Callum,

I have a RRD 11.9 and a 8.4 AB.  The 11.9 does fly slower than the
8.4 AB, but the bar load is greater as well.  As long as you don't
mind working your forearms, the 11.9 should be a great kite for you.
It is a stable, well-built kite.  I think you just need some more
wind.

Kenny

--- In ksurfschool@y..., "callum_downie" <callum_downie@h...> wrote:
> Thanks for your reply Mel,
>
> Sounds like I should have it pretty well close to what you said.
> I actually replaced the center trim line with another one so i
could
> give myself more sheeting range - beeing taller and having longer
> arms I can give myself more range than what the bar had as
standard -
> almost twice as much.  Next time I use it I'll check the line
lengths
> again to see if they are still even then I'll set it up with even
> presure so I can easily sheet in or out till I get a better feel
for
> the kite.
>
> By being hard to turn, I meant Alot of pulling for not much return,
> and it was hard to pull the bar (used to the bridal steering on the
> 11.8 though). I really think and hope this was because the wind had
> dropped too much!!
>
> Yeah I know the 11.9 is alot smaller than the 11.8 - I brought the
> 11.9 thinking it would be similar in power to the 8.4ab, but
> hopefully not as fast!!
>
> What a crazy crazy mixed up world - the 11.9 being much smaller
than
> the 11.8!!  Hopefully these manufacturers get there shit sorted -
> doesn't really matter how they measure if they would all do it the
> same that would be a good start!!
>
> Callum
>
>
>
> --- In ksurfschool@y..., Mel <kitebord@p...> wrote:
> > callum_downie <callum_downie@h...> wrote:
> >
> > > I brought an RRD Type iv 11.9 ...
> > > ...
> > > I have set it up so the lines are even when I have the fixed
power
> > > adjuster in the middle (so i can either make the front line
> shorter
> > > or longer from there) and so I am in the trim loop with the bar
> at a
> > > comfortable distance from my body.  Does this sound alright?
> >
> > I've got quite a bit of experience with the Type IV, but in the
8.9
> size.
> > The best tip I can give you is that you want to be able to go all
> the way
> > from slack back lines (when fully powered up) to slack FRONT
> lines.  If
> > you're in the trim loop, it's most comfortable to ride with your
> waist &
> > arms straight, & ideally you want to be able to set the
adjustment
> strap to
> > accomplish that while maintaining full power in the current
> conditions.
> > Other than that, measuring the leaders can be quite misleading,
> since the
> > front lines usually stretch quite a bit more than the rears.
> >
> > > I have only flown the kite about 4 times and each time the wind
> has
> > > been dying. I found the kite had very little pull...
> >
> > I assume you're already aware that the 11.9 is MUCH smaller than
> your 11.8
> > (less than 3/4 the size).  I got the most power out of my 8.9
with
> the front
> > lines slack, except that makes it harder to "work", so for very
> light winds
> > I'd actually adjust for slightly less power, since then it can
> actually
> > GENERATE more power by "sining" up & down.
> >
> > > and was extremely
> > > hard to turn.  The bar is extremely short (don't know how short
> > > sorry) but it is less than my shoulder width....
> >
> > Mine came with a rather short bar too.  When you say "hard", do
you
> mean you
> > were moving the bar a lot, with little effect?  If that's the
case,
> a longer
> > bar should help.  Keep in mind that for higher winds you  won't
> WANT it to
> > have too much effect.
> >
> > > by the way the 11.9 is a high wind kite for me hoping for a
range
> of
> > > 18 - 28 knots on my underground dinner tray - I'm 100kg this
> should
> > > be realistic?
> >
> > I think you'll find your range to be very close to that (with a
few
> knots
> > added to each end, once you get the hang of it).
> >
> > Mel

Hi I'm new in this group and I want to now the right size of kite for
me I have 85Kg and the wind in my local beach is 5-15knt.

thank's

diog

Hey Kenny, thanks for the reply.

Had the 11.9 out yesterday arvo in gusty winds from about 12 to 28
knots.  Feels like an awesome kite when powered up!!  The little bar
I have on it makes it really hard to turn when it wasn't so powerd,
it made signing the kite through some of the bigger holes hard... I
might need a slightly longer bar. I'll fly it a few more times before
I make a decission on that!

I would put the bar load at about 2 1/2 times as much as the
airblasts, I'm either going to have to take me spinnache and get some
pop eye forearms or used a bungy I think!!

Thanks

Callum

--- In ksurfschool@y..., "fernmanus" <fernmanus@y...> wrote:
> Callum,
>
> I have a RRD 11.9 and a 8.4 AB.  The 11.9 does fly slower than the
> 8.4 AB, but the bar load is greater as well.  As long as you don't
> mind working your forearms, the 11.9 should be a great kite for
you.
> It is a stable, well-built kite.  I think you just need some more
> wind.
>
> Kenny

Go to the kitesurf group files & look in the "Mel's Stuff" folder for the
"kite specs" file & check the "range estimator" sheet.

  Mel
----- Original Message -----
From: diogozero <diogodg@...>
To: <ksurfschool@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, December 13, 2001 2:13 PM
Subject: [ksurfschool] Some help?


> Hi I'm new in this group and I want to now the right size of kite for
> me I have 85Kg and the wind in my local beach is 5-15knt.
>
> thank's
>
> diog
>
>
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>

callum_downie <callum_downie@...> wrote:

> I would put the bar load at about 2 1/2 times as much as the
> airblasts, I'm either going to have to take me spinnache and get some
> pop eye forearms or used a bungy I think!!

Bungees are great, but also keep in mind it's pretty easy to set up a "power
booster" bridle (just add a pulley & a bit of line), like on your AirBlast,
but without the reverse launch option.

Mel

--- In ksurfschool@y..., Mel <kitebord@p...> wrote:
> callum_downie <callum_downie@h...> wrote:
>
> > I would put the bar load at about 2 1/2 times as much as the
> > airblasts, I'm either going to have to take me spinnache and get
some
> > pop eye forearms or used a bungy I think!!
>
> Bungees are great, but also keep in mind it's pretty easy to set up
a "power
> booster" bridle (just add a pulley & a bit of line), like on your
AirBlast,
> but without the reverse launch option.

Yeah, that thought has passed my mind, I like to call it the power
steering bridal because thats what it basicly is.... it is very
tempting, I like only being in the chicken loop....

Cheers
Callum

If I rig a bridal I'll ahve to change the leaseh to be a front line
leash as well won't I?

Cheers
Callum

--- In ksurfschool@y..., "callum_downie" <callum_downie@h...> wrote:
> --- In ksurfschool@y..., Mel <kitebord@p...> wrote:
> > callum_downie <callum_downie@h...> wrote:
> >
> > > I would put the bar load at about 2 1/2 times as much as the
> > > airblasts, I'm either going to have to take me spinnache and
get
> some
> > > pop eye forearms or used a bungy I think!!
> >
> > Bungees are great, but also keep in mind it's pretty easy to set
up
> a "power
> > booster" bridle (just add a pulley & a bit of line), like on your
> AirBlast,
> > but without the reverse launch option.
>
> Yeah, that thought has passed my mind, I like to call it the power
> steering bridal because thats what it basicly is.... it is very
> tempting, I like only being in the chicken loop....
>
> Cheers
> Callum

Yes


> If I rig a bridal I'll ahve to change the leaseh to be a front line
> leash as well won't I?
>
> Cheers
> Callum

> Go to the kitesurf group files & look in the "Mel's Stuff"
> folder for the "kite specs" file & check the "range estimator" sheet.

Or just buy the biggest kite you can find ;-)

I weigh that (86kg). I can get going in 5 knots on a longboard and 8.4
Airblast (11 Naish). I'm guessing an 11.8 Airblast (16 Naish) and a floaty
directional will get you going in 5 knots too. You should be able to handle
an 11.8 in 15knots with a smaller board. If I were you, get a bigger board
(for learning and for <12 knots) and an 11.8 (=16 Naish). Then, when you're
confident, go for a smaller board in 12+knots.

On the other hand, if it's blowing 5 knots more often than 15, go bigger (16
Airblast/Free-Air = 23Naish).

There's a (big) guy here cruising and doing jumps on a small board and a
2000 16-Free-Air in barely over 5 knots.

Cheers

Andre

But it's very simple.  Just tie a stainless O-ring to the top of the center
leader/adjustment.  Then tie one front leader/line directly to that O-ring.
Take the second front leader/line, & feed it through the O-ring, & tie it to
a second O-ring.  Add a plastic stopper ring a kitespan up the second front
line*.  Now just make a short leash to connect from the lower ring to your
harness (or wrist).
*Instructional photo sequence coming soon to a kitesurf group file near you!

Mel
----- Original Message -----
From: Dwight & Jacky <fishersfort@...>
To: <ksurfschool@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, December 13, 2001 7:07 PM
Subject: Re: [ksurfschool] Re: Setting up an RRD type iv


> Yes
>
>
> > If I rig a bridal I'll ahve to change the leaseh to be a front line
> > leash as well won't I?
> >
> > Cheers
> > Callum
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>

Andre thank you, but I'm wondering if you can get going on a 8.4. I think
that's the best choice because I gone have more wind options is that right?

ps: sorry about the english I hope you can understand me.

diogo

Hi,
Anybody on this list kite surf in the San Diego ("no windiego") area?
Steve

Hi Kerry-
I too live in Utah and am getting a kite set up, I know of one local
shop
  www.talonsport.com
I was going to check them out this weekend, on their web site
they have a good bit on where to go in Utah and what spots are
good for beginners.
I know one other shop that I am a lot more familiar with, via a
friend who happens to own a windsurf/kite shop and has a very
large selection of inventory and does most of his business via
the net (his shop is in VT where I lived prior to UT).  Try
kitesite.net and email phil.  He is pretty experienced and based
on my doing a lot of independent reading on forums etc.. he is
pretty well informed and cares to take the time to get you into
safe equipment that works for you.  I hope to see you out in Ut
next spring, perhaps we can help eachother!  One other thing, I
plan on going in the snow so contact me if your interested in this
as well!
  Matt

--- In ksurfschool@y..., "Kerry Brown" <SKBROWN@n...> wrote:
> Kenny,
>
> Sounds exciting I also live in Utah and have been wanting to
do some kitesurfing in Utah Lake west of Provo.  I am curious as
to where you purchased the Kite.  Is there a shop around?  I've
seen several windsurfers around and I know there is a
somewhat active online Utah windsurfing community, any idea if
there is any one else playing with Kite Surfing in the state?
Seems to me like lots of lakes and warm winds should be great
for KiteSurfing.
>
> Thanks, Congradts, and Good Luck!
> Kerry Brown
> Provo, UT
>
> >>> kennyfarnsworth@c... 05/05/00 08:02AM >>>
> After a couple hours of body dragging and fooling around with
tangled bridle
> lines, lost kites, losing my harness, windless days, and other
fiascoes, I
> was finally able to get up on the board!  I went to Rush Lake
near Toole Army
> Depot (yes, the world's largest repository of chemical and
biological weapons
> is stored there).  I used a Naish 9.0 kite and a Naish 7' 6"
Board.  I know
> one thing, I am addicted!!!
>
> It was a great feeling even though I probably went 100 feet on
the longest
> ride.  I had a difficult time obtaining the right amount of power.
I did
> several headfirst dives when I powered the kite up too much
and I sank a
> number of times due to the lack of power.  I know that it will all
come
> together with more practice and a more consistent wind.
>
> It took me awhile to get up on the board because I made a lot
of dumb
> mistakes.  One time I did not attach my safety release properly
and I ended
> up losing my kite and swimming across the lake.  Another
time, I was already
> to go and my harness slipped off and fell into the water with my
kite fully
> powered.  I had a kite line detach twice.  I have had a rats nest
of twisted
> line in the middle of a lake a couple times after untangling a
twisted bridle
> line on the kite (I really want a reel for this reason alone).  I am
learning
> to take my time and make sure that everything is ready to go
instead of
> hastily rushing out on the water.
>
> This sport is so much fun, I can't wait to do it again.
>
> Kenny
> Salt Lake City, Utah USA

Hung:  Strange thing about Quebec - kites come from there?!  If
there's only 20mil Canadians total...and a couple of million
Quebquois..  Where does this kite design thing germinate?
Maybe you have to speak French to design kites...

I saw this one - different! - on the other kite fourm based in
Germany.  Try this link:

www.KITEFORUM.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?topic=205&forum=
1&2

Good holidays all.

Lots of good beginner setups for cheap.

www.puregear.com

pauric wrote:
> One thing I did with a mountainboard which may make sense to you... I found
> that by running approx 6 bungy cords (are you familiar with that name?)
> along the toe edge of the board - from axel to axel.  That stiffened the toe
> side up so that when you lean back against the kite - the board held a level
> keel.
>
> It depends on the board and how stiff the trucks are.  I'm using a 5 year
> old MBS.. its well old and well crap.  If you have one of the new MBS's or
> something similar then you may find no need for this

I had the same problem with the differences in weight distribution of
"kiteboarding" compared to kitesurfing and kiteskiing.  I solved the
problem using different technique but this use of "bungy cords" is
somewhat interesting.  I will give it a try to see the differences.

Hung.

We talked about this kite last year in this group. Search the archive if
you are interested.

Quebecois loved winter sport more than anybody else...

Kiteskiing has been around for more than 15 years... and those enjoy the
snow more of course invent new things to play with it...

Hung.

ex_cpe wrote:
>
> Hung:  Strange thing about Quebec - kites come from there?!  If
> there's only 20mil Canadians total...and a couple of million
> Quebquois..  Where does this kite design thing germinate?
> Maybe you have to speak French to design kites...
>
> I saw this one - different! - on the other kite fourm based in
> Germany.  Try this link:
>
> www.KITEFORUM.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?topic=205&forum=
> 1&2
>
> Good holidays all.
>
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

Last night, we are blessed with the first snow storm of the year
(unfortunately only 15 cm though)...

Enough for me to have the first kiteskiing session of the season on a
snow covered beach (the water is still not fully frozen)...

Kiteskiing is so smooth, so fun and so fast (2-3 times the wind speed
easily)...

Go kiteskiing this year if you live near snow and haven't done so...

P.S., Use the fastest kite you can handle...

P.P.S., Use snowboard for deeper snow and for jumping...

P.P.P.S., If you are new to winter kiting, check
http://www.kitesurfingschool.org/kiteskiing.htm

Hung.

Sorry, cant help you on the matter of water re-launching.

Just a quick note to say that I have never made such good use of the
bad weather, here in the old UK.

I don't surf yet, but have bought a c quad 2.2m for a bit of fun.
What can I say?  All I've had before is a Flexi Stacker 6, the first
time I launched the quad was on a beach in v high winds and shortly
after my sholders had left their sockets, I travelled a considerable
distance on my knees/stomach!!

Well I bloody love it, just one problem though. What's the best way
to launch (on your own) from land?  Is staking the handles the
answer??
--- In ksurfschool@y..., matthias.unger@u... wrote:

> Hi,
> is there anyone who ever use a peter lynn c-quad for kitesurfing?
whats about
> water-launching?
> regards
> Matthias

The rule-of-thumb: "An all-around directional should be the same a rider
height and an all-around bidirectional should be 1' shorter than rider
height" is applicable to most kiteboards.

With the introduction of some experimental or commercial wide
kiteboards, such rule may not be applicable to them.

I have done more thinking and came up with the newer rules-of-thumb
which is more general:

1- Within certain limits, different boards of similar surface should be
somewhat similar.  (i.e., start out with the original rule-of-thumb, if
you want a shorter board, go wider as long as the newer surface is
similar to the older ones)

2- Board surface is proportional to square root of rider weight.  (i.e.,
someone twice as heavy as I am should use an all-around board having 1.4
more surface than I do).

3- Within any certain wind range, a rider can use a number of boards
with the largest can be up to 1.4 times the surface of the smallest and
still have fun (for traditional kiteboards, the smallest directional is
probably 1' shorter than rider height and smallest bidirectional is
probably 1'6" shorter than rider height)

4- It is desirable in lighter wind to use a larger board (such that one
can use smaller, more maneuverable kites)

5- It is desirable in stronger wind to use a smaller board for better
maneuverability

Hung.

Hung Vu <hungvu@...> wrote:

> 4- It is desirable in lighter wind to use a larger board (such that one
> can use smaller, more maneuverable kites)

It also seems to help give the rider a bigger platform against which to
manipulate a larger kite, which requires more steering force.

Mel

Rene Sporenberg <kitesurfman@...> wrote:

> Hi Mel!
> Thanx for explaining me, how a freebar is made, I now
> just wondering about one thing:
> If you let go the bar, after a crash or just to grap
> your board, what happens to the bar? I think it will
> go up, and then slack around the frontlines, where I
> canīt get it back. mabe It twist around the frontlines
> a makes trouble?
> PS. Sorry, cant find an answer on egroups...

Then hopefully you won't mind me answering on the groups!  The bar only
moves away from you until the rear line tension diminishes.  That means with
an inflatable it only moves a little bit, staying easily within reach, &
with an ARC it moves a little further, but in the worst case scenario, when
you can't even reach the bar leash, where it attaches to the center leader,
you can still just grab the center leader & pull it down until you CAN grab
the bar leash, & therefore retrieve the bar.

As always, let me know if that didn't make sense.

Mel

> Dave, how important are the fins when underpowered and trimming the
> board flat. Do they provide lift or just tracking? I made an 18"
> wide ply/sandwich board w/o fins which edges and track fine. But I
> wonder if adding fins will help it's low wind range by allowing me to
> trim it flat.
> Duncan

According to my few months finless experience, no fin allow the board to
accelerate sooner and faster therefore extend the lower wind range.

Hung.

Mel wrote:
>
> Hung Vu <hungvu@...> wrote:
>
> > 4- It is desirable in lighter wind to use a larger board (such that one
> > can use smaller, more maneuverable kites)
>
> It also seems to help give the rider a bigger platform against which to
> manipulate a larger kite, which requires more steering force.

Yes, this sounds reasonable.

Hung.

--- In ksurfschool@y..., "aspartamez" <aspartamez@y...> wrote:
> Sorry, cant help you on the matter of water re-launching.
>
> Just a quick note to say that I have never made such good use of
the
> bad weather, here in the old UK.
>
> I don't surf yet, but have bought a c quad 2.2m for a bit of fun.
> What can I say?  All I've had before is a Flexi Stacker 6, the
first
> time I launched the quad was on a beach in v high winds and shortly
> after my sholders had left their sockets, I travelled a
considerable
> distance on my knees/stomach!!
>
> Well I bloody love it, just one problem though. What's the best way
> to launch (on your own) from land?  Is staking the handles the
> answer??

Use C quads for snowkiting.  Easiest way to get started is to lay the
kite flat on the back 1/2 to 3/4 of the way toward the edge of the
window.  Left side closest to you near the left edge of the window
(reverse near the right).  Weight down the left edge, walk back to
your handles and give a tug on the right side.  Kite should fill with
air and you can fly to the left up and around the power zone.  If you
want to try dead downwind, you can face the leading edge toward you
and weight it.  Apply pressure on the brake lines to stand the kite
on it's nose.  Then a smooth tug on the brakes will reverse launch
the kite.  Turn to one side and fly away.  Be prepared for a good tug
as it zips up throught he zone.  Good Luck
> --- In ksurfschool@y..., matthias.unger@u... wrote:
>
> > Hi,
> > is there anyone who ever use a peter lynn c-quad for kitesurfing?
> whats about
> > water-launching?
> > regards
> > Matthias

Dear Webmaster,

Kiteboardlinks.com is waiting for your Url, click on

http://www.kiteboardlinks.com

and add your site to the gateway of kiteboarding.


Thanks,

Ben


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I just ordered a board and kite package made by AirBliss. Has anyone
ever heard of them? I can only find a few references on the net, but
they are in french.

I was just wondering if what I got was any good. I got it because it
was cheap plus the shop I got it from hooked me up with a guy who
gives free lessions if you buy the whole package from them.

I guess they give him a kickback or discounts or somthing. Or maybe
he is just a nice guy. I havn't talked to him yet. I am supposed to
get the board and kite today. I have been windsurfing since the 80's.
Never kitesurfed before, hope it's fun. I am starting to wonder,
after reading all this saftey warning stuff on the net.

Hi!

Some people in Brazil are practicing this kite buggy too!

I'm intending to buy a Jojo and I need some help.

Does anyone could send some prices of jojo kites and where to buy it,
close do New York?

Thanks

The website is here: http://www.airblissusa.com
I got a AirBliss Kite too, so far it has worked great, but I am green
still, and its the only kite Ive ridden.  I will say that it water-
relaunched REALLY easily, in only like 10-12 winds, and is MUCH
easier to set-up than a 4 line.

The CHEAPEST kite I have seen...

Its also really stable sitting up there, you can look away without it
diving down really quickly.   My friend has a Naish 13.5 that I tried
once, it seems like you need to watch it more...it wants to dive to
the ground more..

You will probaly be getting lessons from Hamish Macdonald, that's who
I got my lessons from, and bought the kite from, he's sponsered by
Air Bliss and FOne.  He won the contest down in Crandon.

This has nothing to do with the kite, just inexperience: The first
time I launched it(before I decided to get a lesson), I launched it
too far in the wind window, on a really windy morning, with a fence
30 feet in front of me.  I got dragged on my stomach at high speed,
let go of the bar, the leash snapped, and my brand new kite flew
about 200 yards in the air, landing neatly in the power lines across
A1A at Meade St.  FPL was kind enough to come get it down for me,
completly  unharmed, incredibly.

I was over-anxious to get started, now I know what I'm doing(more).
That lesson will help you a lot, especially with the basics.  Make
sure they set the kite up for you the first time, puttingthe 3rd line
on isn't completly obvious...