New kiter, what should I buy?
Hello, after observing this forum for a few minutes, it sounds like this is an imformative bunch of kiters!! My question is this: I have been windsurfing for 14 years, and after having a local kiter jump over my head when I couldn't even waterstart, I have decided to make the switch. This local kiter has suggested an airblast 8.4. I weigh 198 lbs. I weight train and I am very athletic. Is this a good reccomendation?
This is my same weight! I can say I learned with a 8.9 m wipika freeair and a large directional board. With this stuff I didn't need to be overpowered to go,in fact I could plane earlier than windsurfers with 7 m sails. So it is a good sail size to start because you don't need too much wind and if you need a bit more power you can pump without any problem.
Now the point is this: airblast is a high aspect kite and this let it to have big air time and great upwind drive; on the other hand it could be too nervous and hard to relaunch from water for a beginner. I personally chose a more forgiving kite,but others could fit immediately on a kite like the airblast:it depends on your innate skills
Now the point is this: airblast is a high aspect kite and this let it to have big air time and great upwind drive; on the other hand it could be too nervous and hard to relaunch from water for a beginner. I personally chose a more forgiving kite,but others could fit immediately on a kite like the airblast:it depends on your innate skills
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Toby
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you should get a kite of about 12 sqm surface area.
Wipika, Cabrinha, Takoon and Airush have projected sizes. To get surface size just multiply the sizes from a.m. brands and multiply it with 1.36.
I would recommend a Naish Aero 12, North Toro 12 or Wipika Hydro 9.0 (12.2 sqm).
All kites are intermediate kites which are easier to restart and have a good handling.
There are also other good kites to begin with, but intermediate is a good choice.
Have fun
Toby
Wipika, Cabrinha, Takoon and Airush have projected sizes. To get surface size just multiply the sizes from a.m. brands and multiply it with 1.36.
I would recommend a Naish Aero 12, North Toro 12 or Wipika Hydro 9.0 (12.2 sqm).
All kites are intermediate kites which are easier to restart and have a good handling.
There are also other good kites to begin with, but intermediate is a good choice.
Have fun
Toby
I complete agree with toby's reccomendations. I had a chance to fly all of these "intermediate" kites but the toro 2 days ago and was shocked how good these kites are. I come from a high aspect "expert" kite background, but I will be buying moderate aspect kites next go around.
These kites handle well and are forgiving in tricks. They will also be easy to learn on. You can't go wrong with these as a first kite.
These kites handle well and are forgiving in tricks. They will also be easy to learn on. You can't go wrong with these as a first kite.