Virginia Power Kites Blog

HQ Montana 7 versus HQ Matrixx

2012-02-05T20:55:00.000-08:00

One frequent comment I hear on forums is that the HQ Matrixx is a closed cell version of the Montana VII.
This idea is completely erroneous for several reasons.

The Matrixx is a closed cell foil kite and behaves differently. The Montana 7 is an open cell foil kite, so it launches more quickly than the Matrixx, but it has a less rigid structure. If you want a foil kite only for kite landboarding, kite buggying, or snowkiting, use the HQ Montana 7.

The HQ Matrixx is a very high aspect ratio kite. The only other kite that has a similar high aspect ratio is the Flysurfer Speed 3. The aspect ratio of the HQ Matrixx is 5.0, which means that it is five times as long as it is high. The Speed 3 is even higher aspect ratio. High aspect ratio kites have great upwind capability, and you can boost to the moon in them. They do not turn as fast. The Matrixx is faster turning than the Speed 3 because it has a lower aspect ratio. The Speed 3 has a higher aspect ratio, so it has a little better low end.

The HQ Montana 7 has a high aspect ratio between 4 and 5, but it is not as high aspect ratio as the Matrixx. Therefore, it turns faster than the Matrixx (but the Matrixx turns very fast for its size). The Montana 7 is almost as long as the Matrixx, but it is a little higher in the center. If you want a medium aspect ratio kite, you should get the Apex III or the Neo III. Both the Montana and the Matrixx have a higher aspect ratio.

The Matrixx has a lot of power, and I use it to head upwind and especially in thermal winds. It moves very fast in the smaller sizes, and in the larger size at 15 square meters, it is more of a park and ride kite, but you can do back rolls and big jumps with ease. This is not a kite that you have to sine wave when you are riding. Higher aspect kites are also like race kites. If speed is your thing, then get the Matrixx. If you want a lower aspect kite that is closed cell, get the Neo III.

There are disadvantages with open cell kites and with closed cell kites, as well as advantages. Closed cell kites keep their shape during gusts, while an open cell kite can collapse in very gusty wind (closed cell kites have the advantage here). Open cell kites launch quicker than closed cell kites in very light winds (advantage: open cell kites). Closed cell kites can be used on the water and all terrains (advantage: closed kites). Open cell kites can be packed up really quickly (advantage: open cell kites). Open cell and closed cell kites like the HQ Montana 7 and the Matrixx perform very well under most conditions. If you are looking for a dedicated snowkite or landboarding kite, then I would go with the Montana 7. If you are looking for a crossover kite that you can also use on the water, get the Matrixx.

Both kites are terrific and have diminished bridle lines, which make them have less drag. Also, the 14 meter Montana 7 has a lot of depower--just like the Matrixx 15 meter. I would say that the 14 meter Montana 7 and the HQ Matrixx have similar low end.

Both of the kites differ in terms of the bar. The Montana 7 is more simplified and does not have an integrated fifth line. If you are in gusty situations, you can pull the top hat release, but the kite might not fully collapse. You should simply pull one brake line in on the side about 3 feet, and you should have no problems landing the kite, even in the gustiest of conditions. There are advantages and disadvantages concerning the absence of a fifth line. When you don't have a fifth line, the kite is much easier to set up. However, for absolute beginners, the Matrixx would be safer because of the complete depower the fifth line adds to the kite. Both kites also have water repellent fabric, which makes them great in wetter conditions.
If you have gusty conditions, you might want to consider the Matrixx because closed cell kites tend to keep their shape in gusts. However, open cell kites have their advantages as well because they can pack up very quickly.
It takes only a couple minutes to inflate the Matrixx, so it is not too much of a hassle to self-inflate. The kite self-inflates better when it goes directly to the zenith.

See both of them at www.virginiapowerkites.com

The Montana 7 is pictured at the top, and the HQ Matrixx 12 meter is at the bottom. You can see that the Matrixx is even higher aspect than the Montana 7, but both are higher aspect ratio kites.

Montana 7, Neo III

2012-02-05T20:38:00.000-08:00

Pictured above: Neo 3 Slightly higher aspect ratio (longer) than the Neo II, with lighter bridling
The new Neo III is out, and it is the lower aspect brother of the HQ Matrixx. We've discussed how the HQ Matrixx is an upwind machine that moves quickly for a high aspect ratio kite. As you can see here, the new Neo III retains its medium aspect ratio, but it has much lighter bridling, which translates into decreased drag. Drag causes you to drift downwind while you are riding and slows down the kite as it turns. By decreasing drag, the turning speed of the kite has been enhanced dramatically.

Photo on left: Neo II It might be difficult to tell here, but you can see that the Neo 2 has a lower aspect ratio than the Neo 3. Lower aspect ratio kites have excellent turning speed, but they have reduced power per square meter and do not have great upwind capability (that was one of my gripes with the Neo II because I often kitesurf in a location where upwind riding is critical). P

You can also see that the bridling looks much heavier with the Neo 2 than with the Neo 3.

So, this is a reason to try out the new Neo III. You will enjoy its performance more than ever.

Kite Buggy Landboard Jam

2012-01-29T07:19:00.000-08:00

Here is a new video from Virginia Power Kites: kite buggy and kite landboard jam. Kite buggy/kite landboard jam
I made the video with the Go Pro video camera. There are a couple kite loops with the kite landboard and some laid back kite buggying along with instrumental music. I hope you enjoy the video!
We have some great new additions to the foil kites in our store, including the HQ Montana 7 14 meter open cell foil kite and the Ozone Frenzy Ultralite.
We also have a great lineup of travel bags, Cabrinha kites, Ozone kites, all the HQ kites, and kites by RRD and CrazyFly.
In the next post, I will list some of the new items that are available in our online shop at Virginia Power Kites

Kite Buggying During the Off Season

2012-01-05T21:28:00.000-08:00

Kite buggying at an undisclosed location with the HQ Matrixx 9 meter and a Flexifoil kite buggy. Enjoy the video! The wind was gusty and strong, so the depowerable kites worked better in such inconsistent winds. Look forward to future videos and a post about kite buggying with inflatable kites. You might be surprised that inflatable kites also work well with the kite buggy.

We are also busy preparing for the upcoming summer season. There are already people asking for kiteboarding lessons, and it is only January. We offer very affordable prices on kiteboarding lessons, but we give 100%, and you will receive instruction from a PASA certified instructor.

You also have the opportunity to ride in flat water in the Hampton Roads area.

Kite buggying is a terrific activity to do in the off season, especially since it has been so warm this winter.

http://youtu.be/u2pcOjEVAW4

Inflatable SUP Boards

2012-01-03T19:02:00.000-08:00

At Virginia Power Kites, we sell inflatable SUP boards as well as standard SUP boards. Some might think that inflatable SUP boards are inferior to traditional SUPs, but the latest inflatable SUP boards have become much more impressive than in the past. They are stable, fast, and efficient on the water. The C4 10'6" iSUP is one of those boards and is available at www.virginiapowerkites.com. We highly recommend this board if you want to get out on the water, but you do not want to lug around a heavy board. These boards are excellent for travel and can be pumped up in minutes.

Here is a review of the iSUP:

Based on our most popular River SUP board, the C-MAC ATB 10-6, the 10-6 ATB iSUP inflatable stand-up board is our largest inflatable. C-MAC stands for Charlie MacArthur, our river sup expert, and ATB stands for All-Terrain-Board.

Joe asks: "Can you provide any enlightenment on how the C4 ATB iSup will handle? I'd like to get an inflatable SUP but folks I've talked to are not too keen on inflatables. I'd like something for traveling and to put on a bike track so I can ridemy bike down to the nearest river. Is there are noticeable difference in efficiency/stability?"

C-Macs reply: "The ATB iSUP is the best inflatable I have used yet. It has the highest thread count (deck to hull connection points) of any of the inflatables,
meaning it is 25% stiffer than the old Ulis and the new Surftech. The other key feature is it is also very light for an inflatable and has much more progressive rocker than ANY of the other available inflatables. This well thought out rocker works with the flex to keep water running under the board for better forward acceleration and surfing characteristics. It is THE choice for ease of travel. Obviously nothing is better than a composite board for performance, but you never have to worry about rocks or busting a fin. It is every bit as stable as a hard as well, just a different feel.
Hope this helps!
Aloha,

It comes complete with unbreakable thruster fins, deck pad, pump and travel bag.

ATB iSUP is the best inflatable I have used yet. It has the highest thread count (deck to hull connection points) of any of the inflatables,
meaning it is 25% stiffer than the old Ulis and the new Surftech. The other key feature is it is also very light for an inflatable and has much more progressive rocker than ANY of the other available inflatables. This well thought out rocker works with the flex to keep water running under the board for better forward acceleration and surfing characteristics. It is THE choice for ease of travel. Obviously nothing is better than a composite board for performance, but you never have to worry about rocks or busting a fin. It is every bit as stable as a hard as well, just a different feel.
Hope this helps!
Aloha,

It comes complete with unbreakable thruster fins, deck pad, pump and travel bag.

New Jimmy Lewis SUP boards

2012-01-02T04:37:00.000-08:00

The Jimmy Lewis Sabre race SUP is pictured above.

For 2012, the Jimmy Lewis lineup has changed. Now, you can get a Sabre 14 if you want to move really fast through the water. Displacement stand up paddleboards are much faster than planing (surfboard style) SUP paddleboards. 27" is a very narrow board, so this board is for advanced riders. 14 feet is very long for a SUP board, but there are even longer SUP boards. If you are interested in winning a flat water competition, then the Sabre is for you. In rough or choppy water, the Sabre will be more difficult to handle, and planing boards should be used then. If you are preparing for a flat water SUP race, the Sabre will get you to the front of the pack!

The new 14' x 27" SABRE is the fastest SUP in Jimmy's line. The displacement hull and pin-tail prioritize speed in flat water for the advanced rider. Includes 8" swept Tracker Weed Fin.

Here is the link to the Sabre: http://www.virginiapowerkites.com/Boards-Kiteboards-Kite-landboards-surfboards-and-SUP-Boards/Stand-Up-Paddle-Boards/Jimmy-Lewis-14-Sabre-Race-SUP-p567.html

We also sell other race SUP boards. The JP Race SUP comes in 25" widths and 28" widths (for flat water and for ocean with more stability). So, you can even get a narrower board.

The JP SUP is available in a 12'6" or 14' size depending on the race category you want to enter.

MADE TO WIN

The 12'6" and 14'0" Race are pure racing machines with only one thing in mind: winning!While the 25" wide versions are made for flatwater racing, the 28" wide boards can be used for flat water and ocean racing. They are designed for maximum speed and advanced riders. The full-on displacement hull makes the SUP Race board slice through the water like a sharp knife. With little or no resistance when paddling, the board feels effortlessly fast. The combination of rocker line and displacement bow guarantees a smooth entry, with the narrow tail ensuring minimal exit drag.Throughout the mid section the bottom radius is kept rather flat, complemented with a soft rounded rail. This guarantees stability and balance in combination with the most efficient ratio of paddle power, board glide and directional stability.The sunk-in cockpit in the standing area lowers the riders standing position, providing more stability throughout every paddle stroke, resulting in outstanding acceleration and speed with minimal effort.Openings in the cockpit ensure any water which might flow over the deck drains away immediately.All four boards are available in an advanced light weight Carbon Wood Technology. These racing machines are hard to beat!

The JP race SUP is available here:

http://www.virginiapowerkites.com/Boards-Kiteboards-Kite-landboards-surfboards-and-SUP-Boards/Stand-Up-Paddle-Boards/JP-SUP-Race-p522.html

If you want to try an open water board by Jimmy Lewis, the M-14 is your ticket. It is a little wider than the Sabre, so that makes it an open water SUP. It is also a planing board because displacement hulls do not work as well in open water.

http://www.virginiapowerkites.com/Boards-Kiteboards-Kite-landboards-surfboards-and-SUP-Boards/Stand-Up-Paddle-Boards/Jimmy-Lewis-M-14-Open-Water-Race-SUP-p546.html

SUP racing is picking up, and if you want to win, you have to have the right weapon!

HQ Toxic 8 meter Kite Review

2011-12-20T17:13:00.000-08:00

The HQ Toxic is an intermediate fixed bridle kite that is designed to be used with handles. It is not a replacement for the Crossfire II, although it is the successor of the HQ Crossfire II. Designed as an intermediate aspect ratio open cell kite with an aspect ratio of 4.5, the Toxic in the 8 meter size is an incredible kite. Today, I tested the Toxic 8 meter in one mph winds. I took a look at the flags in the area, and they were not moving, and not even a leaf was rustling at the top of trees.

The kite flew very smoothly despite the lack of wind. It is a high aspect ratio kite, but it doesn't have that extreme lift associated with other kites that are high aspect. High aspect ratio kites are designed for racing with kite buggies, and the Toxic is the type of kite that will give you smooth sailing on the land in the lightest of the winds (in the 8 meter size). This kite can fly with little to almost no wind, and it is equivalent in power to a 16 meter hybrid kite.

Flying a kite with handles is a good workout. You are not hooked into a harness with the Toxic, but you can, and HQ has supplied an extra line for strong winds so you can hook the handles into a harness spreader bar. This kite is powerful in the 8 meter size. I would recommend anything from the 2-4 meter size for the average rider. This is not a beginner kite, and it has to be flown to stay up in the air, but it is not unstable, and you can easily carve upwind with a kite buggy (you can't do this with a beginner kite).

If you like speed and power, then fixed bridle kites are for you, especially if you use a kite buggy. Depowerable kites just don't have the same power range as a fixed bridle kite on a kite buggy.

The Toxic is made with the same water repellent fabric that the Montana VII and the Neo III are made out of, so that means you can use it in the snow. This is a terrific kite, and it is available at our website in all sizes.
If you want a real workout with a kite, then you should try the Toxic!

Speed: 4/5 Flies very fast, not as high aspect as a race kite
Stability: 5/5 very stable for an intermediate kite
Build: 5/5

This is a kite that is made for the intermediate kiter in mind. It is not designed to win races in kite buggy competitions, but it has a lot of speed and turns fast in the lightest of winds.

It is available at our store here:

http://www.virginiapowerkites.com/Foil-Kites/Power-Kites/HQ-Toxic-Kite-p21.html

We have some demo kites available. You can contact us at customersupport@virginiapowerkites.com if you are interested.

Cabrinha Crossbow Lightwind for 2012 16 meter Kite

2011-12-16T13:06:00.000-08:00

The Cabrinha Crossbow Lightwind is available in 13 and 16 meters. Virginia Power Kites recommends the 16 meter Crossbow Lightwind if you are looking for great upwind ability. You also have the ability to ride in 6 knots if the wind is light. This is the same ability as the Flysurfer Speed 3, so it is an incredible kite. There are many factors influencing light wind performance. Here are some issues to look at:
1) wind consistency: gusty or unstable light wind is not good because foil kites can invert and inflatable kites can fall from the sky. Remember, 6 knots is about 8 mph winds, even for the 16 meter Crossbow.
2) Aspect ratio of the kite: the Cabrinha Crossbow 16 m, the Ozone Edge 17 m, the RRD Addiction 16 m, and the Ozone Zephyr are terrific light wind kites because of their high aspect ratio. You are probably wondering what aspect ratio is. Aspect ratio is the height of the kite divided by the width. A kite 6 meters long with a height of 1 meter has an aspect ratio of 6, which is very high. High aspect ratio kite have more forward speed, but they have slower turning speed. A lower aspect ratio is anything lower than 4. High aspect ratio kites tend to be park and ride kites. You can jump to the moon with them, but you have to keep the kite up higher if you are doing a sent jump because the kite moves slower than a lower aspect ratio kite.
3) The board you are riding. The board makes a huge difference nowadays, and if you really want a light wind board, invest in a race board. You can get away with using a smaller kite, but you will have to master riding with different straps (a race board has 4 straps). Race boards are becoming more popular every day.
You can purchase the Crossbow LW and Cabrinha race boards on our site at http://www.virginiapowerkites.com/Shop-By-Brand/Cabrinha/Cabrinha-2012-Crossbow-Quicklink-IDS-Kite-Complete-p396.html

RRD Obsession MKIV wins the 2012 Freeride Award for Kiteboarding Magazine

2011-12-16T10:12:00.000-08:00

The RRD Obsession MKIV has been our favorite kite for freestyle and for teaching because it has a relatively high aspect shape and can go upwind, it is stable, and it is well known for its power in light winds. It also has plenty of depower for stronger winds as well. A hybrid bridled C kite, the Obsession is a fast turning kite with plenty of depower and tremendous amount of lift. I was surprised that it won an award for freeriding personally because its freestyle capabilities are tremendous, but it is a very fun kite to ride. Nowadays, freeriding also includes jumping and even the occasional back or front roll (although that is not a requirement). I am not surprised that the Obsession won the award because the kite is incredible and boosts even higher than previous incarnations. The bar is simplified, and there is no loose mini-fifth line. The lines are one of the thickest on the entire market.

2012 BUYER’S GUIDE: RRD Kiteboarding
November 11, 2011 More
For the best reading experience, click View in fullscreen below.
RRD 2012
The 2012 RRD Kitesurfing line is more extensive than ever before. Roberto Ricci and the RRD team in Italy have developed unique products for specific riding styles and conditions. The 2012 RRD kite line up offers six kite models, 10 different twin tip kiteboards, seven different kite specific surfboards in 24 sizes, and two IKA registered course racing boards. RRD is confident that it has the right product for every level and type of rider out there. North American distributor Evan Mavridoglou answered our questions about RRD’s extensive line for 2012, including their new ultra light weight twin tips, which average about 3.6 lbs. with pads and straps.
At first glance, the 2012 RRD kite collection looks like a refined version of the 2011 line. Is this the case or are there any large changes that we missed?
For 2012, we have six different models of kites that are specifically targeted to perfectly match a rider’s style and riding conditions. Five of the kites are next generation models, continuing their programs from the previous years. These kites have been refined to improve performance while retaining the qualities that riders liked in the 2011 line. For 2012 we also add a brand new C-kite, the Obsession Pro.

Here is an excerpt from the Kiteboarding Magazine interview with RRD.

What are some of the specific improvements over the 2011 line?
Each model brings in improvements and new ideas for 2012. The flagship freestyle and all around kite, the RRD Obsession, gets even smoother. The smaller sizes (5, 6, 7, 9m) are now even more stable, while all the sizes get a little more power and higher jumping. The kiteloops are smooth with steady power while the upwind performance and quick response and flying of the kite remain key characteristics. In the hands of the advanced freestyle riders, the Obsession unhooks, jumps, and loops like no other SLE kite on the market.
The Religion MK II is the kite that every wave kiter has been waiting for. The 2010/11 Religion was a huge success. Designed specifically with side on and onshore conditions in mind, the Religion MK I was the fastest turning kite on the market. The 2012 Religion MK II continues on the path of its predecessor, but adds more low end power across all kite sizes and more stability on the smaller sizes. The Dacron wave-specific frame of the Religion kites creates a solid and uniquely strong structure, making the Religion ready for any unplanned wave wrestles.
The 2011 Vision was introduced in spring of 2011 and will remain unchanged until spring of 2012. The Vision is the 3-strut design from RRD that is taking over the all-around performance kite scene. With a full year of testing and R&D, the 2012 RRD Addiction MK III is the fastest race kite RRD has ever made, ready for the podium at worldwide course racing competitions. The 2012 RRD Addiction MK III, while labeled as a dedicated race kite, is very easy to fly and will make an amazing light wind machine in its bigger sizes.

What are the ideal conditions for kite buggying?

2011-12-15T18:55:00.000-08:00

The ideal conditions for kite buggying vary. One of the best ways to get involved in the sport of kite buggying is to purchase a small power kite that has a fixed bridle and handles and a kite buggy, such as the Peter Lynn Folding Kite buggy. This buggy is really excellent because it folds up, making it easier to transport than a larger kite buggy.
I would choose a large open field or a beach with hard packed sand. A large open field is ideal because you need to have the least amount of turbulence possible. As a general rule, turbulence occurs when a larger object places you in a wind shadow, which is roughly equal to about seven times the size of an object such as a tree. So, if you have a tree seven feet high, you can expect turbulent to exist for a space the distance of 49 feet away from the tree. Most trees are higher than seven feet, so you can do the math.
When winds are turbulent, such as in a park with large trees surrounding it, the wind frequently changes direction. Wind is simply air moving because of differences in pressure, so you can imagine that turbulence is similar to what happens when water hits rocks in a river and creates rapids with the current swirling in different directions. This makes your kite fold up, crash, etc. It doesn't matter how expensive your kite or how aerodynamic it is, turbulence will cause kites to behave in a bizarre way.
Even so, you can fly in some areas with large trees depending on the direction of the wind. Some parks work with a particular wind direction.
So, here are the factors you should consider:
1) the height of the grass: a well mown field is really important because the shorter the grass, the faster you will move; if you are on sand, then the sand should be hard packed, and not the loose type of sand that your tires will sink in
2) the direction of the wind: the wind should be blowing in the direction with the least amount of turbulence
3) the kite size you have: a small kite will not generate enough power in light wind (wind under ten knots), but a large kite in strong winds is not favorable
4) your skill with a kite: if you have handles, then you have a wider wind range, and you can make the kite move much faster with handles than with a bar; if you do have a bar, I recommend using those with a harness and a depowerable kite
5) the type of tires you have (large tires in thick grass or deep sand)
6) the amount of space you have in all directions
Almost everyone can kite buggy, and kite buggying requires the least amount of wind.
Remember that the world's fastest speed ever on a kite buggy was almost 90 mph and was recorded while the rider was using a kite smaller than 4 meters.
The best kites for racing and for speed are fixed bridle kites with handles, but you have to be ready to get pulled, and you must have good arm muscles because you are not using a harness.
These are some of the main factors that you should consider when riding a kite buggy. We offer lessons and camps in the Virginia Beach area and south of Richmond. You can contact us at customersupport@virginiapowerkites.com.

Here is a link to the Folding Kite Buggy by Peter Lynn in our store: http://www.virginiapowerkites.com/Kite-Buggies/Peter-Lynn-Folding-Kite-Buggy-p61.html

How to Jump

2011-12-15T10:25:00.000-08:00

Jump is pretty easy, but you have to remember to redirect your kite. First, you need a lot of wind, enough to head upwind. We are talking about the sent jump here, where you use your kite first to jump rather than popping of a wave to commence a trick. You have to hold the bar at 45 degrees, edge upwind, and pull the bar in the opposite direction, sending the kite from 2 o'clock overhead and then bringing the kite back down by pulling on the opposite side of the bar to time your landing. If all of this seems too complicated, just sit back and watch the video of Virginia Power Kites jumping with the RRD 2012 12 meter Obsession MKIV (available at www.virginiapowerkites.com) in 35 knots wind.
http://youtu.be/SHlU-T6Ox7Y

RRD Placebo V3 2012 Kiteboard

2011-12-03T10:44:00.000-08:00

RRD has added a new kiteboard to its lineup for 2012. The Placebo V3 is a beginner/intermediate kiteboard with lots of pop, and it is excellent for freeriding. With slightly more rocker than last year, it is easier to get planing, and the board handles the chop very well. Available from 39 to 45 cm width. Lengths are from 132 to 142 cm.

You might be wondering what size Placebo is right for you.

There are a lot of factors that go into the decision of which board to use, but I would isolate these three:

1) rider weight: if you are a heavier rider (over 185 pounds), go for the widest board and the longest board. You need more surface area to get planing in the same wind as a lighter rider.

2) rider experience/riding style: your experience kiteboarding does make a difference. If you are experienced, you can get the kite riding in lulls by maneuvering it. Along with riding experience, I also think that riding style goes hand in hand. If you are into freeriding, a wide board would be fine for you, but if you are a freestyle rider, you need a smaller board and a larger kite to boost high.

3) wind conditions: gusty winds require a larger, wider board to deal with the lulls. Generally, do not count the gusts as the wind condition, but the wind in the lulls when considering what board to use under gusty conditions. Strong winds allow you to use a smaller board. If you have light winds, you need a wider board to get upwind faster.

4) board shape: choose a board that has some flex, which means that the board is forgiving when you land. A board with too much rocker will be slower than a board with less curve. Do not choose a board that is too stiff in general; however, stiff boards are good for sticking the edge of the board into the water, so you can develop pop to execute moves. The Placebo has slightly curved edges to facilitate turning. Along with board shape, board weight is also important. The lighter the board, the better it performs in many cases.

You can purchase the RRD Placebo V3 for 2012 here at http://www.virigniapowerkites.com/

Matrixx Kite Pic

2011-11-22T08:58:00.001-08:00

The Matrixx in action. You can see the flat profile, which makes the Matrixx like a high aspect ratio bow kite.HQ Matrixx kite

Frenzy Ultralite Pic

2011-11-22T08:46:00.001-08:00

This is the Frenzy Ultralite 9 meter kite. It turns fast and is extremely lightweight, perfect for putting in your backpack!

HQ Matrixx: Impressions

2011-11-18T20:03:00.001-08:00

The HQ Matrixx has been a tremendous success for HQ. The kite is a very high aspect racing and jumping machine, but it still has incredible turning speed for a higher aspect ratio kite. When you fly it, you do have to trim the kite a little, about 4 inches, to get it to work the best. The kite launches rather fast for a closed cell foil, and it has more power than most foil kites on the market. It is not as high aspect ratio as the Flysurfer Speed, but with an aspect ratio of 5.0, it is the closest thing to a Flysurfer Speed. It has a much faster turning speed compared to the Flysurfer Speed. The Matrixx likes to be flown at the edge of the wind window and has a very large wind range.
We recommend the 9 and 12 meter Matrixx for kite landboarding and stronger winds. The 15 meter Matrixx is a light wind machine, and we highly recommend it for kitesurfers looking for that extra low end. We were able to fly the Matrixx in 8-10 knots with a light wind specific board, and the kite never dropped from the sky.
The 9 and 12 meter Matrixx have much lighter bar pressure than the 15 meter Matrixx. We found that the 15 meter Matrixx did not have that overpowering feeling associated with the older larger foil kites. It has plenty of depower, and the bar pressure is perfect.
We recommend the 9 m Matrixx for kite landboarding and for lighter riders.
The 9 m and 12 m Matrixx also perform well and have plenty of power and relatively good turning speed, much better than any other closed cell foil kite on the market.
On the kite buggy, you can ride almost anywhere with the Matrixx. The increased upwind capability is a tremendous plus for riders who want to get back to their original starting point.

Available now at http://www.virginiapowerkites.com/

RRD MKIV 2012 Obsession

2011-11-18T19:57:00.001-08:00

Last week, I got a chance to try out the new 2012 RRD Obsession 12 meter kite in the Hampton Roads area. The kite is completely redesigned for 2012. It is a boosting machine and has incredible hangtime. The wind gusting to 35 knots, so it was really powerful. The kite rides upwind like a dream and has a lot of power and increased stability over the 2011 RRD Obsession. The kite has a much gruntier feel to it and has a lot of depower and power on tap as the Obsession always has. If freestyle is your forte, then you might try the RRD Obsession out. The kite is available at http://www.virginiapowerkites.com/
Last year, Virginia Ppower Kites used the 2011 RRD Obsession as a snowkite, so it also works well as a snowkite, even in the ligthest of winds.

HQ Montana VII and Ozone Frenzy Ultralite

2011-11-18T19:48:00.001-08:00

For 2012, HQ Kites has designed the new Montana VII as a snowkite. It has a redesigned aspect ratio and a new size in the 14 meter range. As a fully open cell foil, the Montana VII is HQ's high performance snowkite.

The Ozone Frenzy Ultralite is made out of the lightest fabric imaginable. It is essentially a medium aspect hybrid open cell snowkite (the cells are partially closed with mesh on them) that is a looping machine. We found that its strength is its ability to be packed into a backpack, so you can easily ski down a hill after you loop the kite to go up the hill. This kite now comes with a fifth line, much like HQ kites lineup of closed cell foil kites, for complete depower. All of this is available at http://www.virginiapowerkites.com/

Wakekiting

2010-05-26T15:51:00.000-07:00

We'll be doing some Wakekiting in Lake Gaston, North Carolina, this weekend. It is a fun sport and is entirely different from kiteboarding, although it is a good cross training method for learning unhooked riding. It is more akin to paragliding because you can't actually see the kite above you while you are wakekiting. It is not as easy to get air as one would imagine. It doesn't wear out your arms even though it looks like it would. You actually exert yourself much less than you do with wakeboarding. This definitely adds to some of the routine that you would have if you are used to wakeboarding and want to try something new.
Wakekite

2010-05-26T15:40:00.000-07:00

The BP Oil Spill represents a clear and present danger not only to the Gulf of Mexico, but also to the rest of the world as the oil gets caught into the loop current and travels to Continental Europe. That means that the oil could potentially travel all the way to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, before veering off towards Europe. The effects of this oil spill could be long lasting. Certainly, this event is comparable to other genocides that occurred throughout history because of technology and greed. Another important issue to discuss is the impact that the oil spill will have on kitesurfers in the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico. Pristine coral reefs could be covered with oil, and some of our most favorite spots in the Carribean could be damaged for decades. What are your thoughts on this issue?

2010-05-26T13:17:00.000-07:00

If it is gusty outside, we recommend that you:
1) do not kite in offshore conditions
2) do not kite when a cold front is approaching (the cold air at the beginning of the front will lift up warm air, producing dangerous conditions0
3) do not kite in onshore conditions
4) choose one smaller size kite than usual
5) be prepared to use your chicken loop release and your safety release to detach yourself completely from your kite in a matter of seconds
6) don't kite when a squall line is approaching (right before a thunderstorm, usually followed by an approaching cold front)

2010-05-26T13:10:00.000-07:00

It is May 25th, 2003. A kitesurfer is picked up by a wind and slammed into a house. This occurred in gusty onshore conditions. What happened and why?
Nowadays, we tend to think that the new range of depowerable kites can save us from any dangerous gust. This creates an illusion of safety, whereas in reality, it is hard to predict when a strong gust could occur. Onshore conditions can be particularly gusty because the wind bounces off obstacles that are onshore and is often reflected back, producing extreme lift under certain circumstances similar to the lift that occurs when paragliders use ridge lift. Although this incident occurred in 2003, it could still happen today.
http://www.ikiteboarding.com/kiteboarding/articles/why-gusty-conditions-cause-kiteboarding-fatalities.aspx#

Local surf shops in Virginia Beach

2010-05-26T13:04:00.000-07:00

On those no wind days, why not go surfing?
http://www.corner24online.com/
http://www.waveridingvehicles.com/
http://17thst.com/
http://www.freedomsurfshop.com/
http://www.surfandadventure.com/
http://www.hotlinesurfboardz.com/

Virginia Beach May Northeaster

2010-05-26T12:57:00.000-07:00

On May 25th, high pressure set up off the East coast, and low pressure set up around Bermuda. These conditions created strong northeast winds in Virginia Beach. Because of the pressure differential between the high and the low, the strong winds created large waves in Virginia Beach. Northeasters typically develop in the fall along the East Coast. The waves were 5-7 feet high, and the wind was around 20 knots that day. It was rather choppy, but it was a great time to take out a surfboard and cut through the chop. For more information about Northeasters, go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northeaster

Old Kites versus new kites

2010-05-22T19:03:00.001-07:00

At Virginia Power kites, we keep everything. We have many old C-kites and older models of kites from different years., even back to 2003. We will post some pictures of all of the different types of kites, bars, and harnesses we have so people can get a clear idea of the evolution of the sport of kiteboarding since the earlier days. In future posts, we'll discuss the dangers of using older kites if you are a beginne rider, while we'll also discuss how more experienced riders can stillo use them to their advantage. What is your opinion in how kite design has changed over the years?

2010-05-22T18:49:00.000-07:00

We just purchased a demo kite by RRD. It is the 2010 Obsession, which comes with the Global Bar V2. The bar is innovative because of its rigid thread lines, which prevent creep or stretching. Having rigid thread lines is ideal because it makes kites fly in a more responsive manner. Also,the 2010 Obsession is a kite with great low end. If you are a 175 pound rider, you can fly in just 11 mph winds through the waves and the chop as long as you have a surfboard. The Obsession flew as advertised and had really light bar pressure. Its safety system is similar to Cabrinha's safety system; it has a mini-fifth line that depowers the kite completely.

PASA certification

2010-05-22T18:45:00.000-07:00

We just received PASA certification this May 21st. We now have two instructors, Keith Croghan and Raphael Comprone (myself, the manager). The PASA certification course for teaching kiteboarding was an exciting course, even though the wind did not cooperate as much as eveyone would have liked. PASA certification is important because PASA is a reputable association that certifies kiteboarding instructors. We hope to promote safety in the sport of kiteboarding by choosing low traffic areas in Chesapeake Bay and the Sandbridge area for lessons and instruction.

Upcoming Northeast Swell and Wind

2010-05-22T18:40:00.000-07:00

The ideal conditions for kitesurfing in the Virginia Beach could arise next Wednesday and Thursday. A large swell with 8 feet waves in the open sea will be coupled with 15-20 knots wind conditions. This will be a great chance for kitesurfing in the waves. Conditions will be ideal from 64th Street to 88th street if you enjoy kitesurfing there. Virginia Power Kites will be out there. You will be able to spot me, Raphael, with my 12 meter 2010 RRD Obsession and a Jimmy Lewis kitesurfing board.

Virginia Beach can be a great place to kitesurf, especially if you already have some kitesurfing skill.
Virginia Power Kites gives lessons in Chesapeake Bay and Sandbridge, VA. More experienced riders should go to 66th street to 88th Street.