5/6/06 Skyline Waroo 16M

[Kenny]

I was surprised by how much snow is still left. There are some exposed areas on the north side of Bosco, but the south side is still covered. Rode up on the ridge. The ridge is well-covered with just a few bushes poking through in some areas.

Wind was gusty out of the southwest at 10 - 20. One other rider, Randy was flying a 12. All in all, it was a very pleasant afternoon. The best part was cleaning off the mud from Rush

[DeanDavis]

Kenny,

I have been thinking about getting a 16m Waroo but it seems like the jury is still out on its performance. I rode Jakes 9m in some gusty Rush winds but that is a whole different animal but I was impressed. Anyway I need to fill a huge hole in my quiver which as it stands is a 12m X2 and my 20m Rhino. Do you think the Waroo is a good kite to fill the hole. Note that I have been reluctant to get into the 5th line stuff. I know that seems pretty old fashion but 4 lines already seems like more than I want to deal with. The Waroo is still a 4 line, right?

Thanks,

Dean

[Kenny]

Dean,

I have taken the 16M Waroo out 6 or 7 times this spring. To date, it is the best kite I have ever flown. It turns as fast as an older 12M, yet it is stable and stays parked while riding. Kite loops are really easy because it will turn on a dime if you crank the bar. It is amazing in gusty conditions, I used to get "spanked" all the time by trying to ride a larger kite in inconsistent wind so that I could ride through the lulls. This would inevitably lead to getting blasted in the gusts. Not with the Waroo, it has a ton of range, I have used it comfortably in wind up to 23- 25 mph. It does have 4 lines, but because of the bridle system it is easy to relaunch on the water and the snow. I like the bar, it is simple and the depower strap works perfectly. I paid full price from Best as I recall is was around $1150 for the kite and bar.

Of course, you may not like it as much as I do. The nice thing is Jake will let you demo his 16 whenever you like. If I am out riding with you, you can try mine as well.

Kenny