Depowerable Kites

robkov · Since 03 Jul 2006 90 Posts 97031

So, I got a bunch of persistent questioning about pulling my 13M Bularoo out on a day that the wind was blowing 20-25 with 30 gusts.

What I would like to say is, if you ride a traditional C with little depower, you simply do not understand why it is okay to go out on that kite on that day in that wind. And when the person you are questioning tells you they are fine with that kite in that wind, say okay and leave it at that.

Obviously if they are making an ass of themselves and endangering others say/do something, but if the person is doing all the right things, but it bringing out a larger kite than you they should have, just let it go after one question.

Thanks.
Rob

Garret · Since 07 Sep 2006 254 Posts Portland Obsessed

I think one of those persons was me-- I was flying on a 7m Waroo and was fully powered. Seeing someone go out on a kite that is 2'x the size made me concerned. If other people asked you as well then maybe there was reason for concern. These kites do not depower as much as you might hope and in a big gust you would be endangering yourself and others around you. Try a smaller kite- they are fun to fly.

robkov · Since 03 Jul 2006 90 Posts 97031

The issue is I said I was going to be fine and I was fine, then had to come in early cause there was not enough wind.

After a person says they are good, that should be it.

And if this is the guy I also out weigh you by about 40 pounds. That is a big deal. If you don't believe me get on the Supersize diet for, what was it three months, and then try your 7m in 20-25 wind.

Smile

rob

robkov · Since 03 Jul 2006 90 Posts 97031

magicmaker · Since 29 Oct 2006 895 Posts da Hood Opinionated

Hey Rob-

i feel for ya, people look at me funny when i'm rigging up my 13m fuel and everybody else is rigging 5m and 7m waroo's or 9m / 10m C kites. Just no one ever says anything to me; not now anyway.... Cool

altho, i do have to agree that riding a smaller kite (sometimes with a bigger board) is a lot more fun, they just zip along and loop so much faster.

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6548 Posts Couve / Hood Site Lackey

13M SLE in 30 knots of wind... Why? Sure maybe you can depower it so its sort of rideable, but you will be going super slow with a depowered kite that’s not in its sweet spot sheeting wise. If the kite crashes and inverts now the depower is useless and you have 13m of kite ripping you down the water, sandbar, rocks, etc..

In my opinion the idea that SLE's actually depower that much better than modern C's is kind of a myth. Its true that the bridles do give you some extra ability to dump power immediately from the kite, but most the 07 SLE kites still remain very powered even when you have sheeted out entirely.

Also modern C kites have been given somewhat of a bad name in the depower department. I believe C kites have less range than bows, but the extra SLE range is more at the bottom end not the top end. This relates back to the other thread I posted about C kite versus SLE sizing. Generally if you ride a C kite you will be on a bigger kite than an SLE because the SLE has a larger projected lift area.

Anyway a 13m SLE is probably the equivalent of a 14m or 15m C in projected area, so why somebody would be out on one in 30 knot gusts is beyond me. Unless you weigh 300+ or something...

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6548 Posts Couve / Hood Site Lackey

Here was the other thread on SLE and C kite sizing:

http://www.nwkite.com/forums/t-4857.html

robkov · Since 03 Jul 2006 90 Posts 97031

My point is not to argue C vs bow or just how much wind is too much for a given rider mass, my point is if the person you are going to question tells you it is all good, then just let it be.

One question one answer is enough.

Rob

jack · Since 12 Mar 2006 211 Posts Stoked

robkov, sounds to me like you should have been questioning why garrett was going out on a kite so small.... Wink

interesting situation for a lengthy dicussion about how when and where to speak ones mind.

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

Garret · Since 07 Sep 2006 254 Posts Portland Obsessed

To make something clear- if I am the person who asked you you said you were fine, I replied you sure and let you know that I was out on a 7m and was well powered. You responded you went out the day before in similar conditions and I let it drop and walked away to put away my kite. If the fact that that conversation offended you then you are missing the point of someone looking out for a fellow kiter-- I would expect the same if I was doing something someone thought was queestionable.

bandito · Since 07 May 2005 178 Posts Photographer

"Obviously if they are making an ass of themselves and endangering others say/do something,"

Rob,

You should be happy that your fellow kiters gave a shit to question your choice of kite size. If we wait until you make an ass of yourself it's to late to do much but watch and hope you make it in OK. How about next time you just say," Thanks for checking, but I'm a big guy and I always ride a big kite, so I'll be fine." and then go out and huck a 40 footer with a spin and a grab just to prove your point.

Bandito

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1691 Posts I give out bad advice.

I was at the spit on Sunday and a tiny red head girl was going to rig a 12 meter. Her friend was telling her it would be great. I was rigging my 11 meter and I told her that a 12 for her was too big. It was SLE and her friend told me that it would depower. I said yea but I'm 220 lbs and if I am going out on an 11 flat Turbo II and your friend weighs maybe a buck then she is going to be overpowered. I asked if she had flown it and she said, NOpe! I said better safe than sorry.

Later I saw her on her friends 10 meter c kite and she was happy. Off the water I asked if she had a good session, she said yes.

It's better to be safe than sorry.
Very Happy

robkov · Since 03 Jul 2006 90 Posts 97031

there were 5 people that gave me a piece of their mind, 3 of them were kinda jerkish, the other 2 were not.

Guess I just got tired of saying the same things. So, I will shut it now.

Reaper356 · Since 10 Dec 2006 781 Posts Salem / LC Oregon Opinionated

Sounds like a lot of people were just looking out for you & your gear. That's a good thing.

stringy · Since 23 Jun 2006 1726 Posts vancouver XTreme Poster

thanks garret for approaching another fellow rider and talking to him.
i had a similiar experience at rufus on saturday when a kiter new to the rufus area was pumping up his 12m while winds were 7-9m conditions.

stringy

robkov · Since 03 Jul 2006 90 Posts 97031

Jack and Magicmaker are the guys making the most sense to me!