Dimitri, as most people only have one quiver they use, can you make a surf specific kite with attachment point changes that tailor it for traditional freestyle/airstyle riding as well?
I have been reading all the aspects people like for surf kites (drifts well, bar feedback without being too strong, turns tight so you don't drag a wingtip downlooping on a wave, etc) but as you point out you can sacrifice upwind ability and jumping.
If you can squeek those back into the kite with simple to understand mods (SURF setting, FREE setting), that would be popular. It can still be a SURF focused kite, but with a freestyle setting (not "wake") that appeals to most riders.
You have to keep it simple, though! If you put too many kite, bridle, bar adjustments on there people get confused and either are afraid to change anything, or won't know how to tune it without your guideance.
One thing that hasn't been mentioned is keeping the turning radius tight even when depowered. My prior SLEs would get a very wide turning radius when I'd depower them as the wind built. Making downlooping difficult. My current delta inspired kites, keep a relatively tight turning radius even when depowered. The arc gets a little wider, but I can still whip a 14M around without dragging a wing tip.
CaptainArgh wrote:Guys, I can't tell you how excited I am about the new Epic SURF kite thread...
I posted the above reply, but I'm no hater, just ball busting because all the epic threads amuse me. It is good that you ask for feedback instead of assuming you know what is best for everyone.