Can anyone help me with some light wind kite/board advice?
Here are the specifics:
Wind: 6 – 16 knots
Kite: 16M Cabrinha Switchblade 2007 (with 5M line extensions)
Board: 144 Stella 2010
Rider Level: Intermediate
Rider Weight: Dry Weight 85KG (90KG + wet)
I rocked up at Monterey about 2.30pm. The wind was on pretty much directly on shore and barely 10 knots. There were a few other kiteboarders but the only person on the water was a local using a 11M Edge with a underground Stella. By the time I set up he had already given up. As I was launching a fellow kiteboarder who had a 17M Core on the beach told me the wind was too light and he was packing up. I still went out anyway. I ended up kiteboarding for over 2 hours and I could hold my ground along the beach the whole time and I went up upwind sometimes. I chose not to go past the groins (even though clearing them occasionally). I came in twice and stood on the beach for a minute or so (with my kite in the air) because I wasn't enjoying the light winds and was thinking about packing up.
About 4:20pm Steve (I think) rocked up about the same time as another guy. Steve was using a 14M Catalyst with a 2012 Stella (150cm I think). The other guy was using a 13M edge and a race board. As Steve went left to right between the groins I was directly behind him going the same distance upwind (Steve is much lighter than me). I packed up after this.
There were some other kiters there including a 16M crossbow but both the riders couldn't hold their ground along the shore.
BTW Steve was well past the groins and upwind the whole time like the other guy on the race board
While I could hold my ground and get past the groins when the wind was at its best. I was really really underpowered most of the time and I want more from my kite in such light winds.
What is the best light wind kite in the same conditions? For me it is important to be able have low end power with a TT and handle winds/gusts up to 18/22 not 15. I am upgrading all my kites and for my light wind kite I am thinking about a 17M Zephyr, 17M Edge, 19M Spleene or 17M Dyno. Has anyone got any experience/advice to offer in similar conditions?
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haven't got experience with them myself, but from what i have seen i'd say you're on the money with the 17m zephyr or edge.
Lots of Options for you... as Highly rated by Kiteworld mag & Sbc kiteboarding recently..
This is a video of the INFINITY v2 and the DROID twin tip board in action in light winds (9 to 12 knots) with Rocky Chatwell.
There are a few of us who have alot of experience light wind kiting and own or have tried many combinations on the market. (I have 4 kites 17m and above!) With the right gear, you can double your kiting days in Sydney. Easy to be doing 20 - 22 knots across the water in 8 - 10 knots of breeze. As per Jordan - PM me and will forward you my number. Come down and try is the best way. At your weight and aiming for Botany Bay, my personal choice would be a Sector 60 or 66 with a 17m Edge on 30m lines. Perfer twin tips - we have trialed quite a few and could suggest some.
