Newbie Knocking for Nuggets of Knowledge

[raztec]

Hey there,

I'm new to this sport. 175lb , athletic but old (54). I do fly paragliders and race motorcycles. I'm about to get my first quiver of kites. I've got an opportunity to get 3 Drifters 7, 9, 11 or one Switchblade (8m) and 2 Drifters. I'd like to spend this winter in Baja practicing. I have a few questions which if anyone could answer I'd be grateful.

1. Does it make sense to get all of the same kite, Drifters in this case?
2. Will I outgrown the Drifters quickly?
3. Is this a reasonable quiver for Baja?
4. Any other tips for boards/bar/accessories etc. I should know about the Baja and beginners?

Thanks
Raz

[Rakky]

Hi Raz,
welcome to the sport.
the sizes seem appropriate for the Bay Area, although a 12 might be more appropriate

I have experience with North Rebels and Neo, and some experience with Cabrinha Switchblade.
Switchblades are better overall kites and free riding. Drifters are for wave riding as they have the 'drift' and quick turning abilities. I would suggest for starting this sport, to get kites that cover a broader range, and better upwind ability, such as Switchblade (if you like Cab). As you improve, you will then get kites for wake style versus waves versus freeride etc.

I am sure others with more experience with Cab kites will give you feedback.
Regarding Baja, wind is variable, but a 9 to 12m kites will cover the wind range.

[raztec]

HI Rakky

Thanks so much for the advice.

I actually don't live in the Bay Area, but up on BC.
But posted here because a lot of people spend time in the Baja.

I've only rode Cab and OR Prodigy (which I found too agile).
Generally, I need kites that aren't too agile for the time being.
They should be predictable, durable and easy to relaunch on water.

I thought the Cabrinha Drifter was the more docile kite compared to the Switchblade and therefore better for a beginner. No?

Thx
Raz

[reyrivera]

I would recommend avoiding the 7, unless you plan on riding winds 30 mph and up, or your local spot requires a small kite because it is always windy.

We are in the same weight class (I'm 170 lbs, +- 5), I don't pump up my 7 unless the winds start picking up at 30 mph, my low end for the 7 is 25 mph with a surfboard, but that's a lot of work.

Some folks I know who bought full quivers while they were beginners regretted buying smaller kites as they ended up not using them and ended up selling them for a cheaper price.

Riding the same model with different sizes will help with your progression as kite behavior will stay relatively the same.

If you really want a smaller kite, the 8 meter might work for you.

[BigZ]

Drifters are dedicated wave kites. Great wave kites but unless you are going to focus on directionals from day one not the best kites for a beginner on a TT. I would reconsider OR Prodigy, especially since you are from BC :-). Excellent free ride and surf kites. Incredibly stable and easy to fly. Very easy to learn jumping, transitions, etc. Very wide wind range. 9.5 is the only kite I use on the Bay from 16 to 25 knots.

Switchblade is Switchblade. The best selling Cabrinha kite. But in my opinion there is so many better and less expensive free ride kites these days.


Cheers
BigZ

[RobH]

I actually don't live in the Bay Area, but up on BC.

Raz, I live in BC too. Squamish is great. FYI, when you get the opportunity (and are fairly experienced), Sherman Island is the best - my favourite kite spot. I have always bought my kite quivers of the same type (Boxer 7,9,12; Cult 7,9,12; Fuse 7,9,12; Cloud 3.5,5,5,8.5,13.5) - it is just a personal preference that has always worked for me. Be sure to visit or call Philippe at Airtime Boardsports in Vancouver to see what used gear/boards he has on consignment.
RobH

[raztec]

Will try to stay with all 3 of the same kites. But getting some conflicting advice regarding the Drifters.

Some say get all three Drifters, and others say Drifters are wave kites (not sure what that means) and best for directional boards primarily and not TT boards.

I will most likely get a big TT board like the OR Mako 150 that will help me learn to go up wind.

For kites I just want something not too agile, easy to handle, and can water launch easily.

Also, have an opportunity to get a great deal on 3 brand new Switch kites but don't know anything about them. http://switchkites.com/

Thanks
Raz

[BigZ]

Will try to stay with all 3 of the same kites. But getting some conflicting advice regarding the Drifters.

Some say get all three Drifters, and others say Drifters are wave kites (not sure what that means) and best for directional boards primarily and not TT boards.

I will most likely get a big TT board like the OR Mako 150 that will help me learn to go up wind.

For kites I just want something not too agile, easy to handle, and can water launch easily.

Also, have an opportunity to get a great deal on 3 brand new Switch kites but don't know anything about them. http://switchkites.com/

Thanks
Raz

The key characteristics of great wave kites, like Drifter, are:
- they drift :-)
- they are stable
- they are agile, turn fast and smooth
- they turn well with slacked lines
- they don't rush to the edge of the window

But they often comprise the free ride characteristics that are key for a beginner
- not the best upwind, unless you fly them with a lot of skill
- poor hang time when jumping
- extracting good low end requires good flying skills

Again, Cabrinha Drifters are amazing kites but unless your goal are waves, you will limit both your and their potential

[raztec]

Very helpful. Thanks.

It seems like the Drifters have a lot of the characteristics that I'm looking for, but alas my goal is not waves. I just want to learn to go upwind as soon as possible and perfect my transitions and bi-directional riding. In time I'd like to start getting some air. That's all.

[Yoda]

Will try to stay with all 3 of the same kites. But getting some conflicting advice regarding the Drifters.

Some say get all three Drifters, and others say Drifters are wave kites (not sure what that means) and best for directional boards primarily and not TT boards.

I will most likely get a big TT board like the OR Mako 150 that will help me learn to go up wind.

For kites I just want something not too agile, easy to handle, and can water launch easily.

Also, have an opportunity to get a great deal on 3 brand new Switch kites but don't know anything about them. http://switchkites.com/

Thanks
Raz

You should be looking at kites classed as "all-around" or "crossover". This category of kites are perfect for honing your skills and identifying what type of riding appeals to you. Some experienced kiters switch up their styles depending on the location, so having an all-around kite allows for the most versatility. For progressing quickly, I can't think of anything better!
If you're looking at Cabrinha, they only have one model that's perfect for you... the Radar
http://www.cabrinhakites.com/kite/radar.html

The Switch Element is in the same category as the Radar, so that would also be a perfect choice.
Almost every brand now has an all-around category, so you have plenty of options.
I recommend avoiding a dedicated "riding style" kite like the Drifter or Switchblade until you improve and then discover what type of riding you want to pursue... surf, wake, freeride, foiling, etc.
Another concern I hear from beginners is outgrowing an all-around kite. My answer is I've been kiting for 11 years and it's still my preferred type of kite. I'm mostly on a surfboard, but I like to mix it up with the twintip and I've found all-around kites work better in the surf on our coast due to being mostly on-shore conditions, so my point is that your first kite may end up being your type of kite for life.