Kite Size

NaplesX5 · #1 11-15-2006, 08:22 AM

Anyone have any recommendations on kite size. I am a newbie and would like to buy one kite that would hopefully cover me for most SW Florida conditions (Ft Myers to Naples) this Nov - May. Rider size 5'-9", 160 pds.

I am looking at the Best Waroo kites and was leaning towards a 14m.

Thanks for any suggestions.

toby wilson · #2 11-15-2006, 08:35 AM

Your instructor would be the best person to help you out with the best kite for you. Ask him/her and I would'nt buy a kite until I had taken some lessons and tried the instructors gear out at the least. Good luck!

NaplesX5 · #3 11-15-2006, 08:56 AM

Thanks for the response Toby. I took PASA lessons in Belize using a Cabrinha 12m bow kite. The instructor reccomended the 12m and said the bow kite allowed for a much more versatile range.

I am looking into buying my own equipment so i can begin to get use to it and will continue with a few more lessons. I am looking for local riders input into a suggested kite size for this region.

Thanks again!

bryanleighty · #4 11-15-2006, 09:08 AM

for the waroos i highly suggest a 2006 12m or a 2007 13m.. (maybe even an 11m..but i tend to rig a little larger) both will be great kites that will cover you for those days when its blowing 13 - 18knts..

yes.. the kites can cover a larger range.. but as you learn.. riding in IDEAL wind conditions for those kites with your size will be perfect. you will progress quickly.. going out with too much wind or too less wind will lead to serious frustration and puts yourself and your fellow riders/beach goers in danger...

dont push yourself and go outside the recommended ranges until you are smoking upwind and get some serious water time logged.

I am about 20lbs heavier than you and learned to kite on a 15m C kite and a 12 - 13m bow is about equivalent...

I am a devout Waroo rider.. any questions about the kites, let me know..

once you are set, you will prob pick up one smaller and one larger to complete your quiver..

I ride a 9 / 12 / 16 and also have a 14 ....my 12 is my go-to kite 90% of the time.

NaplesX5 · #5 11-15-2006, 04:31 PM

Thanks for the great input. I took my initial lessons on a 12m Cabrinha bow but my research tells me to move to the Waroo. Good to hear you are happy with the waroo. Thanks again!

Jake · #6 11-16-2006, 05:31 PM

Speaking of Waroos, I recently purchased a 16m. I'm considering a 12m for higher wind conditions but may consider a 9m. Would a 9m be too small and cause a gap in the wind range from my 16m?

Jake

inferno · #7 11-16-2006, 08:23 PM

16-9 is easily doable but youll have a "no fun" gap :?
i have a 14-9 and it seems perfect

bryanleighty · #8 11-17-2006, 01:08 PM

jake..
the 12m is not really a "high wind kite"..

alas.. more high wind than a 16.. but its a great mid-tier kite and will probably get the most use in this area.

i weight about 200 and kite with a 12 any chance i can.

a 9 / 12 / 16 combo gives you great coverage..

a 2 kite quiver would be a 9 / 14

might consider an 07 11m as your smaller kite and get a 7m as your high winder..

Jake · #9 11-17-2006, 04:55 PM

Thanks for the info. For me high wind is 20-25 knots. I've handled a 15.5m C kite with a small board in steady 17 knots with gusts to 21. So I figured a 12m Waroo with its extended range due to its depower capabilities would give me a higher wind range perhaps.