How Windsurfing fins work pt. 2: the kite conundrum!

[keycocker]

The top speed records on kites are higher than windsurfers at the same events. The kite boards are often very close to usual kiteboards, but use very short fins.
Part of the advantage comes from their ability to go in shallow smoother water than a windsurfer or racing kiteboard with longer fins.

I have been watching the development by Eric Beale of new speed boards that look like a cross between a kiteboard and a windsurfer.
They rail down to sail or waterstart like a KB then go flat when you pick up speed and only need the little fins.
The back of the board is thin like a kiteboard. It is flexible enough to have a screw type adjuster to change the tail rocker.

He showed them at Luderitz Speed last month, along with revolutionary fins of an entirely new design in windsurfing.

[skyking1231]

Kites hold the speed record because the way they setup the course. On a broad reach or off the wind. And kites have a crapload of sail/kite area. And sail area downwind mean horsepower.....which means speed. Which is why I don't like the way they do speed records. It should be sail from pt A to pt B....and then back. Kind of like land speed records. Otherwise the next hurricane that come by me.....I'll throw up a bed sheet and stand on a 2x4...and I bet you I will break the 80mph mark no problem. I will be totally out of control....but who cares.....I go down in the record books !

[keycocker]

That would mean you could win every race of any kind with a huge sail.

Doesnt get up to speed when you are swimming in a few seconds.

Speed contests like Luderitz are point a to b events already so you get your wish.

GPS contests let everyone choose their own point of sail.

[skyking1231]

they go point a to b.....but not point b to a. If you did the average of the two...i don't think kites would be the record holder...they will be close...n0t even sure if windsurfers would hold the record.