So I finally got out for my 1st water session of the season yesterday but the winds just never materialized. I spent a little over an hour just trying to get the kite to launch off the water (got it up twice, but couldn't even hold it an Zenith, had to figure 8 to keep it in the air).

Here's my question. If I had a bigger kite would it be able to launch in these lighter winds? It seems to me that a smaller kite should be able to fly in less wind than a larger one, but just wouldn't have the power to pull me. I was flying a 10m Argo for reference, and I'd say the winds were around 6-10(just my guess)

You are right in thinking a small kite can fly in low winds. You just keep it moving and only in a small window. The trick is it won't serve up any power. For that you need more sail. 6 - 10mph on a 10m kite just isn't going to get you going on water.

Yes. Much bigger kite and experience to fly in that little wind.

What's my best bet for an addition to the quiver that won't break the bank, but will get me going in light winds?

Would a large arc (like a Venom 19) do the trick or is it a speed 19 or bust?

(I'm about 155lbs by the way)

You could go for more flotation such as a surf board or race board with a smaller kite but you do need something that will stay in the air at that windspeed. ARCs are not known for good light wind performance on water.

not enough air, 6- 10mph not gonna happen

Thanks everyone- I guess I have to shift from buggy mode into water mode :tumble:

For the last 6 months or so 8-10 is plenty for a good buggy session


Fingers crossed for more wind this week- dying to get out on the water again

I weight 175 and my 19 syn got me moving on the water in 8-9ish mph.... I was very impressed. But a flysurfer would do much better methinks

Me at 180 pounds with a Flysurfer Speed3 Deluxe on a Spleene 154 Door and 8 knots had me going with lots of power. When the wind increased, I changed boards with my Mako 140 and still was having safe fun.

-joedy

6mph is pretty low and definatly large kite and large board specific. I don't know if I have ever been able to ride on water with that low of wind. Maybe I have but can't prove it.

My friend Steve has been able to ride at 170lbs in the same winds as I did with my 19m. I would guess winds were around 8mph. He was riding a 13m Pulse on a floaty 180cm twintip. I think mainly it was his lower weight with the huge board that made the difference. If you want to ride in the lowest winds possible you need the large kite and board combo. I don't know the bottom end of a 19m venom but I would say a light wind specific kite would do best. I did buggy once along side a 19m arc with my 11m Neo. I was able to limp back when the wind dropped but he couldn't.

Flysurfer, zephyr, or similar would probably do best.

Thanks everyone! I think I'll set my sights on finding a used lightwind board, or directional surf type board for now (since that will be a lot cheaper than a lightwind rig). Forecast looking good for the end of the week so size shouldn't be an issue for the near future at least

between the phantom and the griffin which one has a better lower end? I know most people don't kitesurf with at phantom but I am just curious.

Yeah I'm curious about that too

I have a feeling the Phantom might fly in less air than the Griffin, but I'm not sure if it will be able to pull me on the water in less wind. I am very interested to try the Phantom out as a low wind wing on the water- I know they are supposed to be very difficult to water re-launch, but once my board skills improve so I can consistently hold an edge (and therefore avoid charging towards the kite slacking the lines) I'm eager to try it out. I figure with the auto zenith feature I should be able to avoid getting her wet unless I make a gigantic mistake ; )

I'll let you know how it goes! Anyone out there tried the original Phanny out on the water?

Light winds ... best left till you got some skills IMHO
6mph is getting to the point where if you CAN ride, you risk getting stranded with a kite falling out of the sky in a lull ... not fun.

10m tube though I'd be on my 21 and the 50kg locals would be on their 14's and walking back upwind.

I used a P15 on the water ... it broke my wrist :D

Mike - send George (Spartan) a pm over on ExtremeKites - he uses a 15m Matrix on the water in very light wind..... there's also a thread on the Matrix there too. He'll be able to let you know what wind speeds it can go down to.

Thanks John, I'll do that

Kami- broke your wrist? Yikes- was that the kites fault?

Naish Fly, Ozone Zephyr or Slingshot Turbine? all light wind specific LEIs. the Flysurfers all seem to do well in light wind too and certainly give you a light bank account...

Yeah a big floaty board will help too.

I don't think its worth the effort really. land sports are more fun until it hits 15mph or so then you can think about getting on the water. I would want about 20mph+ for a 10m