For a little background:

I just took up kiting last summer and obviously am still figuring it out... Took lessons (w/ Marty at Nitnaht) and have since got about 10 sessions in. I am comfortable with the kite, water launching etc. just figuring out how to get upwind (can do it regular footed, still struggling with switch stance).

Anyway, now I am headed to Maui (staying in Kihei) with my wife and daughter in April. I am really excited about going to "Mecca" but admittedly also a bit intimidated as I will be kiting solo. I have done some research into Kitebeach and "lesson" beach but know nothing more than what I have read on a few forum posts etc.

I am wondering what I should bring for kites (I am 200lbs and have a 7,10 and 14m) plus ANY advice/tips/thoughts that anyone cares to offer!

Thanks in advance!

tycho wrote: I am wondering what I should bring for kites (I am 200lbs and have a 7,10 and 14m) plus ANY advice/tips/thoughts that anyone cares to offer!
!

hi, welcome, suggest you search for existing threads on this in the forum

First maui trip for me, December. Wind chasters paradise! SUP or surf in the am, kite the rest of the day. For me, kiteable wind 14 days of 15, though a couple days were sub 10kts, required big kites. I rode my 12m and 10m more than the others, so wind was on light side. Bring them all, even if it means a baggage fee!

Kihei was the nicest surprise of the trip ... several days it was windier than kanaha. However, NE wind is sideshore or possibly side-off...a little sketchy for beginners maybe. On a kona wind, it is fine....will be lots of other kiters out.

Your best bet is kanaha...launch at naish beach, about 1km of beach downwind for you to practice getting upwind. 10 sessions in...you should be getting it soon! (get the Progression videos, great learning resource)

email me for other tips, as I wrote it up for another friend juandesooka at gmail dot com

@ KUS - Thanks for the reply, I have read as many posts as I could find. Mostly I was unsureabout winds in April re: kite sizes (I was thinking just the 10m and 14m?) plus such a friendly group on here though I would take any other advice offered

@ juandesooka - Really appreciate the reply! As for the upwind, yeah I am close! Just not consistent with it, a lot of those sessions just involved a couple runs out and back to the beach at Nitinaht followed by a walk back upwind. I will email you for the info. Thanks again!

tycho wrote:@ KUS - Thanks for the reply, I have read as many posts as I could find. Mostly I was unsure about winds in April re: kite sizes (I was thinking just the 10m and 14m?)

winds get heavier in April/May, swell size decreases, (typically but nowadays who knows??) not saying you won't need the 14 at times depending on your weight but if it is THAT light I sure wouldn't be "trolling" my body potentially around Maui and yes, Kihei is often side off and can be very very gusty, careful, would not suggest that unless it's Kona winds there (SW). I would bring a 6 or 7 for those rocket days, some coming up now....next weekend and stay on north shore as JDF suggests