BRM Cloud 17m ?

[FlyKiteSurf]

New forum member, living in Monterey and kiting Parks, primarily at Scotts/Waddell.

I also surf and paraglide a lot within Monterey Bay, and as a result often find myself looking at good/decent surf with wind dead onshore from 8-16kts.

Recently acquired a 17m Maui Board Riding Cloud to attempt to make use of conditions nearer my home. i've had it out twice in onshore conditions with what would have been decent surf...if i could have stayed upwind. i'm a competent kiter, 6'2, 185lbs, used a 6'0 naish global both times.

both experiences were quite frustrating, and then the wind died.

wondering if any Cloud riders, especially of the 17m size, have anything to say about it in waves and onshore winds? i know the global is not a lightwind board. i am in the process of shaping a 5'10 paulownia wood alaia.

hoping the 17m Cloud can go in the surf, as i've never been particularly interested in flat water.

thanks,

michael

[demo243]

Light wind and "decent" waves is always going to be tough, especially if it is directly onshore. There is just too much water moving around, and if the wind is directly onshore, then it is blowing the same direction as the waves are moving water making it "less windy" since the wind and current are going the same direction.

As you mention, the global is not a light wind board since it has some decent rocker to it. A flatter bigger board should definitely help, but its still going to be tough.

Let me know how that alaia works out! I just shaped a 5'4" alaia out of poplar. It was supposed to be 6' but I had a bad joint at the end of the plank and ended up just chopping the top off and making it shorter. Its 5'4" x 19" at its widest and 16" or so at its narrowest. Since it is made from poplar... which isnt exactly water friendly... I am planning on tossing a layer of 4oz glass on the top and bottom with epoxy resin. I was originally planning on using it only for surfing... but given its size I have a feeling I will end up kiting it more then surfing it. Might even drill some holes to mount some small fins on it- like Twin Tip fins just to give it a bit of bit without slowing it down.

[Aloha]

Sounds fun mate but remember as mentioned above in direct on-shore wind the wavespeed can quickly make your apparent kite wind close to zero especially in lulls (be careful). I sometimes take an 18m out here locally at a beach in SF with a skimboard on a sunny warm day but I wouldn't risk dropping into the break in those conditions... Good luck with the Cloud there seems to be a few guys on here that are stoked about it

[Nxnwsurfer]

I rode my 17m BRM in onshore so cal slop this past summer (staffed on project down there for summer). I'd usually bring 2 boards with larger being standard surfboard fish and other being caution 5'10 trespass . Bigger board tends to do the trick in light winds and was always my go to.

[FlyKiteSurf]

thanks for the responses. i'd been quite frustrated by being so close to quite good surf at moss landing, and unable to get on it. two experiences of everything i've hated most about light wind kiting.

hoping the alaia i'm about to oil up will open things up for small surf, as well as the slingshot dialer fish shape coming in the mail.

for those that kite the 17m Cloud: what is (are) the sweet spot(s) you've found for kiting it beyond lawn mowing in flat water?

thanks again,

michael.

[dwaynej]

I have the Cloud 17 and primary focus was just to get me out on the water in light conditions. Big board and light winds and its a fun session extending kite. Light winds and surf and you risk ending up with a trash bag.

[More Waves Please]

Hey Michael,

I split time between Monterey & Half Moon Bay. Been kiting since 1999. Sorry to say it, but you're seeing the serious frustration of a Monterey-based kiter. The stretch between Seaside & Moss Landing (really, all the way to Aptos) does get pretty decent wind, but it's pretty much straight on-shore. If there's any swell at all, the shore break is very crunchy, too. There are 4 or 5 local kiters, and we've all tried to work that stretch of coast. The only way it really works is with storm-driven southerly winds. Otherwise, most of us end up north of Santa Cruz.

There are a few other places around Monterey that can work from time to time, but you really need to be on it. Check your PM's here for a a note from me. Let's continue the discussion off-line. Sorry everyone - even though I spend more time kiting these days, I'm still a surfer a heart. No spot burning on a public forum, you know ;)

[demo243]

Post some shots of that Alaia! Would love to see it.

I just resined in a Leash plug on mine. Now need to find someone to glass it for me since I dont really feel like doing it myself.

[knyfe]

I go camping with the fam at sunset SB quite often and the only thing which works for me is my old C 16 but its tacky in waves as its actually way to slow.

So if this is not your issue you are already good with your kite. Try the north nugget for surf and light wind. Heard good stories form that for light wind and small waves.

G

[kochease]

Blade 17m Fat Lady is super fun and great for lightwind. good in surf and kiteloops very well. I'm happy. I have had friends try the cloud and they like my fat lady more... might be worth checking out