your timing is off.

Very good to know, thanks for that advice there snowbird.