Demo conditions at the Spit late Weds

richshunter · Since 22 Jun 2008 11 Posts St. Louis, MO New Member

I demod a 9 2008 SLE kite (won't mention brand or model as it may just be my skill level) starting about 5:00 or 6:00 Wednesday at the spit. Launching and walking out was difficult. I was on a 136 cm twin tip and weigh 165 lbs. I am not sure if I was above or in the upper power range of this kite, or worse, need more kiting practice? I doubt I could have managed with my own 8 Naish X4.

I really wanted to turn back after walking out into stronger winds, but figured it would be safer to go on out, hang the kite high, and wait for the wind to die down before returning to shore. I actually had a safe and reasonably easy session. I just didn't try anything but going back and forth on the opposite side of the river away from other kiters, keeping the kite high. Assuming I was overpowered, these new kites are incredible, and thus I should redemo the kite in lighter conditions before eliminating it from consideration.

I'd appreciate any comments from kiters familiar with the spit, the new SLE kites, and sailed at the spit late Wednesday afternoon.

By the way, I appreciated all the replies last week recommending that I demo kites before buying. I had gotten the impression demos weren't available. I feel this helped me get demo sessions, and it certainly prevented me from going through with my first impulse purchase, which would have been a mistake for me, though I wouldn't have known it, as it was super compared to my 2004 X4's, which in turn were super compared to the circa 2001 AR4's and they to the 1999 two line Wipeka's I learned on at age 50 here in the Gorge at the Hatchery and The Hook. At 58, I thought I was going to have to give up kiting soon, but these new kites will keep me going a while longer, I think. I'd be a better kiter, but I have only sailed about 20 hours per year in St. Louis since last at the Gorge in 2001. I may not look the part, but demo kites along with me should be safe during my demo sessions.

Thanks,

Rich

One fringe benefit to wearing a helmet is that it protects the brain while preventing the loss of prescription sunglasses. <chagrinned>

magicmaker · Since 29 Oct 2006 895 Posts da Hood Opinionated

the wind at the spit was ****ed yesturday, when it came up averaging like 18, then within 45 minutes i think it was averaging 24, it was 15 - 30 when i left work at 5. i rode a 9m fuel, could have been on a 7m fuel. almost everyone i know was on a 7m or smaller SLE kite. @ 165# i think that may have been too much kite for someone learning with the crazy winds yesturday. you definately would have been more comfortable on a smaller kite. i know i would have been.

TravisBickleRex · Since 30 Jun 2005 340 Posts Taxi Driver

Explose/Nast-tanic wind yesterday in the corridor. I chose to monitor the bludgeoning movement of air from a distance...as if working the soundboard at a Mastodon show. The wind was the sonic equivalent of a good 85' Battery: ...steamroller action crushing all...

Nick · Thu Jul 03, 08 2:35 pm **Demo Kites**

If you are ever interested in demoing Naish kites at the spit please ask me. Good luck in your quest for new kites.

mschulz · Since 29 May 2007 530 Posts Reno, NV Addicted

richshunter · Since 22 Jun 2008 11 Posts St. Louis, MO New Member

I was so relieved to hear many were on 7's on Wednesday. Thus, 9 SLE's in 7 conditions are so... manageable, just what I am after.

TBR - I've been making stuff up and embellishing a little here and there to get sympathy, not laughs. Smile

holly · Since 09 Jul 2006 440 Posts Hood River Obsessed

if you are ever intrested in demoing C-kites at the spit just ask me...