Anyone catch the southerlies today?

[fearlu]

Here's a Top Ten List (based on no particular scientific evidence necessarily):

1.) Smaller boards (reduced wetted surfaces are faster.) Except in course-racing where getting to the weather mark changes the design bias.
2.) Lean kites (thinner foils are typically faster than those with a deeper draft.) High aspect is probably good.
3.) Plenty o' power (nobody's fast if they're milkin' it.)
4.) Optimal body positioning (tits up, one leg nearly straight)
5.) Yes, luck of the puff doesn't hurt.
6.) Two large quads are good (and...)
7.) Ride on a broad reach (certainly faster than pinching will ever be.)
8.) Asymetrical boards (with shorter toe-side edges) seem to be the ticket for the real speed kiters.
9.) Super flat water (this is key and that German guy has one helluva' flat spot he's riding on. Seen that video?)
10.) Donuts, beer and BBQ'd meat (I think mass during the record-setting puff is probably an asset.)

I think Jerry Springer is a better dancer than speed-kiter. And yes, it's rigged, just like the Tour de France. Free Floyd from the grip of the UCI!

[windhorny]

I am still interested in implementing an "egg crate" bottom to the ends of my boards. The plan is to vaccuum the front and back foot of the board down on some of that light diffusion screen, which has a sort of "egg crate" shape to it-much c\smaller of course. My theory is that smooth waterflow in the center is good but breaking it smoothly as the water flows past the tip will allow for less stick to the water, and for jumping, much better pop/release.

[Greg]

you forgot bribery

[adamrod]

I think finless is quite a bit faster. perhaps a more aggressive concave and no fins?

maybe add some steps like you see in boats and float planes to get it up on a plane faster in light winds?

[narly1]

carrie more cloth...that is fast ...
stay on,and dont sheet out...
pick a good line,bared off..
and

pray you dont bloWup.