Best big kite size for East Bay for max water time?

[ddubwinokur]

Hey Forum,

I've been kiting for 3+ years at 3rd Ave with occasional trips to Sherman and Alameda. I've just relocated to Albany, and Racetrack, Berkeley, Isabel, and Toll Plaza are the closest sites to me.

Question is: for a guy with minimal schedule flexibility (due to baby, job, etc), what kite size will get me maximum time on the water at these sites when using a big TT? I know that "drive to Sherman" and "get a surfboard" are good answers, but they don't work for me at this time. I've been using a 9M and 10.5M up until now and I think those will only cut it in the East Bay on "good days."

I will be using a TT only and weigh about 180 pounds.

Main choice is between a big "normal" kite - a 14M or 16M - or a light wind 18M. What will get the best fun and time on the water?

Thanks - dw

[shred_da_gorge]

Kinda depends on your quiver. For instance, North makes some decent light-wind-specific kites that use the Trust bars, if that's what you're already using. I'm 180 and for light wind days used a 12m and bigger TT with bigger fins, so there's a little tweaking you can do but it won't buy you much range. My 14m is old and slow so I tend to go biking on days when that would be the call... I'm sure the folks here with newer quivers can give you better advice. (My last company was headquartered in Alameda but I haven't had reason to get up there for a few years now... maybe the wind's gotten better since then ;).

[le noun]

You don't need anything bigger than 14.
I would go with 13m of 14m since you already have a 10.5.
I never had the need for anything bigger than my 12m at racetrack and I'm 195lbs.
Why don't you went to invest in a surfboard? Seems cheaper than a 14m...

[ddubwinokur]

Thanks guys.

@ le noun -- actually I plan to invest in a surfboard sometime next year. But for now, with baby and intense work, I just want to get out and have fun, not spend a bunch of time learning something new. going to save that for when the kid is a little older...!

[le noun]

Makes sense. Nothing wrong with that!
Get a 13m with a good low end or a 14m then. You'll be good to go!
See you at racetrack!

[WindMuch]

I agree - a 14 is a "session saver" when you've made the commitment to get on the water and you're there but it's too light to ride your smaller kite(s). For East Bay (I live in Oakland), I'd go 10/10.5, 12, 14 and you should be covered.

Kirk out

[Loscocco]

get a foil... you will be able to kite in almost anything with your current kites.

[WindMuch]

get a foil...

Didn't see that comment coming, Erin! (grin)

[ddubwinokur]

You guys are right. Screw the 14M, I'm getting some Boardriding Clouds and a foil...

JK. That's for when I have more time and $.

So to be clear, no one thinks a light wind kite is a better solution here than just a big 14M+ "normal" kite? (would likely be a slingshot, Switch, or RRD)

Thanks, DW

[steve]

Cabrinha 14m SB, 13/15 Contra, or 14m Velocity are ALL good options
steve