Forums > Kitesurfing   Newbies / Tips & Tricks

How many kites?

Reply
Created by highvolume > 9 months ago, 28 Dec 2018
highvolume
TAS, 202 posts
28 Dec 2018 10:04PM
Thumbs Up

Hi just getting started kitesurfing I currently have a 12m kite. is it worth a beginner having a second kite size? Was thinking about getting a 9m as well to handle stronger Seabreeze down here in Hobart. Or should I keep things simple and stick with one kite until I get better?

I am worried if I had a 9 I would err on the smaller size when rigging up and end up sailing underpowered too much of the time. I was windsurfing until 2014 or so and all the multiple rigs and gear selection was a pain in the ass.

Cheers chris

weebitbreezy
617 posts
28 Dec 2018 7:17PM
Thumbs Up

You are better erring on the low side as a beginner anyway. 9m kite for stronger wind isn't a bad option and is a normal size difference.

You don't mention how heavy you are though which might make a difference.

Ultimately local conditions play a part. Find out what the others who kite at your area ride to get an idea. A general rule of thumb for converting windsurfers is 'half the kite size and add 1' to convert to windsurf sail sizes. This might help you work out what kite size to choose.

Gateman
QLD, 409 posts
29 Dec 2018 10:56AM
Thumbs Up

^^ What Breezy said above: chat to local kiters in your area and see what sizes they are using. Buying a 2nd kite almost doubled my time on the water, had a session on my 12m yesterday that would not have been possible on my 9m. If you can use the same bar for both kites cuts down on price too.

highvolume
TAS, 202 posts
29 Dec 2018 12:25PM
Thumbs Up

Thanks for the help! I'll askthe local kiter group as well.
Am 95kg and local seabreezes are pretty much 12 to 25knts mostly round the 15-20 range.

Cheers chris

cauncy
WA, 8407 posts
29 Dec 2018 4:00PM
Thumbs Up

There's never too many kites

highvolume
TAS, 202 posts
29 Dec 2018 9:15PM
Thumbs Up

Yes I suspect that is true, just trying to control my urges to go too beserk...but I am sure a 9m wouldn't hurt to have.

Cheers chris

2stubborn2quit
WA, 169 posts
29 Dec 2018 8:35PM
Thumbs Up

The scientifically proven formula for the correct number of kites is:

(x) + 1 = No. of kites you should have.

How can I be wrong???? Just tell the misses....It is scientifically proven.

ice
VIC, 219 posts
30 Dec 2018 10:33AM
Thumbs Up

highvolume said..
Thanks for the help! I'll askthe local kiter group as well.
Am 95kg and local seabreezes are pretty much 12 to 25knts mostly round the 15-20 range.

Cheers chris


i would firstly recommend getting a light wind board, before getting a 9m kite.

the light wind board and 12 m kite will give you a few more knots at the low end - 16 to 18 knots should be fun, nicely powered and safe.
a light wind board will usually cost less than an additional kite, and last a lot longer

something like this

https://www.kitepower.com.au/collections/sale-boards/products/crazyfly-cruiser-2016?variant=18961865732


a 9m kite for 95kg you will need your strongest seabreeze or frontal winds - frontal winds more dangerous for a beginner

highvolume
TAS, 202 posts
30 Dec 2018 11:39AM
Thumbs Up

It's great to have science on my side. Ice, I like the light wind board idea, I think you are right that extending the low end would be beneficial for getting me out in the seabreezes. I don't want to head out in our frontal winds.

Maybe money for kite would be better spent on more lessons using instructors gear this season?

Cheers Chris

highvolume
TAS, 202 posts
30 Dec 2018 11:42AM
Thumbs Up

Oh yah...A 8.5 freerace style sail was a always my go to sail size. Rarely ever got out the smaller gear. 95 kgs takes a fair bit of shifting!

Greenarrowz
NSW, 301 posts
30 Dec 2018 5:40PM
Thumbs Up

Firstly ...as a beginner you need to buy many kites.
This will get your misses used to the fact that there will be lots of kites around and lots of kiting going on whenever its windy....she needs to be aware of the importance of you having the right kite to suit the conditions at hand for your safety.

This way you can start to condition her in the right direction for your kiting career .
Enjoy your journey
You only learn once.



Subscribe
Reply

Forums > Kitesurfing   Newbies / Tips & Tricks


"How many kites?" started by highvolume