Was out yesterday at my local break, second time out with the 3.5m2.
Wind and water around 4-7 degree celcius (40-45 Fahrenheit) so not that bad - eventhough I got my ears and nose rinsed THOROUGHLY, because it was dead onshore and more than headhigh waves further out.
Went out a bit more left where the coast curved, so eventhough difficult and took a long time - I managed to get out and start between the waves
More wind today, around 22 knots average and would have taken a 6m2 on my waveboard (which I did not as who cares when onshore...), so took the small wing and small board
Sometimes it was like riding moguls ha haa
No, did not loop the kite, not necessary - in fact you get too much power often, doing so.
Using normal hydrofoil lines (26-27m) and the downstroke power is huge on this kite, as it is not as low AR. Giving it more range.
Looping works fine for carving, but for starting it is too much unless you are on the very light side underpowered or with a bigger wing - then looping works fine.
Awesome to be able to ride waves without getting smashed to smitherines like if trying to survive with a 5m2 - these big sizes simply does not work at all from 20 knots and up, in waves IMO.
Yes, they are easy to ride when just going back and fourth, but as soon as you turn down or around on the waveface, a 5m2 is way too much and will hinder your free movement on the wave
When finished, I took a wave to the inside and jumped in the water - eventhough close to shore the last part getting "in" was a slightly challenge but fun:
I dont know if above direct links to facebook pictures work or not - I think they do though.
Otherwise some more pics here:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set ... 403&type=3
The 3.5m2 Log is not a trainer kite - built just like the Furia and Logs
Finally possible to go hydrofoiling when you are out with a 5-6-7m2 on your waveboard, and want to hydrofoil instead (which happens quite often I have found
)
Sorry, I dont really understand this question
: "So the question, is 3.5m considered a sweet spot size? Or are we talking about getting the most out of the smallest kite you have?"
Do you mean if a 4m2 would be better, or what ?
It would certainly fit the bill just fine with even less gap, true, if your next size is a 5m2.
I have found a 5m2 being too big quite often, thus my reason for purchasing something smaller.
Peter