Kiting Asphalt

Donny Baker · Since 13 Jul 2006 80 Posts

Been kiting behind the 3m foil trainer kite and skateboard. Can go downwind but not enough to go upwind. Got out an old 6,3 Wipika Airblast and then was properly powered but, the kite was hard to fly in marginal (~10mph) wind. Would a larger foil (say a 5m) fly easily in these slow winds or do they act like inflatables (hard to fly, want to fall out of sky) in marginal wind?

kitekid · Since 15 Apr 2007 170 Posts Stoked

on the asfualt i can have fun in a steady 5 or 6 mph on a 9m sle. i would go with a 10m frenzy or 14m. but you can still ride and have fun on a 5m foil if your just doing olies and craves.
i also weigh 140lbs

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3754 Posts PDX-LA Videographer

I'm no expert, but as far as how the kite flies, I think you'd be better off with the foils. Yeah, they won't fly to the edge of the window as much (making it harder to hold your ground), but they're also a lot lighter. We were out with Doyle and his buds a couple weeks back in SPI, and they don't even bother trying to get upwind with the kite. Just skate the board as you normally would.

chanson · Since 31 Jan 2006 1874 Posts WISCONSIN Chimey

I have a 3.3 meter Windwing trainer that I have used in probably 7knots to 15+ I like the foils b/c when you crash them on asphalt they kinda just stop. I would think a inflatable would scrape back and forth when trying to relaunch, thus eating away at your LE rapidly. Get another foil I say.

Try giving yourself a few kicks and then start to edge upwind....It's crazy how effectively you can go upwind....the wheels/trucks/bearings make it so there is almost no drag/friction/resistance at all, and you will be surprised how little wind you can kite in. But, for the record, it is way more fun when you are lit!! Very Happy

Where are you riding?

-JAke

Donny Baker · Since 13 Jul 2006 80 Posts

Yeah, its always more fun when you're powered. I kind of thought that it would be better if you could just cruise around the lot without stopping, real fluid like, and no kicking. Just the problem with the inflatable was that It was easy to ride past it, and it would fall out of the sky. Maybe need more time to experiment with it.
As far as abrasion, I just duck tape the wear spots before and during my session. I Think that Im going to try taping some abrasion absorbtion into heavy wear areas. Im surprised the kite took the beating that it did.

guest · Guest

I've been riding my 3m slingshot with a long board for years now. The longboard is easier to ride toeside, and to link turns, plus it helps with the powered down loops.

Donny Baker · Since 13 Jul 2006 80 Posts

Yeah, longboard or one of those raceboards with the grippy wheels would be a lot better than the standard skate board. I got super tight trucks but yesterday, I got haulin', then the speed wobbles, and it was a bit frightening. I jumped off and hoped my knees wouldn't give out, lest I have no skin left on my limbs.

spike_101 · Since 29 Jan 2007 87 Posts

I was going to ask you about that pdx parking lot. Whats on the other side of marine drive? From google maps it just looks like a big open field that could be great more mountain boarding. Let me know whats there if you remember seeing anything.

FlyDunes · Since 09 Oct 2007 1034 Posts Aloha XTreme Poster

You need a foil. In 10mph winds on asphalt you could get by with a 5-6M foil easy. Sheetable foils are better for boarding on land, but a 4-line with handles will work good too. Using a ground board would give you the option of kiting on grass or sand instead of being stuck on asphalt, and bailing would be less painful too.

Here's some pics from Sunset beach by Seaside:

http://picasaweb.google.com/JustCaws/20070907SeasideKitingPicsSlawekKelton

Ozone (kites) and Ground Industries (boards) are good suppliers.

Talk to Eli at Above it All kites in Seaside if you have any questions about foils or ground boarding, 503-738-3333.

Hein · Since 08 Mar 2005 1314 Posts Possessed

Mold for this board is done and I got some wide trucks and big ass
wheels for it. I'm willing to develop a kite specific kicktail for you
skaters. I can machine a mold and you can start pressing blanks.
I was thinking something a smidge bigger than a typical kicktail.
What do you guys think?

-Hein

Uglykiter · Since 15 Jun 2007 26 Posts

http://www.loadedboards.com/newsite_v1/vanguard.html

Loves it.

chanson · Since 31 Jan 2006 1874 Posts WISCONSIN Chimey

Hein, -I like it. So with your current shape, it looks like a carving/longboard type board...Which is sweet....But, I think you need another with a tip and tail so you can ollie. Hmmm...maybe combine the two...? The board I ride now is an oversized skateboard...8.5width...Could be wider also. Think pipe-boards circa 1980's early 90's...Bigger tip and tails....slightly over-sized from how they are now days...

I would love to colaborate on this..

Also, recently we have been using super-soft wheels b/c the parking lot is super rough and not smooth at all...But, if you were at a spot where it was smooth, I think hard wheels would be nice so you could cut power like you do on the water....power-slide upwind like you are edging! Very Happy

I have a Lib Tech 8.5x32.5x14.7 right now...

http://www.libskates.com/

but check out the Coffin, and the Special.