Hello PKF, long time, no posts. I've been largely absent from the forum since I bought a house a couple years ago and fell out of the habit and into the home maintenance track.

I'm writing for advice for a trip that I'm taking next week to Ecuador. We are visiting a friend there who has a house on a beach that is a great kite landboarding spot (I think). I went two years ago and brought my Hydra 350 to play around with because I didn't know what to expect for conditions. This year we are staying two weeks and I'm pretty sure that I'm going to bring some real kites and my landboard. I'm a bit apprehensive about packing all of that gear and dragging everything down there, but think I'll regret it more if I don't.

I remember there being nice on shore breezes but don't have any of my old wind finding bookmarks. What is the best site that I could use to see what typical winds are so I can plan which kites to bring?

Right now I'm thinking two kites, one bar and a board. I really wish I still had my kites in my signiture because I can barely remember what I have! I think that my board is an MBS Pro 6 (white one). For kite I have the Hydra, 3.0m Beamer, 4.5m Bullet, 4m, 6m, 8m Ozone Access and a 12m PL Synergy. I think that's all I have.

So right now I'm tempted to bring the 6m and 8m Access kites but realize that there is a lot of overlap there. Still, unless I leave the 8m at home and rush out to get a larger kite last minute that is probably my best bet. Still not sure what I can really fit.

Next question: what to bring for tools (for working on the landboard) and gear accessories and spare parts?

Right now I've got:
Helmet
ground stake
allen wrenches (sizes?)

I found this wind forecasting site. This is very close to where we are staying so I think its probably pretty accurate. It looks like wind speeds are pretty light, but steady onshore which is what I remember. The gusts match the wind speeds to at least they should be steady. Still, I'm having second thoughts on bringing all that gear if the wind is only 8mph. I just dug out my kiteboard, its bigger and heavier than I remembered!

http://www.windfinder.com/forecast/montanita

Good to see you posting again. I would not bring the 6 and the 8. They are too close. Maybe the 12 and the 6 but I'm not sure how close a 12 arc is to an 8 foil. But if the winds are regularly like what you posted, the only thing I'd bring is my 14m and IIRC you are a bit bigger than I so I think you should maybe just go with the biggest kite you are still comfortable flying and then only fly when conditions are ideal that way you minimize what you pack and maximize your fun.

Hey B-Roc, thanks for the input. I never really got the Synergy dialed in and it feels like a bigger heavier kite so I think I'll leave it at home. I agree with you on the 6m/8m. The only reason I'd consider that combo is that a) its what I've got! and b) the 6m might be a gentler kite if my wife wants to fly or any of my other friends want to give it a try.

I weigh about 155lbs these day. She's probably at 125lbs.

With those light and gentle winds its tempting to want to add a bigger kite to the list last minute. Ahh, now I remember what is like to be a kiter stressing about wind forcasts and what kites to pack! But the packing question is harder when you are flying.

I'm a bit unclear where my landboard would fall on AA's baggage policy. I'd call it a skateboard which means free. If they called it a kiteboard it looks like it would cost me $150 (each way?). Yikes.

Each additional bag usually runs you $25+ depending on the airline so if you can't pack your kites they will be checked as bags and now the expense adds up fast. I don't think they will count your board as a skateboard because it will be problematic packing it overhead or under the seats given the height of the trucks and wheels and oeverall length.

Montanita is the biggest surf spot in the country, last time I was there it was not a big Kitesurfing spot.
About 90 miles north(~2 hours) you would find Santa Marianita in the Province of Manabi. That is definitely the biggest kite surfing spot in the country. It is also next to another major city and a very fun town to hang out at (Manta).

Montanita should have plenty of hard sand for you to ride the board, i would agree with B-Roc and suggest to bring the 12/6 combo.
Let us know how it goes!

Thanks for the tips Martinipro. Yes, Montanita is a cool place. We are staying about 5 minutes away.

I'm still working to see if I can really fit my gear. I might just bring the little Hydra again to play with on the beat and rent a surfboard for playing in the ocean. The light winds and the fact that I really don't have the right light wind kite in my quiver are working against me here. I didn't realize how light the winds are down there. Although with my novice riding skills and reasonably light weight the 8m access might be a decent ride. Either way it will be a great trip. Its a beautiful place.

so adam how was the trip.paul