A question about size and efficiency

I was down at the bay yesterday watching some kiters in 10-15 knot winds.

One thing I noticed is that people with larger kites(rhino 16 and arx 15.5), had a lot more power and this helped them in all aspects of riding and keeping the kite up in the air than those with smaller kites and just learning. The guy's and girls with smaller kites were just getting frustrated with there lack of power. It just seems to me that when someone has grasped the basic Concept of how the kite works then they should go for size and power instead of spending 2-3 months on a smaller kite and only being able to enjoy it in stronger winds as they get more experienced. I have been up a few times on friends kite's and now I'm looking to buy my own. I'm thinking to go for a North Rhino or an Airblast or an ARX, around the 15-16m size. I'm 75kg. I know its a little on the large side with a high aspect ratio, but my thinking is buy something a lot better than your ability and grow in to it.

Any comments?? any advice??

Kite size and rider weight are proportional.

In 10 - 15 knots I use an 11.5 AR5 (I am 125 lb.)

Someone 75 kg or 165 lb. should use a 15.5 AR5/X kite in the same condition.

P.S., This assumes that you have complete control of the kite and know ALL the safety rules. It is extremely DANGEROUS to use a larger kite until you are confident that your kite handling skill is sufficient for all unexpected conditions.

You might want to consider the new 2002 kite models which are reportedly friendlier (easier) to fly. They are slightly lower aspect ratio and are way easier to relaunch. Check out the Naish Aero and the Wipika Hydro for example. Chris G

Thanks for your reply's

What about boards? I'm looking at a twin tip around 165-170cm.

Nic.

About right for learning. Once you can go upwind and jump, go for a twintip/wakeboard around your chin height.