Currently I have a 144x44 airush switch board as a primary for water and a latitude blonde 134. With the 19m speed 2 in the quiver, I really hope to master water riding this summer. Up till now I've mostly been skunked on wind when I head to the lake, so while I have ridden a few ocassions for a couple hundred meters, I'm still not there yet. I intend to master the self rescues, and body drags as soon as possible, and want to get riding as soon as I can. I can bet that I will be finding 15-20km for rideable winds. So my question is if I should be getting a bigger board like a door for that range?? I am 190lbs by the way. I know they are essential for ultimate low winds, but don't want to fork out the cash if my board will be sufficient.

Depends on your boards - a lot of rocker?

15 to 20 km is what, 10 to 15 knots? Even with a S2 19, you'll be hard-pushed without a big, flat board. Make one out of plywood... seriously!

20kmh is is about 11kts

I learned my basics on an airush switch 142x42 with a 12m kite but kitesurfing is pretty crappy as a begginer in less than 14kts/16mph/25kmh. im about 80kg

The biggest lesson I learned from my first sessions was "don't bother if its not windy" to begin with you just wont have the right stance or feel for foot pressure you need to ride in light winds. Now i have improved a bit I can ride the switch with my 12 in 12kts/14mph/22kmh but its hard to get upwind

I would take a trip somewhere windy for a week or 10 days, get your board starts sorted and get lots of time on the water before trying to ride light winds

that's an awful small board for light wind. and you don't want to taunt the 19m. I'm #210 and had mine out in 11-17mph and I was pretty much weightless. you'll want a board with a lot of float so that you can go in the light wind. I'd say a TT at least 150x40 or a surfboard.

also, I wouldn't learn on the sa19, it's much more of a kite for once you have your water skills down.

You want wider before longer, on the boards too... you get more area for a cm wider than you do a cm longer

So a big door is definitely going on the shopping list. The problem I've had is getting to the lake with smooth winds. Usually once the winds get around 24-30km/h they are gusting into 40km/h and up. Under 24km/h they tend to be relatively smooth. I had a 12m airush flow that was either too big for the gusts and just not enough when it wasn't gusting huge. Coupled with the fact that I am more confident flying my foils than a tube kite, I figured in 4ft deep water and lighter smooth winds, I will have less issues with the constant pull of the 19m vs what I've been experiencing. Maybe I'll get a piece of 3/8" plywood and give that plyboard idea a shot.

The plydoor is a great path to take, shaggs, give it a go!

Quote: Originally posted by shaggs2riches

The problem I've had is getting to the lake with smooth winds. Usually once the winds get around 24-30km/h they are gusting into 40km/h and up.

24-30 gusting to 40kms (25mph) would be manageable at your weight with the 12 meter... just sayin... It may seem like when you are standing on the beach that the wind will take you into the atmosphere but trust me with a smaller board you can hold down a LOT of wind on water.

I second what was said above, do not underestimate how much wind you need as a beginner to be efficient. I would say that was the single most helpful thing I learned as a beginner as well, do not bother unless the wind is UP! Especially if you want to have any chance at upwind.

Get a big flat board, it will make ALL the difference!!!

I will keep that in mind thanks. Definitely find myself dropping sizes when the winds get up there, but it is probably due to being a land rider not being used to holding down a lot of kite. I'm giving the plydoor a go and just going to use the straps handle and fins off of my latitute blonde. Trying to line up water lessons this summer when I head to B.C. for a week. Thanks again.

Its gonna happen. Just booked a second week of holidays on the island. Shot an email to elevation kiteboarding about lessons. Once I know my schedule in a few weeks, I'm booking in for a 3 day camp. Will be money well spent and something I've had on my list of things to do, for three summers. Can't wait. :D

Yet again, I wish I had someway to get my Airush Square One over to you guys - y'all could abuse it and hand it around when you're done with it cos it's not a board you'd keep forever, but is damned good for a few dozen sessions

Gusty is never fun when you're learning...

Shaggs, be warned. Once you get that first run where you are screaming alongwith your ass an inch off the water and huge rooster tail of spray flying out behind you there is no going back. It will take over your life!

All your board and kite time will serve you well learning. The main difference at first is that you sink when you slow down and you can't simply walk to you board when it comes off your feet!

I was the same with the kites because i had only land/snow kited but the power is pretty easy to handle while you are riding its just launching and walking into the water that make me really nervous now.

Already 18kt/20mph/33kmh is a "light wind session" and I have moved from flying a 9m/10m to a 12m in those conditions (unless its gusty) and I definately consider myself as a beginner still. No way I would fly a 12 on land in those winds!

18 knots - I'm still on a 17 or a Speed3 15 wishing there was more wind...

:D kitesurfing makes you power hungry.

Big kites must be fun in those winds though, when there is enough air flow to make them turn a bit faster? as long as you have enough weight and skill to hold them down that is...

My first upwind run was with a 19m Speed 2 in about 11 knots. I was on a 159 door. I'm heavier at 230 lbs. It's not a bad kite to learn with but be careful in your turns. A whip of the kite over your head is going to pick you up.:o