OregonFlyer - 15-10-2006 at 09:52 AM
Stupid question I think. Does any one ever fly in the rain? No thunderstorms but light showers or drizzle.
Thanks
khooke - 15-10-2006 at 10:28 AM
I have done in the past - my Skytiger 40 will fly in a good wind even when its soaking wet. Not sure if its good for the fabric or not (would it
stretch when wet? not sure)
Bucky - 15-10-2006 at 07:28 PM
Ah yes!! The Oregon state bird..... RAIN...
We can't seem to get away from that stuff, hence the motto "If youcan't figure out how to do it in the rain, It doesn't get done much in Oregon"
Well, the answer is YES!!!! sort of....
I have a 3m Radsail foil thats my "winter storm" kite. It's been modified especially for the purposes of flying in otherwise unflyable weather.
First, I melted small drain holes in the bottom of each cell to allow water drain out, as it will accumulate fairly rapidly.
Next, I went to marine supply store and got a couple of quarts of "sailboat sail waterproofing" It won't harm the nylon at all, and will make it
waterproof. You simply get a 5 gallon bucket, stuff the kite (it must be dry at the time) and lines in it, pour the water proofing over it all.
After marinading for about an hour, take it out and hang dry it in a dry location ( have lots of ventalation, because it will stink like kerosine
while it drys.) After it's completely dry, it should be waterproofed for the season. The company guarantees that it won't harm the nylon in any
way, and it actually helps reduce air porosity, making it fly better.
Finally, I use REALLY short lines (ten feet, or less) to reduce the overall speed of the kite. And it reduces the ability of the kite to accidentaly
lift you up too high.
And TADAAA!!!!! You have a kite suitable for buggying in the nasty winter weather we have sometimes here in Oregon. (Goggles, a wetsuit under your
clothes, and a stocking cap to keep the sand out of your ears, is also a really good idea)
Now understand, here in Oregon, we frequently have big storms without any risk of lightning. You should never fly in lightning.
CyberMuZ - 16-10-2006 at 04:13 PM
I have flown in light rain. Unfortunately I can honestly say I have flown in a full blown monsoon. Rain going sideways, 50+mph winds, lightning etc
etc etc. That was a definate challenge. Let me tell you, that was not my shining moment. I don't recommend it.
After watching the Mythbusters episode on Benjamin Franklin and his kite all I could say was "Damn was I lucky that day!"
DON321 - 16-10-2006 at 07:31 PM
the beach winds are usually a bit wet from heavy fog and we fly in it until the sun goes down , just make sure you dry the kite out well before
packing it up, i have tried scotchgaurd on my kites and it seems to help a bit, i have flown in the rain with a twinskin kite and it was actually
okay, just hurts a bit when you get moving, the rain drops beat on your face and it starts to burn a wee bit....but hey rain or shine the buggy
addiction dosent go away....