Had my second go on the Thruster 16m on Sunday morning. It was the best session I have had - I love this kite.
80kg
Skywalker 130cm TT
Embarrasingly still a beginner although first started kiting in 2004. In the past 18 months have been out a total of 3-5 times. Prior to that - every now and then.
Onshore winds in the low teens (knots)
Checked the one pump - all the cable ties intact.
One pump - sweet - saves a lot of time.
Self launching is easy and the conditions I have used it allow for it - plenty of space and a nice sandy beach.
Very stable - able to get my feet into my board straps easily and not worry about the kite.
Got up and started riding - was able to edge well and push out the bar when I was speeding up.
Could not do this before with my C kite and my old floaty beginners board - would speed up and lose control.
Was able to have my longest run ever - must have been either going up wind or just holding ground as the winds were onshore/slight cross shore.
Was able to water relaunch well most times but had difficulty water relaunching when the kite was directly downwind and leading edge down. Looking at the Eclipse website video last night I suspect I may have had the bar the wrong way. I think I may have done this as my reflex reaction would be have the lines so they are not crossed.
The wind had dropped at this time also.
I will practice this and also the self landing - I am not consistent with the self landing yet - forgot to unhook and was unable to land it neatly. Have done this neatly before.
This kite is built real tough - heaps of reinforcement in the high wear areas.
The wave design looks great and is actually stitched into the canopy.
Attention to detail in everything
The quick release on the bar is great - I have activated it and practised this - I feel confident that it will release quickly if I ever get into trouble. The release on the leash also works well - it will release easily only when you want it to.
This is a beginner friendly kite, I feel excited that I will be able to improve and eventually jump intentionally - just need to get out there and ride with it more often.