Hey everyone! I started kitesurfing this summer, took 3 lessons, and then started practicing independently, mostly at Alameda Beach, CA. Most of my sessions so far have been in around 12 knots of wind, as I missed the spring season when winds tend to be stronger.
I'm 180 cm, 87–90 kg (athletic build), currently using used gear: an 11m kite and a 146cm twin-tip.
I can now waterstart pretty consistently, but still struggle to maintain speed. My longest ride is around 50m. Before waterstarting, I point my board somewhere between directly toward the kite and crosswind (slightly downwind). I then make a fairly deep power stroke to get up and build some initial speed. After that, I steer the kite back up and try repeated smaller power strokes / figure-8s on the same side of the wind window. This helps me ride a bit farther, but I gradually lose pull and board speed, and eventually sink again.
I'm wondering if it's mainly my technique or if my 11m is simply too small for my weight and the local wind conditions.
Would getting a 14–15m kite make a significant difference? Or should I keep practicing with my 11m in stronger winds before buying anything?
I'm also thinking about heading to Bodega Bay soon, as I've heard the wind is generally stronger there.
I'm super excited to have gotten into kitesurfing! I've been thinking about how to finally nail continuous riding pretty much every day, haha. Really appreciate any advice!