Hi All,

My tax return has come in and I am thinking of buying a new kite.

I moved to brisbane from the UK 18 months ago and brought my 12m switchblade 2 and an 8m GK Sonic with me. Since I've been here I've struggled to get out on a regular basis and whenever I look at the forecasts (usually seabreeze or windfinder, are these the best options) the winds always seem pretty light.

It is coming back into summer and I am determinned to get out more and actually improve this year (advanced begginer at the moment and have been for ages as I dont get any regular practice!).

I like to fly powered up so usually want at least 15 or 16knotts with my 12mtr (i weight 70kg).

The question is:
Do we get much wind 16+ knotts in the brisbane area (sandgate/brighton is the closest for me) and I am just missing it?
Or should I be looking for a 14m kite so i can get out in 12+ knott winds?

Cheers for the advice on this,

Dave

try this link

www.bom.gov.au/qld/observations/brisbane.shtml

i am 78kgs and ride a 10m IDS. i donwsized from a 12 last season and would never look at going bigger again, i still get out in 16 + knot days quite regularly.
would be worth having a demo of a newer 10/11m and see how they go.

What do you weigh? What kind of board do you have? Are you any good?

I used a 12m Switchblade for 3 years as my light wind kite. I could get out and ride when people can't get off the beach. I weigh 80 kg.

The most useful thing is a light wind twintip. 135x48cm. Minimal rocker. It's easy to ride and goes in minimal wind. It's easier than a race board and a far superior to a surfboard (I've got three surfboards).

Mine was custom made. My mate has an Underground which is a touch longer and narrower and that works fine. He was 90+kg and could almost keep up on lreally light wind days.

dave123 said...

Cheers for the replies.

The board i am using is a 132cm nobile 555, not sure of the width.

I think I'll head to Sangate and have a try of a few different kites and sizes. It will be interesting to see the changes that have gone on in the 4yrs since I got mine.

I will also start praying to the wind gods for a good summer!

Dave

Hey Dave,

I have a '10 11m SS Octane and a 132 Nobile 555 like you, I cannot get any satisfaction until 16knts is under my kite.

Sandgate can get frustrating at either side of the season as the wind can drop out, and seabreezes tempremental. I have therefore purchased a 14m Griffin for this season so I can get out in 12knts.

I'd go with a big kite as well, for the light days. This summer should be very windy but its good to be able to get out even if its not,

Cheers

Should have got some use from your 8m last weekend! Pretty rare tho