Hey, I'm new to kiting. Bought several kites (2006 models 20m&12m sizes and several 3m trainers) My question is: I am wondering where I can find some charts on what the wind speeds should be to fly these kites without killing myself. I am a big guy and tip the scales at about 255#. I also took 1 snow lesson with ski's-no board skills (yes I know, it's not enough but all I could afford at this time) and I am now fully aware that if I mess this up I will end up in the hospital. I am not aware of other kiters in my area to hook up with. Any Help or Direction would be appreciated.

Welcome
What kind of kites? 12 and especially 20m is a lot, so we need to know what we are working with. I suspect LEI's (leading edge inflatables). If so, others here will guide you better. 2006 might be on the cusp.

Welcome.
There are some guys in MN I think St. Paul area. Rudeboysaude and Krumly I think. You can use skis with the kites there are plenty that prefer skis. Each manufacturer usually posts the wind ranges for each kite. Some kites made before 2006 are not as safe so you should really post what they are. Also be aware that a trainer can spank a 225# butt pretty well too. It is all about respect. If you provide some more information about the kites you will get more accurate help. Good luck, have fun, and be safe.

I'll assume the 12 and 20 are 5 line C kites? Make and model make a bit of difference.

In general , the 20 will be a low wind kite with VERY limited wind range . It will need about 5 or more mph wind to actually fly and will be too much by about 10mph ?? Your 12m will be just a bit underpowered at that 10mph and should take you up to about 17 - 20mph. Higher once you get real comfortable with them.

It is common to have 3 kites when flying a C kite quiver and you may want a 9m or so for winds above 20mph..

The 3m trainer will fly as soon as there is wind ( if you fly the heck out of it ) and will take you in to some real high winds as you gain skills.

Spend as much time crashing your 3m as you can. Your blimps won't like hitting the ground as much!



Good for you taking that lesson + buying a trainer ! Both of these things should help you learn faster and safer.

Welcome

These skills & knowledge is relevant to all kite sports ... page and shop of our very own Angus
http://www.coastalwindsports.com/TutorialMenu.Html

And this applies mostly to foils but you get the idea when you fly your 3m trainers
http://www.coastalwindsports.com/BeaufortScale.html

My Kites are: 06 Naish torch 20m; 06 Slingshot 12m Octane Machine; 04 Cabrihna CO2 12m; Best 3m trainer (yr unknown) and 09 HQ 3.5m Hydra. I also started on a HQ Symphony 2.7 with wrist straps. I know, I jumped in feet first and probably didn't do myself any favors getting older kites but I thought I bought them right and wont really cry if they get trashed while I'm learning. Thanks for all your help. I'm dyin on my days off with 6-8 mph winds.....

Yeah that was my thoughts too when I bought my first kitesurfing kite :D #@%$#! people used to learn on them, why can't I?

Quote:

Originally posted by typicalcop My Kites are: 06 Naish torch 20m; 06 Slingshot 12m Octane Machine; 04 Cabrihna CO2 12m; Best 3m trainer (yr unknown) and 09 HQ 3.5m Hydra. I also started on a HQ Symphony 2.7 with wrist straps. I know, I jumped in feet first and probably didn't do myself any favors getting older kites but I thought I bought them right and wont really cry if they get trashed while I'm learning. Thanks for all your help. I'm dyin on my days off with 6-8 mph winds.....

A symphony 1.4 was my first kite. I attached a third line to a bar, to the loops on the back and turned it into my kids first kite. Twice it was actually enough to get me rolling in my buggy. Not fast but rolling.

If you're using skis, and riding on inland lakes with typical midwest wind conditions, your 12m kite will get the most use. You're a pretty big dude and it's going to take an honest 10-20 day to get you comfortbly powered up. Be very skeptical of the manufacturers wind speed ratings as there are many factors that affect this. Lets be honest though, there aren't a lot of guys your size out there kite skiing! So keep that in mind when taking advice. But just for reference...I weigh in at 180, and I'm pretty aggressive when it comes to kiting. I ride in Wisconsin so our conditions are similar, my main kite is a 9m foil (which has nearly the equivalent power of an older 12m inflatable), it gets me going on skis with about 10-12mph. And I use it up to around 20mph. Your 3m kites won't get much use other than on clean ice. The best thing you can do is just get out as much as you can and learn. Be safe!

Kami those where very cool links you put up. Thanks I have them in my favorites now.

Welcome, you will find a ton of info/advice from this forum. I know that I did and I haven't gone wrong yet. I think that waywardsailor's advise could not be more spot on. Being that I'm 220 lbs and fly mainly around Green Bay, WI I will agree that something in the 10-12 meter range will work best on most days. This of course depending on how deep the snow your riding and if its skiis or snowboard.

Hey Wayward, where in Wisconsin do you ride? you can u2u me if you don't want to post.