Being my first full season I don't have lot's of experience in light winds, but I can share > I learned how to ride on a North Skimfish (2012) with straps. Soon after I removed the straps and discovered it is an effective light air machine. While starting out I had a 154 Spleene Door, but from my experience the Skimfish was easier to learn on and more versatile (fun). It rips upwind and planes up as well as the Door. And though it's not ideal, I can take it in small waves. Having fins on both ends like a tt, I can "cheat" and reverse direction riding it tail first. I also learned how to do sliding turns on it strapless. In chop it actually rides smoother tail first > the nose has some scoop to it and it now becomes the new tail giving it some rocker. It looks weird riding in this direction but it works just fine...sort of a mutant board in this way?
Oh ya, the topic of discussion was "light wind kites." I can get out on the Skimfish in at least 12 mph (@ 10 knots) on my Airush Lithium 12 m, albeit I have to work the kite a bit. I weigh 72 kg / 158 lbs.
My friend who turned me on to the Skimfish, also has the North Nugget. He said that the Skimfish planes up a little quicker and goes upwind better.
Hi just wondering what size fins u had on the skim.fish I just got one but no fins was thinking unde 2 be good
I havent used the Edge but have used 17m Zeeko and currently Griffin trx 17m, both quite different in design/characteristics.
I know its already been covered but experimenting with board size and developing light wind skills, (some good youtube vids demonstrating pro light wind equipment and technique), definitely help before choosing any particular kite in order to establish what it is you require and exactly how much benefit it will be to your existing quiver.
Personally I kite inland on lakes where the wind can be less predictable and gusty, but also take every opportunity to get to the coast for waves and generally smoother conditions.
Kite choice for me is determined by good bottom end, top end range/ability to handle gusts, turning speed, boost and easy self launch/land.
Current setup is 17m trx and crazyfly 146 x 45 tt(weight 98kg). This gets me going in 8-9knts and jumping at approx 11-13. My previous light wind kite was 07 14m Cab. I find trx quicker and lighter on the bar (not that daunting 17m beast feeling you might expect), and much better wind range all round. Relaunch is easy in this range.
IMO there are light wind kites available which do work well and are fast and fun to use with recent design improvements. Definitely worth having in the quiver particularly for freeride and wave. I would recommend demo various sizes brands (14m and above for your weight) in various conditions before buying to accurately weigh your options and get comfortable with kite characteristics.
Yesterday was a good example. Started at 10 knots or so. Just staying upwind on a crazy fly skim on a 14m cat 2013 with 3m line extensions. Bro was on an 11m edge on a SB and was losing a bit of ground. Wind picked up so got on the mako king. Wind picked up some more to 14 to 15 got on my mako 140 while my brother was riding the new shinn speedball W16 (demo fromm KSS) We then swapped boards every tack or so.
So although I was just keeping upwind on the skim it is a relatively efficient board and heck there is a lot to learn and it was fun. I'd rather be trying out a new style than mowing the lawn although ha e to admit I can't do much more than that at the moment. Lol. A few pathetic ollies and a gay ass board grab. But hey fun.
Didn't change kites just boards. That 10 to 15 knot range that's what I'm after. Below this damn just not enough power in the wind in my opinion regardless of kite size to be bothered.
Even just a normal Cheap SB is worth considering that's what my bro uses. There was an okay wave so he went for a paddle after.
But yeh if ya after the real light stuff you gotta think race board and other incarnations.
Where's that farqin promised wind today! Damn I hate this time of year.
