Anyone using a rigid KiteWing around here?

[raquo]

This thing: https://kitewinghawaii.com/

It's been used on ice for ages, but I wonder how well it performs when foiled. Has anyone tried? Very little info on the internet about foiling it, even though they do make a model for the water.

[grantmac]

I wonder how small they pack and how light they are?
Also I used my wings buoyancy a lot for getting on my board, it seems that if you push them under they would eventually sink like a windsurfing rig.
I also wouldn't want to get hit by one of those which happened plenty while winging.

[Michael]

This thing: https://kitewinghawaii.com/

Those look kind of cool! Looks much nicer to sail than an inflatable. I like that it's rigid but like Grant said I would not want to get hit by that. Mind you it wouldn't be much worse than getting a wind surf mast on the head.
They do say it floats on the website.

Funny when I first saw it I thought it kind of looked like an Ezzy sail, then I zoomed in.
Isn't that an Ezzy logo?

[grantmac]

Definitely Ezzy.

Not sure about that leading edge shape, shouldn't that be smooth? Also how fiddly will it be to setup? At least it can't be harder to roll up than a wing and hopefully much more durable.

I've sworn off winging after a few dozen sessions. I just think the equipment isn't where I need it to be to enjoy the experience.

I think likely the right approach is going to be some sort of hybrid inflatable like the Duotone Slick but moreso.

[raquo]

I've sworn off winging after a few dozen sessions. I just think the equipment isn't where I need it to be to enjoy the experience.

In which ways is the equipment not there yet? Curious since I wanted to give it a shot.

[grantmac]

Felt very inefficient and the current gear I think won't last more than 18 months.

[raquo]

For anyone interested, I just talked with Ole Mau who is on the island using and selling KiteWing-s and offering lessons / rentals. His websites are https://zenlifestyles.ca and https://zensports.ca

From what he told me, it seems to handle quite nice. You need a size maybe 0.5m less than an inflatable wing to get similar power. He says probably 4.6m for Squamish. Xply is the recommended material as it doesn't soak up water like dacron. Sounds like it's a bit harder to flip over when lying upside down in the water than inflatables (it's more like a windsurf sail in this regard), but on the plus side it doesn't need a leash on the wing. It does float, but doesn't tumble away if left alone. I get the impression that just like the more rigid inflatable wings, it's best for freeride – good power, and gives good air on jumps.

Looks promising overall. I'll try to rent it when I get a chance.

[JonathanP]

There's a guy on Squamish that uses a rigid wing of some sort. Might be able to find him on the Squamish kiting fb page

[raquo]

That's probably Ole, he actually used to live in Squamish until recently