at a fork in the road

[gideonlow]

there are a number of solutions for lightwind . . .but it basically comes down to 2 options

1. big kite. This will help for a few extra mph. beyond that, it will hurt you. however, for those few mph, you'll be able to do all the tricks you used to do on your little kite and still have your normal board. so yes, there is a time and a place for a big kite.

2. big board. you've got 3 options as I see it. 1. surfboard 2. skimboard 3. big twintip . . .

Add #3: Line length. Add some line extensions: 3M, 5M, 7M, or even 10M, and you'll gain as much as a kite-size equivalent on your low-end. This provides benefit for two reasons. First, the kite has a wider "sweep" on the upstroke/downstroke and thus spends more time overall powering and less time turning. Second, the wind is generally stronger and more consistent the higher off the water you get. The downside is slower response and it takes longer to move the kite into different positions in the window (in waves you definitely have to anticipate better), but it can make the difference between walking and staying on the water.

I recommend buying a spool of QPower Line (or a short set of pre-cut QPower). QPower Line can be cut and tied-off into pigtails, etc. just like regular/non-kite line without losing strength and is probably the most durable line on the market as well.

Cheers,

Gideon

[yojimbo]

Anyone tried wake surfboards out for kiting? Like these:

http://www.boardco.com/shopdisplaycateg ... agodbmWnFQ

Check out the 2nd half of this video, just go past the jabbering-who knew?:

http://www.inlandsurfer.com/shop/Detail ... category=5

[adamrod]

when I was in Florida last year, Damien Leroy was messing around with a wakesurfer . . .it might depend on the type, my guess is that you'd want something with minimal rocker, but i don't see why it wouldn't work...

[Greg]

Go to The Home Deppo' and get yourself a sheet of 5/8 CDX.
Rip it crossways- twice, grab two other hearty fools and start the next One-Design race series...

Have FUN!!!
Limmi'

[greg d]

I used a wakesurfer (hyperlite 4'4") all summer for lightwind. picked it up dirt cheap from a friend, great sharp edges, works better w/o fins. If you can find one cheap, it's a great addition to the quiver.