Hey PKF,

I got the kite bug about a year ago, but constantly struggled with poor conditions. Usually I was flying in wind that both gusty and light. So far my 8m NS3 is the best I have for those conditions, but even that falls out of the air. Previously the best winds I'd had were on a lake in Maine and I didn't have a kite small enough for the conditions there.

Finally though I got a chance to go out to Aruba and I'm loving it. Had my third day of lessons on the water and I'm starting to get how to water starts work. The beach they teach on has gusty off-shore winds, but they're at least consistently high enough to keep a 7.5m kite in the air which is such a big change from what I'm used to.

I brought a (new to me) 8m Speed 4 and a cheap split-board which was a Naish Momentum cut in half with some screw holes and a piece of wood to re-attach. I figured now that I get the idea behind water starting I could just practice on my own. Getting the kite up for the first time was fine and I definitely like how it feels in the air. However, I made the mistake of underestimating the power 8m foil has vs. a 7.5m training LEI. First power stroke flew me over my board, 5' through the air, then a couple feet into the water. Made me realize I'm probably not quite ready to head out with this kite on my own. Definitely going to be a great kite once I'm ready though.

Anyways, Aruba is wonderful and I highly recommend people come down here for the constant winds. It's amazing to not even have to check the forecast before going out.

nice , see all you needed was wind! first stroke jacked ! gotta love your personal catapult!