what's the ratio of FB foils against depower in landboarding

[sparkycrew]

hy guys,as a newbie to kite landboarding,i often wonder if iam using the right gear,i have 3 kites all FB from two to five metres,i dont want to free style or set speed records,iam more than happy to try and cross a field in one piece and attempt to get back,so i think the kit i have is ok or is it,

 

so my question is does everyone use depower or do people say with FB foils,i know the plus's of depower and the cost's,depower kites make sense when ability allows,but not everyone has carl the bullets talent,

 

Whats the ratio of kite use FB/depower in lanboarding

[The Geoff]

In my opinion depowers are easier to fly than FBs, once you've got the basics sorted out, being really good on a landboard is more impressive on a FB I think

 

From what I've seen, most people start on FB and move to depowers later on, but that doesn't mean it's the only way to go. It's like cars and motorbikes, cars (depowers) are comfy, easy, versatile and more forgiving. Bikes (FB) are cheap, fun, and take more skill to be used safely, especially at the upper end (race bikes / big lifty kites).

 

The actual ratio? No idea, maybe 50/50? Try adding a poll to this thread, lets find out!

[carltb]

lol. thanx dude. but there are alottttt more people allloooooottttttt better then me.

 

anyway, i think the majority of landboarders use depower now, but most of us started out on fixed bridal kites. its a good way to start, but eventually dude, youll convert!!!!!

[sparkycrew]

he he, add a poll mate,i can only just work a pc,could anyone help out the pc nob

[Hammer-n-saw]

Once you have conquered going across the field n back you will want more, and experiment more. Push your FB kites to the limit so you can board without looking at the kite and go toe side and do jumps. By then you will know what you want, because its not just choosing to go depower its what type of depower, LEIs, foils, Arcs ?

I have gone backward and forward with depowers and FBs over the years because my tennis elbows didn't like bars . At the moment I am with depower foils and without any elbow pain. I like the Foil depowers for ease of setting up for short kite sessions inland. LEIs and Arcs take too long setting up and cut into my valuable half hour kite sesh.

[sparkycrew]

as long as i know iam not doing anything differant to the majority of you guys,

carl i have watched loads of your basic getting going type vids and they have helped me loads,but the really annoying thing is you make it look so easy LOL

[sparkycrew]

Once you have conquered going across the field n back you will want more, and experiment more. Push your FB kites to the limit so you can board without looking at the kite and go toe side and do jumps. By then you will know what you want, because its not just choosing to go depower its what type of depower, LEIs, foils, Arcs ?

I have gone backward and forward with depowers and FBs over the years because my tennis elbows didn't like bars . At the moment I am with depower foils and without any elbow pain. I like the Foil depowers for ease of setting up for short kite sessions inland. LEIs and Arcs take too long setting up and cut into my valuable half hour kite sesh.

 

i figured that that i would stick with FB until it became natural,thanks for re-enforcing that for me,also i do like the fact that when shit hits the fan i can let go the handles and not worry about been hooked into a harness,i do agree i need to learn to control the kite without looking at it,especially at 12 oclock while mounting the board

[The Geoff]

Poll started for you

[sparkycrew]

thanx the geoff

[sparkycrew]

theres is one other reason i would prefere to stick with FB kites is the amount of money i would have on a field with a de power kite usually on my own,iam always looking out for kite thiefs! and yes i know i should kite with someone else but they are few and far between around my way

[mick]

theres is one other reason i would prefere to stick with FB kites is the amount of money i would have on a field with a de power kite usually on my own,iam always looking out for kite thiefs! and yes i know i should kite with someone else but they are few and far between around my way

 

You would be flying the kite. HTF would they nick it? Hey, a depower is bigger so could be seen from space and aliens could come and abduct you. Sorry but that was a crock. There is absolutely no reason other than financial to stick with fb. Don't be embarrassed to say it. I only fly 2nd hand kites.

[mick]

OK my above post may seem harsh and a tad sarcastic but I truly believe there is nothing to gain by waiting till you have more kiting skills. In the 12 yrs Ive been kiting I truly believe that after 2 or 3 HRS. with a FB kite, there is absolutely nothing to gain by staying with FB if depower is your goal.

 

As for being able to fly without looking at the kite. WHY? Is this not hugely dangerous. I can drive without looking. It doesnt make it safe. I would advise you never take your eye off the kite. EVER !!! As soon as you feel you can fly like a Jedi, the FB will bite your ass. One eye always on the kite would be my suggestion.

 

Harsh I may be, injured I have been and safe I try to keep you.

[jjpython]

i agree with Mick, never take you eyes of a kite, i race and always have the kite in my vision, unless i am gybeing (turning back to the wind), and then its only to glance round to make sure that i am not going to hit anyone, the minute you stop watching it, it gets hungry

[mick]

I watched a well known kitesurf school teaching noobs a while back. I noticed that the noobs were constantly crashing the kites. The waste of space instructor cleared off and left em on the beach. Of course, me sticking my snout in as normal, went over to launch their kites when they hit the beach. Excuse me I asked. Why do you keep turning away from the kite.

 

The instructor had told them to look away from the kite and fly instictively. Everytime they looked away, they physically twisted at the shoulders and steered the kite into the ground. I told em to glance away with their eyes only BUT to be aware of the kite at all times. The instructor came back to a pair of competant flyers.

 

I guess, its one of the reasons that Stevie Wonder never took up kiting.

 

I fly Blades and small race kites. I have respect for both of them.

[jjpython]

i fly predator kites, and as soon as you dont give them 100% the do as they are called

[Dubs]

I see what SacasticMick and JJpython are saying- but I think your maybe missing a point that Sparky here, is still building up his Handle flying skills and learning how to fly the kite the 'proper' way. IMO when I'm LANDBOARDING (not buggying like both of you) I tend to look away from the kite to spot my line and set up for jumps/spot landing etc. so Its good to learn the basics of how to fly with out looking at the kite, so when the shit does hit the fan, and you're looking at the kite your much more capable. oh and it helps styllleee

[mick]

Er Dubs, I am a man of many hats as you see from my rotating atavar. I certainly do not limit myself to buggying as this only occupies 4 mths of my year. Of course we don't fly by staring at the kite but awareness comes with experience. So do I take it that "Sparky here, is still building up his Handle flying skills and learning how to fly the kite the 'proper' way." Bars are not the proper way on a board? My initial argument was that buying FB kites when you board is not the most condusive way to progress. If you cant learn basic skills in a couple hours, take up knitting. In many cases, a decent depower will be far safer than a fb kite. But I do notice that he may still be flying without a harness so has quite a way to go.

[sparkycrew]

ok so i may have started a debate here,saw a chap ont web, cory jensen,he advised to learn to feel where the kite was by pressure on the handles,as mounting the board while trying hold especially a smaller kite at 12 oclock can be hard when learning,i need to join a club really i figure i will pick it up quicker,thanx for all your help,no worries on the sarcasm iam a big boy

[mick]

A big boy eh? Then that was a load of bollucks. For eg. A 4 mtre fb does not depower. Holding an 8 mtre depower steady requires no more effort. In fact its easier because it doesnt move about as quick. OK with that? Join a club? No !!! One decent kiter is better than a shed load of noobs or ego merchants.

 

Sparky, I don't wish to sound harsh and in truth I'm not at all but I say it as it is. I don't suffer fools, ego merchants or guys with more money than talent. Experience is where its at. (generally)

[sparkycrew]

mick dont really follow you,iam a big boy in respect to sarcasm,i too wont suffer fools and will call it like it is,as for kiting iam a newbie and dont pretend other wise,i have searched endless pages on the web for info,i took advise and purchased my kit from a reputal dealer,wot else can i do?join a forum for help

[RedSky]

In the end sparky nobody can tell you what to do, except me. Just go out into the park and learn by trial and error and pain.

What's good for someone else might not work for you.

 

Just allow yourself plenty of space downwind to cock-up and not involve the public. All the advice and videos tutorials in the world don't compare to getting your knees, arse and face covered in mud and sand.

 

Have fun.

[mick]

mick dont really follow you,iam a big boy in respect to sarcasm,i too wont suffer fools and will call it like it is,as for kiting iam a newbie and dont pretend other wise,i have searched endless pages on the web for info,i took advise and purchased my kit from a reputal dealer,wot else can i do?join a forum for help

 

No, I think you'll do fine Sparky. Of that I have no doubt BUT this hobby is full of experts. Every single kiter on here has an opinion. Every kiter will tell you the best kite to get. That is HIS best kite. The forum is an ideal place for info and guidance but it is opinion driven.

 

Unfortunately, I have little faith in the opinions or advise from REPUTABLE dealers. They are there to make money which is fair enough. One particular owner of a big named kite shop has/had never ever flown a kite. How the hell is that credible. You take your choice.

[jjpython]

I see what SacasticMick and JJpython are saying- but I think your maybe missing a point that Sparky here, is still building up his Handle flying skills and learning how to fly the kite the 'proper' way. IMO when I'm LANDBOARDING (not buggying like both of you) I tend to look away from the kite to spot my line and set up for jumps/spot landing etc. so Its good to learn the basics of how to fly with out looking at the kite, so when the shit does hit the fan, and you're looking at the kite your much more capable. oh and it helps styllleee

err i have in the past used a landboard, and pray tell what is the proper way ???

sparky will need to be comfortable flying on a harness before even thinking about depower, and yes i do fly depowers

and style is great when you havent grasped the basics and have broken bones just my opinion tho

[tobias]

Guessing by the quote marks in 'proper', dubs was being ironic.

 

It's partly down to preference and cash available I think, I fly depower (all bought 2nd hand) and prefer it...because I'm a lazy boarder-when I fly my depowers I can ride for much longer than with a FB-I could use a harness and strop on a FB but don't like the idea of being hooked in.

 

Maybe try to find someone who is quite local to you who is willing to show you a depower up close and give it a try...you may find you hate them because their slow...or love them for the very same reason.

[jjpython]

i have to admit, the depower only comes out when i am wanting a lazy cruise up and down the beach, having said that its the kite i have also had the fastest speed in the bug with, and yes its a bit slow on the turning, but i only ever now fly fb race kites, and my predators, and both of these are quick to turn

so yeah mate, try some out, try different types and makes, i only buy used kites now cos i am tight yorkshireman