Cabarete Days 12-14

Had a good last few days. The swell has settled down a bit and the wind has been a good 18-22mph.
North rider Ania Grzelinska arrived in town and promptly set about throwing down some very impressive moves.



As for us mere mortals of the kitesurfing world, Clare achieved IKO status 3.J which just leaves upwind riding and jumping, which given the determination shown the last few days isn't going to be that far away.
Clare did try going out on my gear. She liked the smaller lighter Spleene 134 over the barn door she'd been using with the school, but the Primadonna wasn't such a success. In fact, I'd be surprised if she flys it again! Whilst she prefers bows over C kites for certain, the JN bar remains too reachy and too thick for those with small hands and short arms. Clare often steadies the kite with one hand around the depower rope, and this proved difficult on JN. (The bar pressure is also a little higher, which I personally like, on the Primadonna over the Waroo).
Whilst there is the option of a DaVinci on a different bar, Clare has taken an interest in the new North Evo - which does look pretty funky. The only downside is that North must be the only manufacturer who we do not know anyone who works or rides for them. Any North dealers out there want to offer a deal? :)
(The Paris board looks nice too)

As for me - I decided on the last day that I really did need to knock out a few kiteloops before I got back. I had hoped to get out on the 9 again, but is simply wasn't windy enough, so the 13 would have to do.
I'm glad to report that even the larger kite loops very smoothly indeed - less 'yank' than the old kite and more of an elastic surge. I, being old and fragile like this a lot, but some die-hard C kiters maybe prefer the snappier delivery of the older kite. However, this was on a fairly big kite and I'm sure the 9 will be a bit more brutal in it's delivery.
There are two sides to this though.. you can be lulled into a false sense of ability and talent and be convinced that you are Ruben Lenten. In this case, the kite will still make it perfectly clear that this isn't the case and dish out a good spanking.

Well.. it's now time to pack up and go home. It's been a fab trip and the wind has been good for us throughout the whole two weeks. I would wholly recommend Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding if you are thinking of coming out here - they can hook you up with accomodation and the instructors and general atmosphere are really good. They are also positioned on the best bit of the beach.

I'm very happy with my new kites. It's true than JN's first lady has become softer with age, but the performance is still on hand when you need it. As a freeride,freestyle and wave kite it works really well. Other kites may have more ability in one particular area, but the Primadonna2 seems to cover all bases pretty well.

Camber Sands just isn't going to feel the same.....

(Watched the new Ben Wilson DVD last night - why are there no waves in Kent?)