Anybody riding with a kite wing. I am so close to pulling the trigger but most of what I rad about them comes from avid riders that sing nothing but praise. Any other opinions?

I have small fields and very large lakes and it looks to be the best of both worlds.

Thanks Dan

I have never tried one but Kamikuza will be piping up shortly he's been using one for a while now.

fly kites not wings

You rang? :D

Depending on the surface you want to ride on, they need more wind than a kite. For example, to ride a board at my little park with the wing I'd need about 15 knots plus cos of the soft surface. In a carpark with skates or a skateboard, you can get moving with much less. More is more fun though! What are you thinking of riding on? I'd love a Dirtsurfer but you just can't get them here
Maintaining a speed and handlign gusts are easy to handle once you get used to it - you can just sheet out.

What model are you thinking of? Make sure you get the 5.5 or either the Rage or the IV8 for the little extra power you get. I got a 4.8 cos I was worried I'd make a mess of the mylar, being a beginner and all but you quickly get past that stage.

They do get holes in them if you drop them on the ground, especially concrete but it doesn't seem to matter performance-wise. Setup and take down is easy and safe; I'd get at least one lesson or someone to show you how to do it - it's easy enough to get setup and rolling by yourself though, it'd just take more time. Packed up, the 'wind is quite long - I have to put it in the pack of my little Japanese station wagon diagonally with a back seat down ... it's probably 2m long packed. I don't think that'll be a problem for you Yankees with your HUGE cars :D

So ... go for it!

Here's a UK forum ... about the only dedicated 'wing forum I've found but they don't post much.
http://www.wingsurferforum.co.uk/active_topics.asp?UA=Y

The kitewing is one of my favourite winter toys. On a frozen lake with good wind it is easy to learn, with skates or skis it is a very efficient sail. Deeper snow you'll need more wind. There are some nice winter vids of the kitewing at www.kitewing.com