What is a kiteable wind?
Wind speeds vary greatly during storms and high wind events. We must
remember that it is only safe to kitesurf within a narrow wind
range, according to our abilities, and equipment limitations. Steady
wind is easier to handle than gusty wind.
The graph on the right is a general indication
of the extremes of kiteble wind speeds, assuming steady wind, with some suggestions
as to the abilities of the rider. Wind speeds are given in Miles Per hour.
Body weight, and kite size play a major factor, in the degree of
control you might expect.
limitations in kite design: These
recommendations are assuming a modern bow kite design kites with
100% depower design, with fully functioning safety systems. Older
kites are far more limited in their wind range, and should not be
used in strong winds.
Knowing your limits, if there is no one
else out, maybe it is a bad day, and you should not attempt to
launch unless you are certain of your abilities. There are limits
for even the best kiters. Know your limits, and always consider
safety when deciding whether to ride or not. Ask yourself, "could I
handle this wind if something goes wrong". |
