Kite size to ride this summer
 

Hello,

I just arriving in Florida for to live here and I would like kitesurfing this summer. I know it is not the best period because of the low wind...

What size do you use in summer ? And the other seasons ?

I think to buy 13m but Iam not shure if it is sufficient
Also, I will buy a skim or surf

I saw an ad for a Flysurfer SA² 15m, but it is maybe to big for me (my weight is 150 lbs / 65kg)

Thank you for your advices :)

Antonin

A 13m to 15m would be the minimum size for summer

anto,
get a big board for summer
and please stay out of gulf swim zones
peace

Have you had lessons?

For what its worth riding a skim board can get you going in some very light conditions. Flat water goes along way too.

The advantage of being on a skimboard is you can move your feet around and just find that right spot where the board is planing efficiently.

Riding light wind is all about apparent wind, and that comes from board speed.

I am 150lbs and don't need anything bigger than a 14M kite in flatwater. I have been on the big FS 19M kites and they do have some pull, but could really only validate the cost for the heavier guy of 200+ lbs

Try this one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cr2MzMzTXoE

Many thanks for your answers :)

I do kitesurfing since 2 years in the Mediterranean Sea (south of France)

I have a Fone board very small (133*36) so I will buy a skim or surf for shure (not decided between skim and surf)

I have a 8m kite (I just sold my 11m to buy a new one)

I thought to complete my quiver with a 10-11m and a 13-14m (with 2 kite and 1 bar)

I was wondering if a bigger kite than 13-14m can be very useful for me. Thanks Steve-O for your advice, this may not be essential given my weight.

What is the best season for the wind in Tampa bay ?

@Danimal8199: thansk for the video, crazy size ^^ There is few amazing projects about generating power from kites, i.e. http://www.wired.com/science/discove.../2006/10/71908 or this one very huge :

http://www.bloganono.com/public/img/kiteyacht_front.jpg

Typically it is November thru April that you can use your 8m and 11m kites in Tampa.


Although yesterday (Sunday 5/30) was a great day as well, very nicely powered up on my 14m switchblade and a 133 twintip all afternoon.

Hopefully today will be a repeat of yesterday as well :D :)

Cool, it seems that I don't arrive in the best season, but if the wind is good half the year... I can wait :p

yeah, it is really good half the year, especially if you are already used to the cold since you kitesurf in France. It was averaging 40 degrees during this past winter when it was windy. Now it is 90 degrees :(. It also helps if your job is flexible because the wind here can happen anytime, early, late or all day. You also have the option of South Florida (think warm) or the East Coast (think waves).

It really depends on the skill of the rider, Last summer i rode ALOT and my biggest kite is a 12m and i use a really big board 145x143. I weight about 155 pounds. If you are looking to complete your quiver with 2 more kites i would suggest a 10 or 11 and for your big kite a 13-14.

I dont think any bigger is necessary. With a 12-14 meter and a big board at your weight you should be fine, any wind less than that is just boring anyways :D