Mast length for winging Floras Lake

windpig · Since 28 Aug 2008 277 Posts Obsessed

I'm thinking about getting some Floras Lake wing days in next month. I kite foiled there last year with a 92cm mast and it was okay, but had to wade out pretty far. I'm assuming wing will need even a little more space for a white belt like myself. Any thoughts on if an 82cm will be short enough? 72cm seems too short, but I am a wing noob (kiting for 22 years though). I don't really want to buy another mast just for a couple of days at Floras Lake, but I could talk myself into needing for SPI later on...

Blazeheliski · Since 30 Mar 2011 657 Posts Mosier Addicted

If you launch near the school rather than the beach, the water is deep enough about 10 yards out. At least that where it worked for me with a 95 cm mast last summer. I was a "whitebelt" back then also. Very Happy

The problem with the longer mast is that you can only go about 3/4 across before it get shallow again. So it forces you to work on your turns.

Marmot · Since 08 Aug 2007 106 Posts Lyle, WA Stoked

I've used a 95cm and am also a white belt. As stated by Blaze, just stay downwind of the school and away from the edges. It's best to stay away from the kiters, anyway.

Windian · Since 28 Apr 2008 889 Posts Newport, OR NEWPORT OG

Foiling at Floras Lake has another issue beyond the shallow water. The seaweed grows very quickly and gets really thick in summer with the warm water and sunshine. It can make foiling almost impossible if you find yourself stuck in a part of the lake where it is thick. Crying or Very sad

mikeinhoodriver · Since 23 Apr 2009 422 Posts down wind somewhere Obsessed

How do you get down to the school area? Just walk your rigging down the lake edge from the day use area at the north end? Or do you start there and work your way downwind?

windpig · Since 28 Aug 2008 277 Posts Obsessed

Thanks for the replies! The green area is where I kited last year and it was pretty good on a 92cm. I was thinking I'd be sinking the mast a little more on a wing though. I'll give it a go with what I have! Wish me luck!