Power Kite Forum

A disappointing session

michael100385 - 6-5-2011 at 09:07 AM

Ok i bunked off work today "had a eye test" i really wanted to have a fly, i dont know if there just aint enough wind. getting of the ground was hard work then when i did manage to get if off the ground it went hard right then just folded and fell to the ground. Am i doing something wrong?, i cant say how much i want to learn and get good at this its just very disappointing at the moment, does anyone know of any lessons in the east of England. Ive got the 3m Cirrus power series kite, any info would be much appreciated.

Many thanks everyone.

indigo_wolf - 6-5-2011 at 09:35 AM

Make sure that there are no tangles in the bridle lines (the lines directly connected to the kite that you attach the 4 flying lines to).

For a 3 meter kites, you should be able to grasp the two power line leads and two brake line leads (do this indoors if it is windy) and the kite should hang with a natural curve.

Next make sure that all four flying lines (two power lines, two brake lines) are all the same length. If the kite is veering to the right, it could be that the right hand power line, left hand brake line, or some other combination is is shorter than the rest.

When you launch the kite make sure that you keep your arm movements minimal.

Pages 17 & 18 of the HQ Power Kite Manual has the basics of steering in words and pictures.

Hope that helps.

ATB,
Sam

markite - 6-5-2011 at 09:40 AM

it sounds like you just need a day out where others are flying, should be easy to find you a spot where others gather.(just realized we already discussed Cambridge UK)

Most new quad line fliers (and even 2 line foils) will launch the kite and do a big arc to one side or the other as they run forward and the kite will come down off to the side. So you are not alone. It doesn't take much to turn a kite so it's likely a small difference in the way you are holding the handles (haven't checked the kite to see if you are on handles). One handle tilted a little more with the top toward you is giving lift on that side of the kite - or one handle with the top pushed slightly away is either stalling or just not as much lift on that side of the kite - so it will fly off to the side until it gets to the edge and falls out of the sky.

(Sam's quicker - once again a post goes up as I'm typing)

WIllardTheGrey - 6-5-2011 at 11:02 AM

And his even has links and page numbers. I'm starting to wonder if he's part of google.

Cerebite - 6-5-2011 at 06:12 PM

LOL I just went through a similar issue with one of my line sets. For "some" reason the kite insisted on turning left/ CCW in stable flight. Finally I got frustrated and pulled the lines off of the handles and the kite and found that both of my port side [left] lines were ~2" shorted [they are replacements to the original set]. Once I equalized again the problem disappeared.

cheers

DAKITEZ - 6-5-2011 at 06:23 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by WIllardTheGrey
And his even has links and page numbers. I'm starting to wonder if he's part of google.


who needs a google when we have a indigo :thumbup:

Its funny because I was thinking of making a thread to this point, but it came up here so figured I would comment :lol:

Seanny - 6-5-2011 at 07:12 PM

Sam trips me out. I have no idea how he does this :lol: Maybe he's just REALLY good with the internet?

It doesn't look like there's anything new that can be added to this thread - it's been covered. I suppose this fits in with checking line lengths, but check that the knots on the pig tails are spaced the same distance apart.

It sounds to me like you're just holding the handles screwy, mate. I know it's tough to keep them exactly even, especially when it's pulling the top of the handles forward as hard as it can...

Hmmm. That makes me think of something. Are you right handed? You're probably just applying too much pressure with your strong arm to counter the pull of your kite. If there's no physical problem with your gear, give it another go. This time, ensure that you're holding them evenly, and if the kite starts to veer off to one side, apply a TOUCH of break on the opposite side and it should level itself out. Also, I strongly recommend a pair of gloves.

Instead of gripping the handles, try relaxing your hands and just hold them with your fingertips. I keep my four fingertips at the very top of the handles, with the top of my pointer finger pressed against the leader line closest to the grip, and my thumbs resting on top of the handles. This ensures that there is always tension in the front lines to reduce the chances of stalling, at it just feels more natural.

Good luck! Don't get frustrated. The moment you get the hang of it, everything will make sense and you'll just want more and more. :D

P.S., disappointing sessions are a part of learning. And even experienced riders will have them :) It just happens. Today, my kite was blown to within 10 feet of a busy highway when all of my safety releases failed and I had to disconnect completely. My fingers are sliced down to the bone from holding onto the lines, attempting to prevent utter disaster as the kite powered up and did death spins on the edge of the road. I superglued my fingers shut and it seems to be holding alright. I'm just glad my kite is okay :P

nocando - 7-5-2011 at 04:14 AM

Also it may be worth checking the lengths of the A, B and C bridles they could attribute to it with stretched bridle lines

Kamikuza - 7-5-2011 at 06:05 AM

"Eye test" ... that's a good one. "The dentist" is starting to get a bit worn out ... think I got a few more session in "The Immigration Department" though :lol:

nocando - 7-5-2011 at 04:58 PM

Also some people fly relaxed from shoulders down.

It may be a case of that, just being too tense and not relaxed in shoulders and arms, and cannot feel what kite is doing.

Also have noticed some newbies give themselves

WHITE KNUCKLE FEVER

from holding handles too tight

pyro22487 - 7-5-2011 at 07:51 PM

Its always good to have an experianced kiter on hand when learning to fly. Try finding some in your area. Good luck.