So yesterday afternoon its blowing 30 - 35knots and I'm sat by the water trying to work up the courage to pump up my kite.

The fact that I haven't flown the 7.5m Cult in real 7.5m winds yet finally beats the fear and i detune the bridles, take the line extensions off the bar, strap my helmet on and get on with it.

It actually turns into a really fun session. I have never been so fast on a kiteboard and it was great practice for controlling speed once i realised the trick to tacking upwind in those conditions is to ride slower!

I just couldn't do turns at all though. Is there a technique for high winds or do I just need practice (i'm not that good in more moderate winds yet!!)

Really really impressed with the 7.5m Cult. The 12m is a great kite (though its low end is not good) but the 7.5 is a real winner. The most stable kite i have flown including Arcs. Gusts didn't phase it at all and despite a number of spectacular crashes I didn't drop it once!! A couple of 40kt + squalls came through and as the rain started I would just fly the kite down to the edge of the window, put a tiny amount of fronthand pressure on the bar and it would just sit there with one tip in the water waiting for me to tell it to take off again.

probably not great beginner conditions! no way I would have gone out if my kite control & weather awareness wasn't up to scratch

I'm still buzzing from that couple of hours riding despite the numerous crashes, body drags to recover the board and failed attempts at turning. the runs that went well were the most exhilarating i've had.

Just had to share the stoke :D :D

Woo! Congrats on a good high wind time!