Why does my kite fold...and other newbie questions

[rider1200]

I showed up at Seneca at 3:30pm today to bright sun and a decent wind. I felt bad for the guys that sat around in 5 hours of rain for a minute then I got out a 12 meter Waroo. I attached the back lines of the bar to the most depowered knot on the kite...I was by myself and making sure I didn't get dragged into the splashpark ruining the spot for the rest of you guys!

So I was terribly underpowered but I didn't mind b/c it was my 1st time out w/o instruction. The wind picked up at times and I started looping the kite to get enough power to stay up. The problem was when the kite picked up enough speed the front middle would fold the wrong way shaping the kite like a W...I'd lose power for a second then it'd pop back to the right shape and be fine.

Earlier I dropped the kite in the seaweed that had blown into shore, that and some sand made the pullies work sketchy at best. I'm also have trouble figuring out how much air to put in the bladders...I don't think I had enough in. So was it the air, the pullies, or a product of the lines; the lines were from a 15m Waroo I bought off ebay and again were attached to the most depowered knot.

If you're reading this David L its the blue kite you sold me last year at the State Park...I'm guessing you'd be the perfect person to ask but I lost your number. Thanks to anyone with suggestions though.

I had trouble with the kite going through the wind window too quickly as well but I'm assuming that had to do with being underpowered.

I might try to hit Durand with a 15m tomorrow (Sun) if the 15mph West wind stays true! I worry it'll be crowded though.

Brent

[kelshipman]

Hey Brent,

Sorry I couldnt answer your phone call earlier sat. In general, you are ok to launch and fly your kite in the sandy area to the East of the swim area - just do not get close to the swim area or any civilian. You know how it goes - one accident and we are banned from the park forever.

As to your kite inverting - 90% of the time that is from underinflation. Generally you should pump up your leading edge of the kite to the same firmness of a fake boob. If you havent felt a fake boob - this is your chance to go ask a woman who you suspect has them if she wouldnt mind letting you feel them. Just say you are a new kiteboarder and you need the comparision. They are usually used to this and more than willing to help out kiteboarders. Its one of the perks of kiteboarding.

If your kite isnt a one-pump (struts filled by the leading edge) then you need to make sure the struts are also about that same firmness - not as much though - they should be just a little softer.

If you get a pump with a guage - some kites recommend 4 1/2 to 5 lbs - others 6 to 7. Check the forums.

The other 10% of inversion can come from extremely high wind gust or really squirly air. Bridle problems could also cause it so if you have sand in the pulleys - walk the kite into the water and clean it out before you fly it. (helps if you have a second person)

Hope you still had a good day!

kel

[flashpipe]

Brent,

Sorry I wasn't able to come out & play. Family stuff came up.

I would've been able to help with the folding question (inflation) as I've encountered that myself. Especially after the kite hits the water once, the cold temperature can cause it to deflate just enough to lose the stiffness you need for good performance.

Glad you were able to get out and play...hope you got out Sunday...seemed like great conditions then as well...

Maybe next time...

[rider1200]

Thanks Brian & Kel! I'm sure underinflation was the main problem and then the pulleys prob made it worse. I can fix those problems, I was just worried it could have to do with the lines being setup for a 15m instead of a 12m. I will plan for lunch at the Kat tomorrow for research!
I still had fun though and gained some confidence...I also learned never to drag the kite or lines through seaweed...that took an hour of decent wind from me! I'm hooked though and can't wait for next time.

Brian (Flashpipe) is headed to Durand right now for anyone who can get out of work. I'm stuck here dreaming of fake boobs--uh, er, kiting.

[Windydoug]

Props to the kite guys for a humorous and informative thread.
Good laughs Kel.
Windydoug

[mikeyz]

I think the kite just needs a viagra.

Hey Doug, tell us about yesterday.

[Windydoug]

Just put up an EBay post......
WD

[edg]

Jul 13, 2009 9:27:34 GMT -5 kelshipman said:

If you get a pump with a guage - some kites recommend 4 1/2 to 5 lbs - others 6 to 7. Check the forums.

I always tap my finger on the leading edge until it pings. Around 8-10 lbs because when the kite is in the water, the water temp affect the air pressure and allows it to fold.
I would never fly a kite with less than 8lbs, not that I use a gauge every time

ED