Hey I should be receiving my new Profoil 3.5m tomorrow afternoon and I was checking the wind forecast for this upcoming wind and most days it seems to be 10mph+. I have some experience with a small dual line stunt kite but I was wondering for a 5'11" 160lb 18 year old what would you consider a "dangerous" amount of wind for a first time powerkiter (with a 3.5m) to be out in. Perhaps I'll wait for a day with a constant 4-8mph wind for my first time out but I really wanna try it out. Good thing with the quad lines I guess is you can always yank the bottom lines to get the thing to sink in emergency.

Any advice on wind conditions?

First off will you have kite killers? 10 to 12 would be a good start, a little bit of power but not enough to hurt you. I would really start to worry in the upper teens till you get some experience launching and landing the kite. Now when you get good that kite will probably top out in the 26 to 28 mph range. good luck:evil:

You also have to make sure that the ten is ten. Not 10 gusting to15-18 big difference. You need kite killers I good wind I still use them You don't want to be out in anything over 13 your first time out. In strong wind yanking the bottom lines (brakes) does not do much good if you can't hold it all the way to the ground and then if it powers back up on ya your in trouble Kite killers allow you to just let go when over powered without having to chase your kite. Lot's of different opinions on them But I use them alot.

Yes. What sthrasher said. Gusts can be harsh.

Also try to get a buddy with you to help you setup/launch/land/untangle/reset the kite. It'll prevent the frustration of having to stake your handles, walk over and reset the kite, and walk back to your handles.

You might want to launch with the kite more to your right or left so there's less pull as it goes up. If you launch with the kite directly in front of you, you'll be flying through the dead center of the powerzone and you're going to get a good amt of pull. If you're not ready or used to the feel you could get pulled voilently forward and/or upwards.

Here's what I'm talkin about regarding launching from the side.

Overhead view:


.......wind direction
.................^...........x <- kite or,
..................|.............x <- kite
..................|..................
_________|____________
..................:frog: <- you


If you decide to launch from directly in front of you, lean back into the wind and keep your knees slightly bent. Don't hesitate to run forward a bit to lessen the pull. The kite should only be in the powerzone for a second or two, then it'll be at zenith. Also don't be afraid to let go of the handles but only if you've got kite killers. Please have kite killers.

As far as flying, keep it at the edges of the window till you get used to the handling and feel of the kite. Practice keeping it at zenith, then moving over to 1, 2, and 3 o'clock. Likewise for 11, 10, and 9 o'clock. If it stalls at 9 or 3 o'clock move upwind a little and give the kite a tug towards 12. If it falls have your buddy set it up for you so you can get the kite flying again.

Once you're comfy with the edge of the window, slowly dip into the upper edge of the powerzone until you feel comfy with the amt pull you feel. Becareful with gusts. You can usually feel a gust a second before it hits your kite, so if you feel one coming make the kite head for the edge of the window, brace yourself, or prepare to let go of the handles.

After flying for a while, try to get comfy with being pulled foward and skidding on your feet (scudding). Once you learn that, you'll feel way more comfy having a kite that size out in winds that speed or higher

4 to 8 mph is the very lowest winds for that kite. Around 10mph is actaully a pretty nice wind. It should sit nicely at the edge of the window at that rate and fly as it's designed to.

The trick is to work on keeping it OUT of the power zone !!!! Each time you screw up try to get it settled down above your head and start over using VERY SMALL motions !!

Expect a good amount of power in the power zone and very little at all on the edges. If you feel that there is too much pull even when it's resting above your head it's time to pack it in. Good common sense and good judgement are your best guide !

HAVE FUN !!!!

thank you, would someone explain to me the concept of a kite killer? i'm unsure what this term means? If the profoil doesn't come with them then no I do not have them.

Quote:

Originally posted by aldoushoffman thank you, would someone explain to me the concept of a kite killer? i'm unsure what this term means? If the profoil doesn't come with them then no I do not have them.

Here's a review, with pics, of kite killers. This site has a lot of good info for us newbies:

http://www.racekites.com/reviews/getReview.asp?reviewID=635

Guys.....it's great to follow answers you all are giving to newbies. What a benefit this forum is for those of us out here on our own with the desire....but just plain "dumb" about all we need to know. THANKS for all the input you folks take the time to give to us!!!

Lobo :singing:

Very well put everyone...
burritobandit great detailed instructions...
aldoushoffman, you seem like a responsible kid and asking questions first... you'll do fine!!! Having a buddy or 2 is a great idea one could hold on to you the other help with the kite, make sure he/she knows to get out and stay out of the way of the kite and lines... having buddy's there is also a way to have good kiting fun, who knows... you might give them the kite bug! Don't fight over who flies next... have fun!!!
Stay calm and enjoy
Don't be afraid to let go

Screwy

thank you all of you who have given me advice, I've been reading alot on here which I have found to contain very detailed instructions for a range of kite types http://www.awindofchange.com/lesson.html.

Also I really like the idea of kite killers and I believe I shall fashion a set before I take the kite out for the first time.

While kite killers are a good idea if you are choosing your location properly you should have lots of room downwind anyway.

They are extra handy ( but NOT essential ) at 1st. With them you don't have to think twice about letting go because recovery is simple.

That is yet another great bunch of info from awindofchange !!

Thanks ! See you are contributing already