Post subject: Waveriding with Big (not huge) kites
Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2012 4:58 pm
Frequent Poster
Joined: Wed Aug 07, 2002 1:00 am Posts: 278 Location: North Carolina - USA
Which kites do you like on a surfboard in waves in the 12m-14m size? Something with direct feel, fast turning and responsive.
Did not want to poach on the Huge Kites thread (not interested in huge) but I'm looking for a kite to compliment my 10m. 12m probably a bit too much overlap unless it was a powerful 12m. 13m probably ideal.
Post subject: Re: Waveriding with Big (not huge) kites
Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2012 8:31 pm
Very Frequent Poster
Joined: Tue Nov 22, 2005 10:57 pm Posts: 612
It depends on your riding style. If you rely on kite power to surf or you are more into surfing with the aid of a kite (subtle but big difference). With larger kites (>13m) do not expect the agility required to whip the kite back and forth anticipating your bottom turns and cutbacks. It just does not work, unless you are on lines the size of your shoe laces (which defeats the purpose of a large kite). My largest kite is a 14m RPM and I park the kite while surfing with almost no line tension while the kite follows me waiting for input.
Post subject: Re: Waveriding with Big (not huge) kites
Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2012 9:10 pm
Very Frequent Poster
Joined: Mon Feb 16, 2004 5:36 am Posts: 7854 Location: Oahu
Park doesn't come in 13 but is a great wave rider in the bigger sizes. Look tor fast turning medium grunty IMO. You want something that doesn't pull you through the wave yet have enough to get you up there
Post subject: Re: Waveriding with Big (not huge) kites
Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2012 4:19 pm
Medium Poster
Joined: Fri Jul 29, 2011 10:17 am Posts: 114
Forget about large kites.Just use the smallest to get you out. Even a small 7 or 8m will do well getting you out and riding the wave is much better: due to the speed generated on the wave even the smaller kite will generate enough power due to apparent wind.
Post subject: Re: Waveriding with Big (not huge) kites
Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2012 12:53 am
Rare Poster
Joined: Sat Feb 18, 2012 4:21 am Posts: 50
^^^^ all depends on wind direction. Onshore, forget it, you need to be powered up. Side shore less so, cross off okay. Down winders okay as well. As mentioned before, a larger kite that pivots quickly on it's wing is what you are looking for, and good drift as the wind won't match the speed of the wave. If your larger kite turns fast you can anticipate where you will be smashing the lip or cutting back, keeping your lines tight and powered. You can only do this powered up in onshore conditions....and you need the power to punch out the back of all the waves. The lighter the wind, the more difficult as you lose ground on every wave that marches in. Griffin Kites are making the TRX which are amazing in the larger sizes. They pivot quickly and loop like a dream. You also have to look at something that relaunches in light wind super easy.. my 2 pesos worth
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