Good 2nd kite size for PDX area

jcohenx · Since 28 Aug 2007 250 Posts Portland Obsessed

I have a 9m and am looking to get a second kite for my quiver. I'm only in my 2nd season of the sport and plan to do most kiting in HR, Rooster, or possibly Sauvie's if I ever get the right day and time. If you were going to get a 2nd kite, which size would you most likely get next, 11m or 13m?

thanks,

jc

Moto · Since 03 Sep 2006 2698 Posts Still a gojo pimp! Moto Mouth

Part of the decision is going to depend on your weight man -

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

The only place you'd really need a 13m often is maybe Sauvie (or Fort Stevens at the coast). Many riders in these parts have an 11 or 12m as their biggest kite. You can always go with a bigger board for light wind too. If anything I'd recommend a 7, 11m combo. Between Rooster Rock and Hood River you'll use the 7m quite a bit. But if you can only get one kite and wanna keep your 9m I still probably wouldn't get a 13m since you won't use it as much. An 11 or 12m would be better. I'm assuming you weigh 160-190lbs, but that would be useful info in the future.

jcohenx · Since 28 Aug 2007 250 Posts Portland Obsessed

I'm 165 lbs. soaking wet. I also picked up a light wind board and am itching to test it out. My only other board is a gigantic SS Surf 157 which is like strapping a 1974 Chevy Station Wagon to my feet.

Moto · Since 03 Sep 2006 2698 Posts Still a gojo pimp! Moto Mouth

For someone your size you could use a 13M bow kite out at sauvies - however, it won't be all that useful other than in really light winds.

You could use an 11M bow kite at Sauvies - especially if you had a larger board. The 11M would give you a lot more versatility than the 13.

Or you could go old school - get a cheap C kite for Sauvies. There are plenty of them around - C kites won't have the depower of the bow kites - but for Sauvies you don't need a lot of depower. And then get yourself a 7m. There are plenty of days you are going to need a 7M out at Hood River, Stevenson, or Rufus. And if you want to kite RR on easterlies - yeah, a 7 would be good.

trevorsmith · Since 25 Apr 2005 501 Posts PDX Addicted

SLE 7m, 9m, 11m + twin tip and ss glide. Cover you from Sauvie's thru the Gorge
Sure 13m works, but a glide is cheaper.

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1692 Posts XTreme Poster

That's my o.

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

pdxmonkeyboy · Tue Jun 24, 08 11:05 am

jcohenx · Since 28 Aug 2007 250 Posts Portland Obsessed

Thanks, everybody;

I see a used 7m on sale now. I'll check it out.

thanks again.

jc

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

If you plan to be in the Gorge more than 50% of the time, I would get the 7m. If you think 30% Gorge, 30% Sauvies, 30% Coast, then 11m probably.

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

I'd add, having a 3 kite quiver so you are adequately covered is the key to happiness, safety, and not wasting your time getting skunked. With gas prices what they are, you are looking at $20-$30 every time you drive from Portland to the Gorge or Coast... do you really want to waste that by not being able to ride?

Having multiple boards helps too, but 3 kites is pretty much the minimum for being able to ride all the NW conditions.

If you want to save some $$$, just aim for used gear.

kyle.vh · Since 11 Jul 2007 713 Posts city of angels Addicted

"trevorsmith wrote:
SLE 7m, 9m, 11m + twin tip and ss glide. Cover you from Sauvie's thru the Gorge
Sure 13m works, but a glide is cheaper. "

agreed.
However, if you're at the coast, Sauvie's Island, and stevenson, I'd get an 11m first. I rarely, if ever, use my 7m at those locations. If you're kiting a lot east of Stevenson, you'll definately need a 7m soon. (also, the easterlies at Rooster rock need 7m often, too... but it won't blow too much till the fall I think...)

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

When people say 11m at the coast they mean far North coast at Fort Stevens. Most spots south of that like Manzanita, Newport, Florence, etc nuke pretty often and you'd use 5-9m there quite a bit.

pdxmonkeyboy · Tue Jun 24, 08 11:05 pm

With your experience level, it will be better to be underpowered and grab your home made glide then be overpowered riding a kite that is too big for the conditions.

you could probably make your 9 work at sauvie but if you want to progress faster and learn to boost bigger, grab a smaller kite and head to the gorge.