Post by David on Aug 19, 2008 4:20:45 GMT -5
Bored here in the ICU so I though I would write my thoughts on building a quiver: BTW this works for windsurfing sails as well. Personally I like to always have the right gear for any given condition because then I have no excuses for sucking. I start with a small kite, in my case a 7m (40mph), the smallest I want to use and I multiply by a number close to 1, in my case 1.2. it breaks down like this:
7x1.2 = 8.4
9x1.2= 10.8
11x1.2= 13.2
13x 1.2= 15.6
15x1.2= 18
My quiver is: 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17
So not every number is perfect but they are within a meter and honestly some kites like sails are more powerful than others depending on how they are tuned and I can add power with line length. You can do the same thing if you are on a budget by increasing the number to 1.4.
9x1.4=12.6
12x1.4= 16.8
in this case your quiver would be: 9, 12, 16m. you cover the same wind range but you would be pushing the limits of each kite and not always be in the "sweet spot" of the kites range where I like to be. Of course it is better to compress the high wind end of the scale (small kites/sails) rather than the low wind end so really it would be fine to have the quiver above but throw one more kite in there say better to have 8, 10, 12 16 because the big kite can handle more low wind in its range. So now to really confuse the issue...
As I mentioned in a previous post you can add or subtract power to a kite by adjusting line length. Now some would argue that being able to fly the kite fast allows you to generate more power, fine if you are an advanced kiter but in general long lines = more power.
Additionally you can use boards of different lengths and volume. Personally I prefer to ride a twin tip in most conditions except nice peeling waves where a surfboard rules the school. My board quiver is 128, 134, 135, 139 and a 5'11" surfboard for waves. the 128, 132, 139 are regular twin tips, the 135 is my specialty light wind board 135x47.5 and looks like a door.
So, I hope this has kept everyone on the edge of their seat and explained why I have so much gear. I can easily and comfortably ride in conditions from 7 - 40mph, waves, chop, flat water by using various combinations of gear. I did the same thing with my windsurfing sails starting with 3.7, try it with your quivers and let me know if it works out.
7x1.2 = 8.4
9x1.2= 10.8
11x1.2= 13.2
13x 1.2= 15.6
15x1.2= 18
My quiver is: 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17
So not every number is perfect but they are within a meter and honestly some kites like sails are more powerful than others depending on how they are tuned and I can add power with line length. You can do the same thing if you are on a budget by increasing the number to 1.4.
9x1.4=12.6
12x1.4= 16.8
in this case your quiver would be: 9, 12, 16m. you cover the same wind range but you would be pushing the limits of each kite and not always be in the "sweet spot" of the kites range where I like to be. Of course it is better to compress the high wind end of the scale (small kites/sails) rather than the low wind end so really it would be fine to have the quiver above but throw one more kite in there say better to have 8, 10, 12 16 because the big kite can handle more low wind in its range. So now to really confuse the issue...
As I mentioned in a previous post you can add or subtract power to a kite by adjusting line length. Now some would argue that being able to fly the kite fast allows you to generate more power, fine if you are an advanced kiter but in general long lines = more power.
Additionally you can use boards of different lengths and volume. Personally I prefer to ride a twin tip in most conditions except nice peeling waves where a surfboard rules the school. My board quiver is 128, 134, 135, 139 and a 5'11" surfboard for waves. the 128, 132, 139 are regular twin tips, the 135 is my specialty light wind board 135x47.5 and looks like a door.
So, I hope this has kept everyone on the edge of their seat and explained why I have so much gear. I can easily and comfortably ride in conditions from 7 - 40mph, waves, chop, flat water by using various combinations of gear. I did the same thing with my windsurfing sails starting with 3.7, try it with your quivers and let me know if it works out.
