Aloha Greg

We have offered Free shipping on kites since day one (of kitehigh) and will
deduct the equivalent domestic cost of  shipping off your international
order. About $25 to $30. I have been known to throw in little extras here
and there  too:) Whats been happening lately (and works very well), is guys
in their local area getting together and doing a larger order in one hit,
which cuts on shipping and naturally makes the extras that little bit easier
to supply.

I have my Stonker Shark review online if you click on the link from the
front page and follow the more info link and click on review. It was better
then I expected, tried footstraps, today sandle bindings, my Stonker
screamed upwind!.

Best Regards
Andy Heaton
http://kitehigh.com

Stonker SHARK Twin Tips Available!
New site, New gear added daily!

Em: support@...
Ph: 808 242 2956
Cl: 808 250 KITE (5384)
Fx: 808 242 1087

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jeff Chang" <kitesurftech@...>
To: <kitesurf@egroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, October 31, 2000 9:40 AM
Subject: [ksurf] Re: Kitesurftech; patience pays (com)


> --- In kitesurf@egroups.com, "Gregory Jr." <ghjr@u...> wrote:
> > --- In kitesurf@egroups.com, "Jeff Chang" <kitesurftech@h...> wrote:
> > > To commemorate launch, our partner www.OffDaLip.com has offered
> > > free shipping for the month of November and free OffDaLip T-Shirt
> > > and video of choice with Kite or Board purchase.  Just type
> > > in "egroup-kitesurf" in the shipping instructions box.
> >
> > Free shipping including international orders?
> >
> > good winds,
> > gregory
>
> Hi Gregory,
>
> Sorry for the oversight.  We can deduct US$10 from international
> shipping.
>
> Aloha, Jeff
>
> Condtions on Oahu: Warm today but no wind
>
>
> The Kitesurf Group is sponsored by windTools  -
> The first foils with a real depower and safety System:  Stamos and
Mosquito II Pro KS
>
> For more informations, please visit: www.windTools.com
>
> <<< to unsubscribe send a message to kitesurf-unsubscribe@egroups.com >>>
>
>
>

Board is in great shape and should last a few more seasons.  This
board is a blast to ride and edges almost as hard as a wakeboard!

Bag is 8 foot DaKine padded travel bag and holds all
kites/gear/boards...everything!  I've used it twice.  In addition,
you
could probably stuff all of your friends gear (and maybe even your
friend too) in that bag.

Board $400
Bag $125

Jeff

Stefano wrote:

, but the bi-directional will allow you not to have to figure out the whole jibing aspect am i the only one that thinks people woiuld do well to overcome their fear of jibing ?

The Kitesurf Group is sponsored by windTools  -
The first foils with a real depower and safety System:  Stamos and Mosquito II Pro KS

For more informations, please visit: www.windTools.com

<<< to unsubscribe send a message to kitesurf-unsubscribe@egroups.com >>>

Hi

   Is the Stonker Shark a "positive" boyant board, as apposed to a
wakeboards neutral boyancy?  Just how boyant is it in relation to
a directional?
How thick is it?
How available are the fins and what kind of mounting system do they
have?
What is the weight?
Does it have standard wakeboard binding inserts to hold the bindings?
What is the stance range of the binding mounts? For Example: from
center to center of the bindings 14"min - 20"max.
Are they in stock now?  In what sizes?
If you have more information,  or a specification sheet, please share
it, as I am very interested in this board.  More pictures of the top
and bottom views would be great too.  Thanks.

Scott







--- In kitesurf@egroups.com, "Andy Heaton" <support@k...> wrote:
> Aloha Greg
>
> We have offered Free shipping on kites since day one (of kitehigh)
and will
> deduct the equivalent domestic cost of  shipping off your
international
> order. About $25 to $30. I have been known to throw in little
extras here
> and there  too:) Whats been happening lately (and works very well),
is guys
> in their local area getting together and doing a larger order in
one hit,
> which cuts on shipping and naturally makes the extras that little
bit easier
> to supply.
>
> I have my Stonker Shark review online if you click on the link from
the
> front page and follow the more info link and click on review. It
was better
> then I expected, tried footstraps, today sandle bindings, my Stonker
> screamed upwind!.
>
> Best Regards
> Andy Heaton
> http://kitehigh.com
>
> Stonker SHARK Twin Tips Available!
> New site, New gear added daily!
>
> Em: support@k...
> Ph: 808 242 2956
> Cl: 808 250 KITE (5384)
> Fx: 808 242 1087
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Jeff Chang" <kitesurftech@h...>
> To: <kitesurf@egroups.com>
> Sent: Tuesday, October 31, 2000 9:40 AM
> Subject: [ksurf] Re: Kitesurftech; patience pays (com)
>
>
> > --- In kitesurf@egroups.com, "Gregory Jr." <ghjr@u...> wrote:
> > > --- In kitesurf@egroups.com, "Jeff Chang" <kitesurftech@h...>
wrote:
> > > > To commemorate launch, our partner www.OffDaLip.com has
offered
> > > > free shipping for the month of November and free OffDaLip T-
Shirt
> > > > and video of choice with Kite or Board purchase.  Just type
> > > > in "egroup-kitesurf" in the shipping instructions box.
> > >
> > > Free shipping including international orders?
> > >
> > > good winds,
> > > gregory
> >
> > Hi Gregory,
> >
> > Sorry for the oversight.  We can deduct US$10 from international
> > shipping.
> >
> > Aloha, Jeff
> >
> > Condtions on Oahu: Warm today but no wind
> >
> >
> > The Kitesurf Group is sponsored by windTools  -
> > The first foils with a real depower and safety System:  Stamos and
> Mosquito II Pro KS
> >
> > For more informations, please visit: www.windTools.com
> >
> > <<< to unsubscribe send a message to kitesurf-
unsubscribe@egroups.com >>>
> >
> >
> >

> I fully endorse the benefits of 4-line sleds reefing ability.  But as your
> experience grows to the intermediate-advanced level I have found in all
but
> VERY gusty conditions (ie 7+ knot increase above the average) I do not
want
> to give up any extra wind that comes my way - ie I edge my board even
harder
> and accelerate by foil to the edge of the wind window to scream upwind at
> angles most windsurfers cannot believe is possible.

I have to back Ians opinion.
I have two Waterfoils (3.6 and 5.7) and two Pickleforks (142cm and 170cm).
With this quiver I cover 3 to 7 bft (10-28knots)
The range I get is from my boards not from my kites!

Later Ronald

PS: today was one of these days where my small picklefork and my small
Waterfoil would start to get me overpowered. HEHE!

on 10/31/00 2:16 PM, Tom Rolf at rigbig@... wrote:

> Glad you brought that up. Mel says he loves carving jibes, are you
> inferring the same and are there others out there that feel directionals
> are fun. I'm a dried up old windsurfer, who is thinking of buying my
> second board (moderate wind). Trying to decide between twin tip and
> directional. (Flat water, fluky desert winds sailor)
> Puzzled, Rigbig

Yeah, I love carving jibes. It's something fun to work on, too. Something
you can never be too good at (at least for me). I would like to get a
wakeboard as a second board, but I don't think I'd give up my directional.

So far, it seems that I'm much faster on a directional than others are on
wakeboards (by 30% or so, I'd guess). So if you like speed I'd say check out
directionals. But maybe someone else will dispute that directionals are
always faster.

Mark Frasier

Hi
Stone the heretic this man is a heathen and blasphemer(I think that
the spelling is right)He speaketh his mind and is a free
thinker.There are no alternatives,everything else sucks ,exterminate
exterminate.

Lach



--- In kitesurf@egroups.com, craig_james@h... wrote:
> To add balance I prefer a foil.
> I can see the advantage of the AR5, especially for newbies as it
> seems an easy way to control power. However, after a years
experience
> I think i can get a pretty good range out of my foil. I am here in
> Perth and so really  only choose to go out when i have a minimum of
> 12 knots and over 25 knots I'll wait for the next day. I can use my
> foil in most of that range, and 2 foils will be all I really need.
>
> I have a Concept Air New wave. Its never luffed on me, in fact it
> will slide backwards until repowering.  Why i prefer it :
>
> Its quick, which is excellent for wave sailing.
>
> Personally, I have found my foil a lot better to jump than the sled
I
> used to own.  Its only an opinion, but it seems to let me descend
> with more control and gentler - feels paraglider-ish. In fact, when
i
> owned the sled I was getting knee problems from what felt like
> continual heavy landing. Possibly its technique, but I no longer
have
> the problem.
>
> If it hits the water, I just pull on the centre line and it
reverses
> straight off the water. Particulalry handy if the kite hits the
water
> in the surf zone. With my sled, by the time I got it to the edge of
> the window to relaunch, a wave would clean it up.
>
> LAstly, a foil is cheaper. Its my personal opinion that the sleds
on
> the market are way over-priced. Any manufacturer is welcome to
> correct me, but I cant see how these kites, i presume stitched in
> somewhere cheap like China, cost more than $US120 to manufacture.
> Kite design is changing all the time - if you want to keep the
latest
> sled design, and given re-sale of old design is limited - paying
big
> bucks for sleds is something I choose not to do. And as I prefer my
> own kite, its not something I have to do.
>
> Maybe this is a luxury I have being in Perth where in summer good
> winds around 12-25 knots are the norm. Oh my Concept Air 4.9 is for
> sale. (Great kite, great condition - cheap!! :)  ) However, I'll
> still be flying a foil.
> Anyway - thats my personal opinion - not gospel.

First time out with new reel bar. Is a little heavy,probaby about
the same weight as older model, large kite-ski bar. (I'm guessing)
Seems to be well constructed, sturdy. Some of the plattic parts that
cover the four spools could be broken pretty easily if it were to hit
rock with any force. The bar came with a 6 ft piece of tubing to
place over one line and then attach some type of leash. I didnt think
6 ft would be very effective at depowering a 15.5 kite so i put on a
longer one.
   A little background, Im still pretty new at this, using naish AR5s.
If i get back where started Im thrilled. Jumping is fun,  although
the only landing method I've been able to master is kicking off my
board and taking a deep breath.
   Went out with a 11.5, Launched real easily, "brake star" works
pretty good, you can operate with your thumb and seems to be very
secure once tightened. Unlike hand brake which was pretty much on or
off the brake star could be finely adjusted to where you could set it
to where the kite slowly reeled out all the way with just enough
power to stay aloft.
  The inner harness loop was well placed, easy to hook into. You could
set this position of the trim with the brake or leave it to where it
powers back up when you get out of the loop. Once going the
additional weight is not noticeable. Worked the same as a nash bar,
or with the brake it can operate like an adjustment strap on my
longhorn bar(still have to use the inner loop to tighten and
releasing brake to loosen).
  Bringing the kite down take a little more work than I thought but
manageable. I was able to bring it down faster sitting down, putting
my foot into the inner loop and pumping away with my leg. After the
first push out with your arms the kite goes into the depowered
position and stays there, was a tendency To fly past vertical and
then drop. Slight back and forth seems to prevent this.One time the
kite dropped and landed ind grassy area so I did the majority of the
wind up on the ground without a lot of tension on the lines. MISTAKE.
Left side had 4 ft unwound even though right side was completley
wound. Also as I let out the lines to correct this the line snagged
inside one of the reels to where the kite would not go out any
further. I had to rewind to a point, the snag came loose by itself,
and then unwound all the way and then rewound with constant even
pressure(kite overhead)and the lines were perfectly even.
   Overall I like it. Reel is really helpful around lakes with trees,
Especially with my preferred line length of 40M. Cant sail with less
than full line length without loosing sheeting ability. I could stop
the kite before it was completely unwound by applying the brake, the
kite would be in the fully powered position. Depowering requires
releasing the brake, pulling on inner loop, and resetting brake.
  sorry so long winded...

It's not fear, it's refraining from doing something you don't want to
do, or have any desire doing.




--- In kitesurf@egroups.com, "Stefano" <stefano.rosso@i...> wrote:
> , but the bi-directional will allow you not to have to figure out
the whole jibing aspect
>
> am i the only one that thinks people woiuld do well to overcome
their fear of jibing ?

> Is the 16m built well?

It's very similar to the Naish. Nothing I would consider extra heavy duty.
It's actually a little lighter weight construction. It might not fly if it
were heavy duty.

> There was talk that the VARC kites are built super strong, has anyone
> made the comparsion between the 16m and a VARC kite.
>
> or is it possible that the 16m is a VARC kite?

It is not a VARC. It's a FreeAir.

> js

At 09:52 PM 10/31/2000 -0000, Richard Maise wrote:
>
>It's not fear, it's refraining from doing something you don't want to
>do, or have any desire doing.

Geez, I wish you'd said that before I overcame my fear of jabbing a sharp
stick in my eye! Hehe.

I was thinking about it afterwards - the best part of a directional jibe,
IMO, is the fast-planing carve part, where you lean out over the board and
dig the new rail, jamming the kite back at a low angle and whipping around,
during which I keep my feet on the board. I do the footswitch afterwards
and that's not all that exciting :) It looks like you can do the same thing
on a wakeboard and give the board a 180 spin after the turn to face the
right direction again, instead of switching feet. Am I right? Or is that
even more difficult than a footswitch?

Mark Frasier

16m Wipika Free Air AR5.7  Demo For Sale.

In PERFECT condition and ready to go out the door for only $1050 kite only,
1st in 1st serve.

Also, still have a 4.9m Flexifoil Blade in excellent condition, best
reasonable offer and its yours.

Best Regards
Andy Heaton
http://kitehigh.com

Stonker SHARK Twin Tips Available!
New site, New gear added daily!

Em: support@...
Ph: 808 242 2956
Cl: 808 250 KITE (5384)
Fx: 808 242 1087

----- Original Message -----
From: "Dwight & Jacky" <fishersfort@...>
To: <kitesurf@egroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, October 31, 2000 2:19 PM
Subject: Re: [ksurf] WIPIKIA 16m


>
>
> > Is the 16m built well?
>
> It's very similar to the Naish. Nothing I would consider extra heavy duty.
> It's actually a little lighter weight construction. It might not fly if it
> were heavy duty.
>
> > There was talk that the VARC kites are built super strong, has anyone
> > made the comparsion between the 16m and a VARC kite.
> >
> > or is it possible that the 16m is a VARC kite?
>
> It is not a VARC. It's a FreeAir.
>
> > js
>
>
>
> The Kitesurf Group is sponsored by windTools  -
> The first foils with a real depower and safety System:  Stamos and
Mosquito II Pro KS
>
> For more informations, please visit: www.windTools.com
>
> <<< to unsubscribe send a message to kitesurf-unsubscribe@egroups.com >>>
>
>
>

Aloha Scot
t
>   Is the Stonker Shark a "positive" boyant board, as apposed to a
> wakeboards neutral boyancy?>>>


Yes, very much a buoyancy positive board.

   Just how boyant is it in relation to
> a directional?>>>

  About the same as your average directional of simular length, perhaps a
little less if anything with the deep single concave bottom shape.

> How thick is it?

A little over 2 inches, again, the concave thins it out quite a bit.


> How available are the fins and what kind of mounting system do they
> have? >>>>>>

Replacement fins are available, they are made of carbon and fitted usind a
single tapered head Allen Screw. The fins are rotatable. Before you finish
tensioning the fin to the board, you can rotate them to the desired
angle(straight is recomended to start off with although, i will be angling
mine in a little for waveriding).

> What is the weight?

  The Clark foam model (shaped) 180/165 is 6.5lb with deckgrip (included with
footstraps), the factory model will be lighter.

> Does it have standard wakeboard binding inserts to hold the bindings?>>>>

Comes with footstraps, I hope to test the board with Surf Wrap sandle
bindings today.

> What is the stance range of the binding mounts? For Example: from
> center to center of the bindings 14"min - 20"max.

With footstraps, its 16" to 25" range on the board I have here. Currently
comes with screw fastening ala a windsurfing board.

> Are they in stock now?>>>>>

In stock now is a 180/165 light wind blaster (all the rest are sold), points
and floats like a directional without the jibing and can use longer or
shorter rail.

You can order, we are  the distributor for the USA and am currently taking
pre-orders ready for the production model release in 6 weeks. Clark foam
models available before then...if ya can't wait:)

   In what sizes?
> If you have more information,  or a specification sheet, please share
> it, as I am very interested in this board.  More pictures of the top
> and bottom views would be great too.>>>>>>>

All on their way Scott, still testing (enjoying) right now:)

Give me a call or email for more details.

Best Regards
Andy Heaton
http://kitehigh.com

Stonker SHARK Twin Tips Available!
New site, New gear added daily!

Em: support@...
Ph: 808 242 2956
Cl: 808 250 KITE (5384)
Fx: 808 242 1087

>
> --- In kitesurf@egroups.com, "Andy Heaton" <support@k...> wrote:
> > Aloha Greg
> >
> > We have offered Free shipping on kites since day one (of kitehigh)
> and will
> > deduct the equivalent domestic cost of  shipping off your
> international
> > order. About $25 to $30. I have been known to throw in little
> extras here
> > and there  too:) Whats been happening lately (and works very well),
> is guys
> > in their local area getting together and doing a larger order in
> one hit,
> > which cuts on shipping and naturally makes the extras that little
> bit easier
> > to supply.
> >
> > I have my Stonker Shark review online if you click on the link from
> the
> > front page and follow the more info link and click on review. It
> was better
> > then I expected, tried footstraps, today sandle bindings, my Stonker
> > screamed upwind!.
> >
> > Best Regards
> > Andy Heaton
> > http://kitehigh.com
> >
> > Stonker SHARK Twin Tips Available!
> > New site, New gear added daily!
> >
> > Em: support@k...
> > Ph: 808 242 2956
> > Cl: 808 250 KITE (5384)
> > Fx: 808 242 1087
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Jeff Chang" <kitesurftech@h...>
> > To: <kitesurf@egroups.com>
> > Sent: Tuesday, October 31, 2000 9:40 AM
> > Subject: [ksurf] Re: Kitesurftech; patience pays (com)
> >
> >
> > > --- In kitesurf@egroups.com, "Gregory Jr." <ghjr@u...> wrote:
> > > > --- In kitesurf@egroups.com, "Jeff Chang" <kitesurftech@h...>
> wrote:
> > > > > To commemorate launch, our partner www.OffDaLip.com has
> offered
> > > > > free shipping for the month of November and free OffDaLip T-
> Shirt
> > > > > and video of choice with Kite or Board purchase.  Just type
> > > > > in "egroup-kitesurf" in the shipping instructions box.
> > > >
> > > > Free shipping including international orders?
> > > >
> > > > good winds,
> > > > gregory
> > >
> > > Hi Gregory,
> > >
> > > Sorry for the oversight.  We can deduct US$10 from international
> > > shipping.
> > >
> > > Aloha, Jeff
> > >
> > > Condtions on Oahu: Warm today but no wind
> > >
> > >
> > > The Kitesurf Group is sponsored by windTools  -
> > > The first foils with a real depower and safety System:  Stamos and
> > Mosquito II Pro KS
> > >
> > > For more informations, please visit: www.windTools.com
> > >
> > > <<< to unsubscribe send a message to kitesurf-
> unsubscribe@egroups.com >>>
> > >
> > >
> > >
>
>
> The Kitesurf Group is sponsored by windTools  -
> The first foils with a real depower and safety System:  Stamos and
Mosquito II Pro KS
>
> For more informations, please visit: www.windTools.com
>
> <<< to unsubscribe send a message to kitesurf-unsubscribe@egroups.com >>>
>
>
>

Don't be sorry for giving us as much info as you can!  Thanks for the
firsthand report on the Flowbee reel bar.  May I ask: how much di you
pay for it?

And don't hesitate to be long winded again if you find out more as
you use it more.  :)

Sammy
(Hope this doesn't post twice since I got disconnected the first try.)

--- In kitesurf@egroups.com, mdelliott@w... wrote:
<sniped lots of useful info>

>  sorry so long winded...

Keep it up Dave!  I look forward to hearing any info from your
tests.

Sammy

--- In kitesurf@egroups.com, "Dave Raue" <theraves@e...> wrote:
> This evening during my dreaded monthly trip to Sam's Club guess
what
> I saw?  Helium tanks for party balloons!  Or maybe the balloons are
> for helium parties.  Whatever, they're about the size of gas grill
> propane tanks and supposedly fill about 45 large party balloons.
And
> the best part is the price:  only $19 including balloons!  Doesn't
> get better than that.
>
> Eureka!!!!!  Think of it!  Cheap and easy enough to play with! No
> more senseless debates.  No more goofy math and physics.  No
> expensive, specialized equipment.  No NASA materials or mylar
film.
> Mossie 9+ will be my test device.  It's very low pressure, the kite
> is pretty light, and collectively the bladders are a significant
> fraction of the total volume.  I'm sure it won't have enough
bouyancy
> to float, but it will be lighter than if inflated by air.  Enough
to
> fly in less wind?  Enough to resist luffs regardless of gusts or
> pilot stupidity?  Winter is almost upon us, and the cold air is
> denser than in summer - just the time to get the maximum
advantage.
> I'll report back on as soon as weather, time, wind, and life
properly
> align.  Stay tuned...
>
> -D

Most of us has conquered the "light wind blue" and the "fear of height"
but somehow we are still sailing in some other water users' wakes.

The main objective of this focus egroup is to learn & improve
kitesurfing equipment & technique to be the fastest wind-powered
watersport.

Please join the group by sending a message to
ksurffaster-subscribe@egroups.com if you are interested.

Regards,

Hung.

I had a chance to check out the Flowbee Reelbar system from the
designer himself last weekend.  Though on the expensive side, the bar
is acutally ingenious, as you can reel the kite out, and also back in
with a pumping motion, using the load of the kite to reel it back in.
The bar weighs in around 6 lbs or so, and hopefully they'll get the
weight down even more.  But as for now, its still a very functional
bar, and easier to use than I thought.  The designer was riding all
day long with the bar, and having a blast.  I am actually considering
getting one myself for those tight launch areas.

Jeff

--- In kitesurf@egroups.com, "Jeff Quick" <jquick1@h...> wrote:
> I had a chance to check out the Flowbee Reelbar system from the
> designer himself last weekend.  Though on the expensive side, the
bar
> is acutally ingenious, as you can reel the kite out, and also back
in
> with a pumping motion, using the load of the kite to reel it back
in.


Do you know if the lines have to be at full extension for
kitesurfing? Can yoiu set the lines to the length of your choice
depending on the conditions? The Reel Bar web site says you can't
lock the lines at an intermediate length.

Im interested in the results also... sounds like a good idea.
Check out the pictures of Manu at the North Pole with a Helium filled
kite: www.kite-surf.com

gregory

Will you ship it???

--- In kitesurf@egroups.com, "Andy Heaton" <support@k...> wrote:
> 16m Wipika Free Air AR5.7  Demo For Sale.
>
> In PERFECT condition and ready to go out the door for only $1050
kite only,
> 1st in 1st serve.
>
> Also, still have a 4.9m Flexifoil Blade in excellent condition, best
> reasonable offer and its yours.
>
> Best Regards
> Andy Heaton
> http://kitehigh.com
>
> Stonker SHARK Twin Tips Available!
> New site, New gear added daily!
>
> Em: support@k...
> Ph: 808 242 2956
> Cl: 808 250 KITE (5384)
> Fx: 808 242 1087
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Dwight & Jacky" <fishersfort@a...>
> To: <kitesurf@egroups.com>
> Sent: Tuesday, October 31, 2000 2:19 PM
> Subject: Re: [ksurf] WIPIKIA 16m
>
>
> >
> >
> > > Is the 16m built well?
> >
> > It's very similar to the Naish. Nothing I would consider extra
heavy duty.
> > It's actually a little lighter weight construction. It might not
fly if it
> > were heavy duty.
> >
> > > There was talk that the VARC kites are built super strong, has
anyone
> > > made the comparsion between the 16m and a VARC kite.
> > >
> > > or is it possible that the 16m is a VARC kite?
> >
> > It is not a VARC. It's a FreeAir.
> >
> > > js
> >
> >
> >
> > The Kitesurf Group is sponsored by windTools  -
> > The first foils with a real depower and safety System:  Stamos and
> Mosquito II Pro KS
> >
> > For more informations, please visit: www.windTools.com
> >
> > <<< to unsubscribe send a message to kitesurf-
unsubscribe@egroups.com >>>
> >
> >
> >

It looks like you can do the same thing
> on a wakeboard and give the board a 180 spin after the turn to face
the
> right direction again, instead of switching feet. Am I right?

YAH.. you can do it.. and it is easy. its called cutting from
heelside to toeside then throwing in a bunnyhop 180

  Or is that
> even more difficult than a footswitch?

Easier,as long as you can ride switch

> Mark Frasier

js

Hey, that sounds pretty damn good...

Are you having fun in this range (staying up-wind, jumping  etc?). If so,
they sound like great kites. I didn't realise the 5.7 was so powerful, and
conversely could be handled in so much wind.

DT

> I have to back Ians opinion.
> I have two Waterfoils (3.6 and 5.7) and two Pickleforks (142cm and 170cm).
> With this quiver I cover 3 to 7 bft (10-28knots)
> The range I get is from my boards not from my kites!
>
> Later Ronald

You probably right. Lou & Elliot were on them here (Japan) last
weekend but I just assumed it was the Free Air. If I can make it to
their next event tomorrow I'll ask.

--- In kitesurf@egroups.com, Litewave Dave <info@l...> wrote:
> >
> > When the new Wipikas come out, if you still want to buy a Free Air
> > just buy a Liquid Force kite. Not only is it identical, I was told
> > that it is made by Wipika and at the same factory!.
> > <<< to unsubscribe send a message to kitesurf-
unsubscribe@egroups.com >>>
>
> I believe that the Liquid Kite is a Wipika Classic...not a Free Air.
>
> That's what I heard, and witnessed in Maui last week.  Lou had
one.  You might want to
> ask him.
> --
> Keep groovin,
>
> Litewave Dave
> http://www.litewavedesigns.com
>
> Wake-n-Style dealer inquiries welcome

I've put some pictures in the egroup files (vaults) of next years
Wipika variable aspect ratio kites (VARC). The photos I took weren't
very good so I scanned the pictures Wipika gave me (still not as
clear as the one Corey has also put in the vaults).

Corey is right about the number of bladders varying on the size (AR)
of the kites. The larger kites have double the number of bladders
than the smaller ones. You can also see on his picture (not mine) the
extra lines that are supposed to allow reversing of the kite (like a
3/4 line foil).

The new sizes (please don't ask if it's actual, projected, Wind surf
sail related, etc. - I don't know) and the corresponding AR's are as
follows:

m2      AR
3.8     3.6
4.9     4.2
6.3     4.9
8.4     6.0
11.8    6.8
16.4    8.0

I'll also put this table in the files later today.

Nick

--- In kitesurf@egroups.com, "Corey " <corey@a...> wrote:
> Hi Guys,
>
> Was at White Air 2000 at the weekend. A small windsurfing /
> kitesurfing event in England.
>
> Mark Shinn the Naish European rider won the event, which was very
> short due to the storm which soon picked up. He won using a 7.5m2
AR5
> on a Jimmy Lewis wakeboard.
>
> Sebastian Catalan (spelling?) a French Wipika sponsored rider was
> there on the Varc. He was flying a 12m2 Varc!!!! Remember the
winner
> only needed a 7.5m2. The power was excellent of the Varc and
> Sebastian was getting the highest air etc until one of his lines
> snapped right in front of the crowd, concrete promenade and sea
> groyne. I grabbed the kite as it crashed down into the crowd and
> dragged Sebastian onto the groyne. The quality of the kite felt far
> superior to that of any kite I have ever seen, both sleds and
foils.
> The bladders felt almost bullet proof; I think you get the picture.
>
> Anyway I did get a picture literally seconds before the line went,
so
> its probably not the best, but have a look anyway. I understand
that
> the 8m2 Varc may only have four maybe five spine bladders. Note how
> this 12m2 has 7 spine bladders. Also if you can see, the two flying
> lines go up to a very basic bridle system connecting further up the
> back of the kite. Maybe this is the system someone talked about
being
> able to reverse it or something like that.
>
> Anyway, picture is here
>
> http://www.egroups.com/files/kitesurf/VARC.jpg

Richard,
I notice from your roadrunner address that you're from tampa also.  Where do
you surf at?  There are a few of us who usualy surf treasure island on
saturdays and sundays.  This weekend is the StPete sail expo where tackle
shack is sposed to be hosting a kitesurfing event.  I hope I'll see you out
there.
PEACE&WIND
Josh Young
OneWithWind@...

Hi

  Are you guys with big sleds, (15.5 on up), having fun in under 8
knots / 9 Mph of wind?  Can you generate enough pull to jump in that
low of wind, or are you just able to get up and plane?  I have seen
guys ripping it up on 15.5's in 14 knots, but I was wondering about
that low range.

Scott

Jeff

   Got any photos of the board and bag?

Scott


--- In kitesurf@egroups.com, "Jeff Quick" <jquick1@h...> wrote:
> Board is in great shape and should last a few more seasons.  This
> board is a blast to ride and edges almost as hard as a wakeboard!
>
> Bag is 8 foot DaKine padded travel bag and holds all
> kites/gear/boards...everything!  I've used it twice.  In addition,
> you
> could probably stuff all of your friends gear (and maybe even your
> friend too) in that bag.
>
> Board $400
> Bag $125
>
> Jeff

I can stay upwind, and get average jumps / spins in steady 10 knots with my
13.5.

(measured with my wind meter).

If it's less than 10 knots, I either stay home or go for a nice down-winder.

The lightest wind I have been able plane is probably 4-5knots. This wasn't
much fun, and I had had crashed the kite I would been swimming for sure.

DT

Hi guys,

After the horror of having my kite pull me onto the beach this weekend while
I was trying to get into my boot bindings I'm now in the market for a pair
of sandal bindings.

None of the wakeboard shops around Auckland carry them any more, and the
cost of ordering them in is more than a decent pair of boots!!!?????

Anyone in NZ or Aus got a pair kicking around - drop me a line with a price
if you do.

decay@...

Dave