i am new to the sport. i have a 14m slingshot turbo disel 2 and a 145cm liquidforce board. in strong winds- greater than 18mph i can go upwind- ok. does the type of kite matter?? aslo- what is the key to going upwind in light winds??

Just from hearing others that do know what they're talking about, the lighter the wind, the bigger kite and board you need. The bigger kite catches more of the limited wind and the bigger board gives you more flotation and enough surface area of board in the water to lean back hard against it. You cant go upwind if you aren't leaning back. How heavy are you and how light is "light" wind?

keep the kite low, majority of your weight on your back foot, bend your trailing leg, straighten your front leg, lean back and edge the board, turn your hips, and pick a reference point a little upwind of your line or just watch this vid................................

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=8vFOatPzBUM


In lighter winds I find myself giving a little to get a little meaning having to go downwind to get speed then work back upwind again. Your weight, kite size, and board size are crucial. You may even consider going directional for a little better lower end.

If I dont get back to where I started and have to do the walk of shame so be it. Im 50, having fun, and sure the hell beats what that idiot from Ft Lauderdale is doing!!!!!! Have fun and good luck.............

more kite, more board
in light wind 13-15mph generate more power(working the kite) and the added apparent can eventually hold position but it's difficult. AS you pick up speed the board will plane better and might be able to park the kite if you're a big guy >190 you will struggle even to keep planing BUT

you could get a SA19 & DOOR 64 and buddy you will ride when gnats fart.

otherwise be patient for conditions and skill.

more board if you're >190 is a good way to go, some light wind boards are pretty slippery or skimboard is a good option.

add some extensions 5-10meters on your lines it will give more time in the power zone but kite skills have to be dead on or you'll drop it everything slows down and you have to be about 3-5 seconds ahead of the kite to keep it going.

light wind is far harder than good solid air.

Also you have to learn how to sign a kite in low winds. When the kite is going down, pull the bar, when the kite is going up, let go of bar.
Also sometimes, in higher winds, to get upwind, pick up speed (pulling bar in) then let go of bar and edge couple of metters upwind, then repeat again. Trick is to keep the speed the same, but you will go crazy upwind.