Ocean Rodeo Flite 14.5 light wind kite

New kite!  I now have an Ocean Rodeo Flite 14.5m kite with the ATB bar.  Its an ex-demo kite and the 2013 model.  I am hoping the kite will cover light wind conditions below what my Lithium 12 can handle (about 12 knots), and that it will go upwind better than the Lithium Zero.

I opted for the 14.5m version rather than the 17 as I think the North Nugget or Sector 60 will compensate for the reduced size and it will be easy to turn and go upwind.

A good selection of patches, some spare line attachments and a simple manual are included.

The kitebag is nicely made and has tuck away shoulder straps.  The bar has its own mesh bag.

The kitebag includes a couple of internal pockets for the spares and patches. Nice.

A kite strap is included - handy for packing the kite away.

The leading edge is big but not huge.

A choice of two attachments - turn slow, low bar pressure or turn fast more bar pressure

The usual safety warnings

Pumped up

Note the three struts.

Construction is neat and sold - its made in China.

The kite is easy to inflate (single pump) and the lines are easy to rig.

The bar has a cleat for depower, above the bar.  It will be interesting to see how that goes.

Three struts means reduced weight and better flying.

I took the kite down to Mentone hoping for around 12 knots, but there was only about 5 knots blowing.  I hot launched the kite to get it in the air.  Once up it flew nicely and turned well.  There was not enough wind to get going though.

Stay tuned for the first ride report.

Here is an Ocean Rodeo video about the kite

North Nugget board for light wind, downwinders and messy surf

Session 296.  After reading several online recomendations and reviews of the North Nugget board I decided to get one.  It will fill a place between my Sector 60 and S-Quad and should be good for downwinders and light wind conditions.

The board is solid and well made - its shaped by Sky Solbach.  It comes with fins, full deckpads and footstraps. I decided to try it out strapless.  The first session was at Hampton in lighter wind.  I found it really easy to get going on and was immediately going upwind well.  The board does bounce around a bit at the nose but its not a problem.

I couldn't find one in Melbourne but was able to get one from SurfFX in Queensland.  The guy I spoke to on the phone was helpful and delivery by courier was very fast.

The board goes upwind so well you can use a size smaller kite.  Its like the Sector 60 without the bulk and weight.

It turns well on waves and is really stable for gybing.  I can now recommend it too!

GPS log

Airush Sector 60 race board unboxed

After some consideration, research and some advice from Ivan Salmon, I ordered an Airush Sector 60 V2 race board (2012 model) from The Zu Boardsports.   I have just picked it up.

The Sector 60 is claimed to handles more easily than a specialised race board, and has great upwind and light wind characteristics.

Ivan removing the extensive packaging

The first step was to remove the extensive packaging.  The board would be unlikely to get damaged during shipping

First sight of the board, what a beauty!

The first sight of the board is impressive.  Clean lines, nice finish, solid yet not too heavy.

Awaiting straps

The front view reveals as carefully shaped nose and not too aggressive rails

Large fins for the front and smaller ones for the rear

The larger fins (24cm) are for the front, while the smaller ones (22cm) are for the rear.  Each fin has its own slot as they are angled out.

4 fins and three footstraps

The sum total of parts is 4 fins (with screws and washers) and three footstraps (with screws and plates)

Positioning the screw attachments and plate for the footstraps

There are three rows of screw holes in the end of each foot straps.  Ivan recommended going for the middle row.

Footstraps laid out

Holes for rear footstrap

Carefully screwing in the self tapping screws.

The screws for the footstraps are self-tapping.  Ivan was careful to get the screw going vertically as it cuts its own thread.  They can be removed and rescrewed.  Care is required to avoid over tightening them and stripping the thread (which can be repaired with a screw insert if this happens).

Footstraps on

Starting with the rear footstrap forward.  It can be moved further rear once the rider is experienced with the board.

Bottom of board

The bottom of the board looks built for speed.

Fins in position

 The big fins provide the great upwind capability.

And it fits in the rear of my X-Trail - bonus!

And is surprise bonus - the board fits in the rear of my X-Trail.

Some further tips from Ivan:

• Use a kite 1 size smaller than you would for a twin tip or surfboard
• Be careful to keep the kite in the sky in light winds when turning.  The board can function in 10 knots or less, but when you stop, the apparent wind reduces and your kite could fall into the water.  Keep it flying.
• Don't edge the board. Ride it flat and steer by "twisting" your feet.
• Be careful of the sharp fins when doing a water start. Approach the board with your feet on the rail to avoid getting cut by the fins.  They are sharp.

Some additional factors I considered for getting the Airush Sector 90 are:

• Good for downwinders - you can keep going when the wind drops and you can paddle the board if the wind dies completely stops.
• Speed. More speed!
• Upwind tours - going upwind then back downwind to the same place - less logistics than pure downwinders
• I might have a go at course racing
• I will be able to kite on lighter wind days of 8-14 knots  (hopefully) 

I am really looking forward to going kitesurfing on this board . . .

See also: Airush Sector 60 V2 race board - Kitesurfing Handbook