Power Kite Forum

Scudding - ???

dangerdan - 3-10-2013 at 07:00 PM

Let me start this post with the following. I weigh 300LBS, most of which is not muscle and I flew my TENSOR 4.2 Prism PowerKite in winds that were considered exesssive. The kite went staight up, I got pickup by at least one foot and placed 3 feet from my original position. When they advertized a "strong pull" for this kite, they weren't kidding. This sudden gust came so fast, I froze and hung on for dear life. I talked to someone about this and he advised me to use the kite killers immediately and not to play in strong winds.
Here is my question: Is there a technique that could have been used to prevent the kite from going up so fast as I want to try scudding ?

John Holgate - 3-10-2013 at 08:30 PM

Try a side launch....



Although I'd have to say that it sounds like you're taking on conditions that you're not really ready for....

As for scudding - the beach is the best spot. Sand is consistent and smooth to slide through. Grass can be patchy and I found that I'd scud a little, then abruptly stop, slip, stop etc, so I tend not to scud on grass anymore as the bod aint as flexible as it used to be! If you try it, good boots with excellent ankle support are recommended.

macboy - 3-10-2013 at 08:54 PM

Brings back many memories....many, many, many memories. Of POP BOTTLE SHOES! :lol:

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=7951#pid576...

Quote: Originally posted by Pablo  
Option #2 is the pop bottle scudd shoes, take two 2 litre pop bottles, cut holes out of the sides towards the bottom big enough for your feet to fit in, wear them like slippers, should be sliding no problem.

dangerdan - 4-10-2013 at 09:27 AM

Thanks John that was a great video. Looks like I need lots practice.
As for pop bottle shoes, (LOL) I think I may check out the teflon pads that curlers use on their shoes as they slide down the ice

Demoknight - 4-10-2013 at 03:28 PM

Yeah not to sound like a puss, but you were flying in WAY too high wind if you are that big a boy and a 4.2 lofted you. That is when you set down and put up a smaller wing. The Tensor is not a lofty kite, but if you don't respect it, you get spanked. You were lucky not to snap an ankle. Try lighter wind and send the kite in horizontal passes from left to right and back again if you want to scud. Flying the kite straight up in the middle of the window will produce a lot of lift. That is one method kite jumpers use.