Low Country Boil = Progressive C Shapes
50% USA: Moderate Sea Breeze Coastal Areas with Various Waters
Example Spots: Southeast USA: North Carolina through Florida and around the Gulf to Texas
Prevalent Winds: 50% 15-20, 30% 20+, 20% 10-15
Primary Waters: Varied (Flat – Chop – Small / Medium waves)
Top Choice: Progressive C (i.e. North Vegas) Riders favored moderate – higher aspect C shape kites which “adapt best to varied riding styles.” In areas with a little bit of everything, kiters prefer designs with “larger sweet spots” and “faster speeds.” Many feel wind ranges are greatly increasing with new designs. Pilots love Progressive Cs for their tuning versatility, precision and smooth control.
Tuning Tips: Increase wind range by tightening 5th line. Get more power by lowering strut pressure in light winds.
High Country Flavor = SLE
30% USA: Gusty Thermal and Frontal Driven Coasts and River Basins
Example Spots: Northwest and Northeast USA, Hawaii
Prevalent Winds: 60% 20+, 30% 15-20, 10% 10-15kts
Primary Waters: Pacific waves – choppy rivers.
Top Choice: SLE Hybrid Flats (i.e., Flexifoil Ion) Part C-shape and part Bow, the SLE (supported leading edge) kites were first choice in more intense riding conditions. With greatest wind range spreads and safety, “best of both worlds” and “gust absorbers” were mentioned as top traits. Kiters love the C-Shape feel, the Ram-Air wind range and the LEI safety. However, “smaller sweet spot” was often noted.
Tuning Tips: Get more light wind power by adjusting front pigtail placement to the rear position.
Easy Drafts = Mild Cs
15% USA: Frontal Driven light / varied wind areas often around protected waters
Example Spots: Southwest USA, Interior Lakes, Coastal Sounds
Prevalent Winds: 80% 8-15, 20% 15+
Primary Waters: Flat to choppy.
Top Choice: Mild C (i.e., Liquid Force M80) Riders prefer moderate - lower aspect-ratio kites for stability and low end power. Though usable wind range is generally smaller, certain tuning tips can increase upper wind ranges. Kiters felt their super easy water re-launch is a “must have” for varied winds. “Tractor pull power” was the favorite feature in easy ride areas.
Tuning Tips: To increase upper wind range: shorten power line and add 5th line.
Nice Face, Nice Flow = Bows
5% USA: Medium to Larger waves with moderate-high winds
Example Spots: Hawaii and Western USA
Prevalent Winds: 40% 20+, 40% 15-20, 20% 10-15kts
Primary Waters: Medium to larger waves.
Top Choice: Bows (i.e., Ocean Rodeo One) In pursuit of Ram-Air efficiency and LEI safety, first generation “flat” kites resemble bows. Serious wave riders thrive on their instant de-power and fast switching from kiteboarer to true surfer. Many argue the “complex bridles” and “huge bar pressure” need more development for other riding styles and less advanced pilots. While huge wind range is a big plus, many felt light wind performance is “allright.”
Tuning Tips: Increase light performance by adjusting line lengths via kite pigtails..
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