Directions in Kites... What's a "Newbe" to do???

Proparoo · Post by **Proparoo** » Wed Mar 15, 2006 2:15 pm

I recently picked up on the greates new thing...

Kiteboarding... Imagin that , after 20 years windsurfing... something better?

I think so.... no brainer (but I hate being a "newbe")

OK I'm up and rideing 9only one direction but still, the hardest part is over Yaaa Hoooo

Just got back from Baja... Ready for my season at Sherman

Now on to my question:

I bought a new GK SOnic 11m (before I went to Baja) ( Dummy)

Not that it was dumb to but a new Sonic but I wish had bought it after I came home.

OK, so I have the Sonic 11m and a Lightwave 135cm x 41cm board...

Did I jump the gun on the Sonic? The oldtimers in La Ventana, you know, the ones that have been kiteing for at least 3 or 4 years all wonder if it is time to go into the "flat" kites yet... Most all do admit that this is the direction the sport is going but think it is a year or two untill they get all the bugs out.

So here I have the 11m Sonic and I am confident I will keep it but I still need a smaller kite and possably a larger one...

Should I just wait and use the 11m, or should I also get an 8m 5th. line (really liked the 5th. line in Baja) and possably get a Lg. used 16m 5th line kite for light winds?

Or , again, should I just stay with the 11m Sonic and wait till next year to get another flat kite to add to my quiver?

I know I have asked lots of questions and I apparently don't know what I'm talking about ( I don't LOL) please help this newbe....

PS Edge Kiteboarding Rocks !!!! Thanks Nat

Rich in Sacramentro...

Pablito · Post by **Pablito** » Wed Mar 15, 2006 2:44 pm

Well, for one thing, if you can get up and go just one direction, you're not ready for Sherman yet. Not unless Nat or someone else is following you in a boat. Read the info on Sherman under "locations" on this site. DO NOT try to kite solo at Sherman with your current skills. You will get hurt or hurt someone else.

To launch from the beach at Sherman you need to be able to go upwind and stay upwind. There's no nice soft beach a mile downwind like there is in Baja. There's rocks, roads, blackberry bushes and other hazards.

You should head to Alameda in the spring where there's a nice big beach and work on your skills. That way you'll save money paying Nat to take you upwind at Sherman.

What type of kite you buy is up to you, but you'll probably need a smaller kite for the Delta. Don't bother getting a 16 unless you're over 200 lbs., you'll never use it (in the Delta, that is)

Good luck.

Greg · Post by **Greg** » Wed Mar 15, 2006 3:21 pm

I think the last advice was very sound!
As for kites, a 14 to 16m for Alameda is a must for most riders (170lbs. -plus). The flat kites are great but a 5th lined kite in that range would be alot easyer on your arms and budget. I think, if you could get hold of a 05 Torch you'd probably use the hell out of it....
Have Fun and see you at the beach,
L.M.G.

Sander · Post by **Sander** » Wed Mar 15, 2006 3:23 pm

Another thing to consider is getting additional board(s). Just like in windsurfing, you can extend the range of your sail/kite by switching to a different size board.
Your board is mid-size so you could get a bigger one and/or a smaller one...
Leave your extra board on the beach and switch when you want, no need to land and re-rig another kite.

fearlu · Post by **fearlu** » Wed Mar 15, 2006 4:58 pm

Good afternoon RB,

I don't think you jumped the gun on the Sonic as we had discussed before your purchase. I think it's safe to say that we collectively believe that the flat kites are particularly useful for the Newbies. I'm glad your going in one direction at least-- I remember that "brief stage". =D>

A few more days on the water and you'll be doing it both ways (which I know you like!) I also know you've been a regular at the river for more years than I can count and I won't lecture you on the hazards there. Definitely make a few more river runs with PWC support before launching from the pit. Don't launch where you used to park, of course! And, don't let Alex hot-launch you from his front yard. Even if he has had a few beers.

PM me for some big-kite advice, I have an idea for you. And, yes, you will also need a small board at some point (which I know we also discussed.) As for a small kite, hold off, you shouldn't be out in the high winds yet anyway.

Out,

DL

dewey · Post by **dewey** » Wed Mar 15, 2006 5:24 pm

I agree with Dave. I think you did well on the sonic, and the board. It's a combo that will take you far. From what I heard the 11m sonic has a great low end and huge low end. That kite should get you through most days around the bay and on the river.

windhorny · Post by **windhorny** » Wed Mar 15, 2006 6:06 pm

11-12 meter flat kite and 2 boards-you're set!

No worries.

hows the bar pressure on that sonic? It doesnt have pulleys on that one does it?

Live2KITE · Post by **Live2KITE** » Sat Mar 18, 2006 8:33 pm

The Sonic 11m is a great choice for anyone from Beginner to Advanced.
It has near to Zero bar pressure, SUPER safe design, and when you are getting more and more comfortable with it jumps are big and bega floaty!!!

I would think that the 14m is the ideal Alameda kite, and the 11m the money kite for everywhere in the Bay.

A 152x45cm FLX board for light winds and learning as well as a 132 x 38-40cm all around board will cover pretty much 90% of the days in the Bay.
Since you started with the Sonics eventually when you are ready for coast you can use the 8m which has great low end, and amaxing high end!

Just my .02....

Sonics have been our best selling flat kites this year!
Let's see how the Caution "Answer" will do. When we tried it yesterday with Charlie there were only big smiles. Even LMG had a good time on it!

Evan - Live2KITE
415.722-7884

charlie · Post by **charlie** » Sat Mar 18, 2006 11:30 pm

love the Answer.
i hope to ride one some moRe.

Greg · Post by **Greg** » Sun Mar 19, 2006 9:37 pm

Evan,
Whats the deal with the Halo?
L.M.G.

BayAreaKiteboarding.com

Directions in Kites... What's a "Newbe" to do???

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