Hi all,
I currently have a 2011 Core XR Riot 9m and in my second year of kiting (although feels like my first as I didn't get out much last year.)
My issue with the Core is in the low end of the wind scale. Unless it's blowing over 20knots it's no use going out. This is one of the reasons I feel I haven't progressed as fast as others.
Yes, I've checked my line lengths. I do it regularly.
Friday last week at Pinnaroo was the best example. It was blowing 18-/19knots (maybe less) and heading into a chop was frustrating. Kept getting bogged down and found it hard keeping momentum even playing the kite. Coming in was better running with the waves.
There were a lot of guys bigger than me (I'm 83kg) flying 9m North Evo's who would park the kite and go and keep their ground.
My skill level isn't what theirs is but I know if it was blowing 3-4knots stronger I wouldn't have these issues.
I'm looking to upgrade but money is an issue. Can only afford one kite quiver.
The Evo looks good from what I've read as it offers a wide range of capabilities. I want something that I can use in the lower wind range but doesn't kick me around at the top end.
If I go Evo do I stick with a 9m or go 10m?
Can someone recommend another make of kite that will do this for me?
Or is there a way of trimming the kite I have to fly better in lighter winds?
Cheers
Lorgra
Hi Mate,
Im quite inexperienced as well and also have a Core..... GT10.5.....weigh around 80kg. I may be way off but I think in that sort of wind with your weight the kite is too small.
A week or 2 ago a friend of mine used my 10.5 for 20 minutes or so in 15-20 and was cranking..he is about our weight and experienced...Commented that the kite was good...not as good as his Wainman of course but good all the same. (shop riders!!!You never know whe the sponsor will stick his head up) That was enough for me to be satisfied that Core is OK.
My 10.5 goes OK in 15-20 for me...can hold my ground comfortably but under that I struggle and just get pi55ed off.
As you say additional experience in flying the thing has gotta help. I am finding that I am getting better flying in light winds as time goes on but it is a bit tedious..Makes those times when the wind is strong enough to just park the thing and go like hollywood...
Not much help I know but thats my gut feel...happy to stand corrected..Good Luck
I was out that day on a 10 core GTS no issue iam 88kg on a 138 board you must be trying to go up wind too aggressively
I was out the weekend before that where it was even weaker than last, no issue apart from not able to take a agressive up wind tac as you would normally do when you can just park it
Just play around some more you will figure it out, kits fine.
Hi Lorgra.
I was out at Pinnaroo on Friday and the wind was full of holes. Mate its not your kite but the size. I was on a 12 and still felt the lulls.
If you cant afford much, have a look at a second hand Core about 11 or 12 meters to complement your 9.
Technique has a lot to do with it when the wind is not perfect. So get out and practice more.
This week looks like you wont wont anything bigger than a 9 
Also - you dont mention the board size.
Either way - 20kts sounds like a reasonable low end of a 9m.
Thanks for your input guys.
Would shortening the back lines slightly help with the lower end of the wind range.
Is that how you bring kite into trim when you get no lift when fully powered up?
My board size is 135x40.
Going to demo a 9m Rebel this week so I'll have some sort of comparison.
cheers
Lorgra
you really need a two kite quiver at a minimum .
a 9 and a 12 would be a good gap .
also your board technique more than likely needs work .
Yeah LoRgra
Riots are great kites, but yes you do need a 12 or 13 for the 15 knot gusty lower end of the wind scale and to counter the current speed also...
If your up for it, come out for a session with me and you can use my spare 11 or 12 so you can feel what the different sizes actually do... :)
When bar is fully sheeted in and the centre-line trim fully extended, your kite should be on the verge of stalling (going backwards). Adjust the centre line trim until this occurs.
One thing that held me back at the low end of the kite size range and chop, is that I tended to 'plow' thru the chop. This was caused by not flexing my knees over the chop - I was told to keep my front leg straight but I took it to the extreme. If you see skow ski-ers going over moguls, their head and waist stay level; its their knees that go up and down over each mogul. If you do something similar over chop, you maintain speed, and the kite remains stable, therefore maximising power from the kite.
Try getting a 140-145 length board with a couple of cms more width too, than your current board, a second board is a lot cheaper, even try a used 6' ish surfboard, or bite the bullet and get an 11 or 12M kite too. Definitely don't edge too hard and try to keep you board speed up, like Ice said flex your knees/legs going over chop and point a bit more downwind, when going through the shories.
Thanks for everyone's advice.
I got out on a 9m Fuse on Tuesday which was great.
I shortened my back lines and went out today on my Core.
Had great session but was a little over powered. Had the de-power on full.
Will let the outer lines about 20mm and I think that will be it.
The chop was still hard to get accustomed to but getting there.
Now just need to nail those turn and progress from there.
Hope to see you all out there and I hope Narelle pisses of soon so we can get some more consistent winds.
cheers
Lorgra 
