BayAreaKiteboarding.com

Had to share my experience with the forum readers, as it was so awesome......

I was lucky to get a session on the coast the other day. The wind was in the mid/low 20's, pretty steady.......Typically, I would go out on a 12m kite in this kind of wind.....many guys my size were on 12's.

I decided to go out on the 9m Rebel kite, and my directional, 5'9" custom board from John Amundson. A new shape he made for me, with extra tail rocker to help make the turns more sharp so that I can go up the wave with more speed and smack that lip with extra juice.....

I am really blown away by this kites range. Guys who are 30 lbs lighter then me were also riding 9m kites. I was amazed that this kite got me going in fairly light wind.....as the wind build into the mid 20's, I was super comfortable, no strap pulled down at all. I could have handled much more wind, no problem. Never got pulled off my edge. No problem getting over the waves on the way out, or getting upwind back to the peack. Flipping amazing.......

As the sesh progressed, lighter guys went in for 12s, I stayed on the 9m, well powered. Incredible. I think the larger board/small kite set up really works.......really well......

This session got me SUPER stoked for the wave season that I know is not too far away......

If you ever see me on the beach, check out this kite. It's epic for the waves, with crazy range!!!

Good winds + waves, Zeev.

you know, i've thought about going SLE for my small kite (would be nice at waddell and other places when it's gusty and strong), but where do you go about demoing them? It seems that the demo days for the major manufacturers are few and far between and honestly not that well advertised. I can't remember the last time we had a North demo at 3rd Ave and I'm there pretty often.

Hello Z,

Was it Wednesday? Two days in a row there?

adamrod - I have a 9m and 14m rebel for demo. I'll get to 3rd ave when the wind gets a bit better there.......meanwhile, I'm on the coast. You are welcome to try the kites at any time. I drive a green Honda Pilot, with a black cartop carrier. I ask that people truly "demo" (ride for 15-30 minutes) vs. have a long session on someone elses gear......

I also have Amundson Wave Directional boards and Twin tips for Demo.....

Once the season gets ramped up, I will give folks a heads up about where you can try the equipment.

fearlu - of course not, I was working, both days.

Get some, Z.

adamrod:
You can try some Cabrinha kites almost anyday at 3rd...just let me know (650-483-4520). I have a 9m and 12m XB2, a 12m and 14m SB2, and a 12M Omega.
steve

Kitexpo will be held again in Pismo the weekend of May 20th. I rode there yesterday. Fantastic, 9m waroo for 4 hours with 70Deg air temp. Needed to get a little warmer so headed south for the day.

I'll be sure to bring my raincoat this year...

They have had a run of bad luck the last couple of years but having spent a lot of time down there, they normally get consistent wind March through June. It can be one of the best places to ride with both flat water on the inside and waves on the outside. Pray for wind this year.

Hello Z, what kind of range do you get out of your 14m Rebel? What would you expect to get out of a 12m? Thanks.

-Bobby

Bobby we both need a North demo day soon. I am also dying to play with a rebel/rhino and perhaps see what the dealio is with the new vegas. Main and only reason I dont think i would get a vegas is because i ride mostly light wind at alameda and the bow/flat gives that extra low end that is great. And not that am not happy with my slingshots but they are hard to get the sweet spot dialed in and would like to try more unhooking which so far has been a real drag having to pull 12" of depower to get the kite not to stall unhooked. So North is getting my vote this year for sure. Don was telling me that the Rhino is fatally powerful, which unfortunately doesnt scare me away from it but attracts me to it even more. Not a death wish just like knowing power is on tap while maintaing stability and range. From his explanation, and a lot of others, is that the Rhino isnt smooth and gentle, as they never have been. So maybe the rebel is the answer, but damn, imagine being able to go out in 10mph on a 10meter and then rocket yourself to the moon in 25 and not feel overpowered the whole time? I guess it is not the ideal wave riding kite as the power comes from flying accross the window as to the vegas' smooth predictable instant power. Hmmm, yes, a demo day must come soon. I'll bring my checkbook.