First of all, I don't live near the beach, so I cannot get lessons because no one by me kite boards. I've been flying a 6.5m foil kite for the past two years (land boarding and skiing).

I want to get into kite boarding and have done loads of research on equipment.

I weigh 200 lbs (90kg).

The lake I will be flying on averages a very light 9-10mph wind. It gets up to around 15mph sometimes, but very rarely gets windier than that.

I've got a 136/38cm board.

After reading a ton, I am between buying the 14 meter and the 16 meter Griffin LEI.

Suggestions?

Thanks in advance :wee:

You are probable going to need a really big speed 3 deluxe (flysurfer)
Good luck it will be hard to learn in those conditions

that is very light for water. even for FS set up. and for a beginner very challenging to get anywhere at all. the sizing for LEI is right just not enough wind. you would need a minimum of 15knots to get confident and powered runs.

a very large door or directional race board, and the later considerable skills to work effectively, to consider those light air condition's.

good luck , the board you have will do ok with the 16m and 15-20mph.

light air rides are skill dependent , usually unavailable to the beginner.

my suggestion...save your $ vacation a month in the DR , Hatteras, Brazil's east coast.

kite cat would be an alternative, thats a catamaran and a kite

I have a Flysurfer 19m and can get up on fresh water (same weight as you 200lbs) pretty good in light winds. (146cm slingshot) The only thing I would warn you of is that the Flysurfer may not be the best kite to learn on. If you put it in the water and can't relaunch you will have issues in a deep lake.

Don't get me wrong it is easy to relaunch....just make sure you plan your exit strategy if you are learning and getting pushed downwind. I did not and they ARE NOT an easy self rescue kite.

for lighter conditions the Griffin Argo is the choice.........even at 16m the Griffin is the wrong choice..............the Agro 13.5m would be plenty in 13 to 15 mph winds on a slightly larger board........................

however, the 19m Flysurfer in 9 to 10 is unbeatable again on a larger board

tridude,

I did some reading and yea you are totally right, the argo is the way to go for the low winds... I'm trying to figure if I could get the 13.5 and still get up in 10 mph winds, or if I should go to the 17m..... I just dont wanna be ridiculously over powered on days when it does get to 15, 16 mph

Mesinger,

First off welcome mi amigo................As Phree and others stated 9/10 on an inflatable is almost impossible. The 13.5m Argo on 27m lines in 11/12 mph on a lightwind board would work or the 17m Ozone Zephr is your lightwind LEI ticket from what Ive read..................We have a local Aussie that flies his 10m Argo from 12 kts into the 20s...................again the 13.5 on longer lines in 11/12 mph should be fine (if you sold on Argos and must say great kites).

Another LEI low wind choice is the EH Ovando but not a beginner kite. Depower on this kite is limited.....................I can ride (stay upwind) on my 13m Ovando on 27m lines with the 159cm Door in 11kts in ocean currents/waves...............................unless your on a 19m flysurfer 9/10 mph is tough but Ozone claims the Zephr will go..........good luck and keep us posted......

Anybody tried the fat lady for low wind? Supposed to be like the zephr. Says it won't go under 10 though.

tridude,

Thanks for the feedback man. I really like the range the 13.5m Argo allows you to ride in, but I must say, I am still stuck between that and the 17m Argo. Have you had any experience with this kite?

http://www.griffinkites.com.au/about-the-kites/17m-light-win...

It seems to be what I am looking for because of the light winds but I don't know how high of winds I could safely fly it in.

I wonder how the two compare...

I dont know much about griffin kites, but it sounds like you are pretty set on them. There are a lot of companies out there trying their hand at light wind kites. If you arent totally sold on the Griffin kites, other kites to consider (listed in no particular order):

F-One Source
North Dyno
Ozone Zephyr
Epic Infinity
Blade Fat Lady
And of course the Flysurfer Speed3 (for your winds, I'd suggest getting the 21m)

A lot of these brands say you can ride the kites in higher winds, and depending on your skill level, I'm sure you could. But as you are just learning, they might be a handful at first (I've ridden my Speed3 15m in 30mph winds, not recommended).

If you decide to go with the Griffin kite, I hope it works for you. I just haven't heard anything about it. Best of luck!

I ended up getting the 17m Blade Fat Lady!

I'll let you all know how it goes once I get it out!

Thanks