Power Kite Forum - Normal progression

Normal progression

brockrock1000 - 20-5-2016 at 04:42 PM

So, I'm wondering what the typical progression is for kiters here. I am 50 years old and have just gotten into power kiting. I now have the Flexifoil Rage kites 1.8 - 4.7 and enjoy static flying on beaches and large fields. I like the excersise, and with the several Rage sizes, I'm able to select one that will maximize the wind without being too much to control, and I push it pretty well, being dragged around and whatnot. Will I get bored with this at some point? I'm interested in personal stories of kiting progression.

Windstruck - 20-5-2016 at 05:52 PM

Quote: Originally posted by brockrock1000

So, I'm wondering what the typical progression is for kiters here. I am 50 years old and have just gotten into power kiting. I now have the Flexifoil Rage kites 1.8 - 4.7 and enjoy static flying on beaches and large fields. I like the excersise, and with the several Rage sizes, I'm able to select one that will maximize the wind without being too much to control, and I push it pretty well, being dragged around and whatnot. Will I get bored with this at some point? I'm interested in personal stories of kiting progression.

I saw a rage being flown for the first time by cerebite at IBX earlier this year. They really do look like a lot of fun to fly. Speaking just from my personal perspective I enjoyed flying various Prism kites (P-3, P-4, and P-5) for several years static, originally from two lines with wrist straps and holding on for dear life and then progressing to four line static from handles (the Prisms are sort of cool in that the bar can be split in two and made into two handles).

Here's the thing though; once I started moving under kite power about a year ago (first in the buggy, followed by skis, and now finally skates) I never had any real desire to fly static anymore. I still enjoy flying a couple of my NASA Stars static once in a while but really that's it.

Moving under kite power is really exciting (and sometimes dangerous) so it really grabs my attention.

ssayre - 20-5-2016 at 06:23 PM

I've been at it for a few years and the beginning learning stage was a lot of fun because you make huge leaps in progression in short periods of time. Now the progression comes slower but still very rewarding when it happens. 50 is the perfect age. I've decided I started 8-10 years too soon because family and work reasons make it hard to find time and make events.

abkayak - 20-5-2016 at 07:17 PM

Once you get in motion bug, board, water...static doesn't give you the kick it once did
So avoid that at all costs...or embrace it...either one

WELDNGOD - 20-5-2016 at 07:48 PM

BUGGY TIME!!!! BTW I'm 52

WELDNGOD - 20-5-2016 at 07:54 PM

here's my video progression over the last 5 yrs
. Enjoy https://vimeo.com/user2580342/videos

John Holgate - 20-5-2016 at 11:18 PM

As others have said, once you start moving in a buggy or on a board, static flying gets a bit.....well, not as exciting as it was. I love cruising up and down the beach in the buggy and look forward to the summer months and the onshore sea breezes. In the 50's also.

Windstruck - 21-5-2016 at 12:56 AM

Yipskippity. I turn 55 on May 28th. Just sayin.... :D

jeepersjoey - 21-5-2016 at 04:57 AM

I agree with all the previous posts.

I was 44 when I started (1.2m Prism power kite on the beach of Hawaii...I layed on my back because I thought straight overhead was the optimal position!)

Over the past four years I have made a conscience decision to take each step slow.

I want this Kite passion to continue into my seventies...I do not want to get bored with it while I am alive.

My progression was dual lines...then REVs (quad line)...then Power Kites...then buggies...now land sailers (just breaking the surface here).

Based on what I have heard from others...this is the normal progression. With the exception that some jump over the REV stage.

I think the REV stage is the most important. I can fly a Power Kite like a REV. If you do not know what this means...you will soon. I can fly in extremely light wind (0-3) and I can place the power kite anywhere in the sky and make it hover without power.

I think this ability is extremely important. I makes it so that you control the kite, not the other way around. When you get to this stage, you are no longer afraid of the kite size.

I remember I had the Prism Tensor 4.2. I thought it was a beast. It was almost too big. I got a few other kites (oddly...around the same size) and flew them for a few months. I went back to the Tensor and immediately realized it was a toy kite that I would never fly again. I sold for $100 to a friend (who thinks it is too big and never flies!).

I discovered the RAGE line and it all came together. I fly them almost exclusively now because they are exactly what I want them to be....solid, forgiving, powerful, disposable.

With that said, I am searching for the next stage...race kites. If you are unfamiliar, a race kite is "squirrelly fast". Your skills need to be such that you make decisions without even thinking. A race kite will get you into bad situations that rely on experience to get out of. A race kite, when paired with a buggy will get you to ludicrous speed in a blink of the eye.

My recommendation...fly static but search for a buggy. Assume $1000 for a buggy...which will hopefully take you a while to save...which will extend the time flying static. Buy a solid buggy (used) and do not use a strop for a while.

Within a year, go to Ivanpah for the April week. Your skills will multiply while there. Plus, you can fly your smallest kite and be just fine in your comfort zone.

Don't do what I did and go to 48 mph on your first real buggy ride. The kite slammed me into the ground...I still have nerve damage on my forearm from it.

Love the Rages. My 2.5m now has six rips (3-12" in length) that I keep repairing. The Ivanpah lake is brutal on kites...plus, I have a tendency to slam them into the ground while watching butterflies.

See you at Ivanpah, 2017!

Paul.

abkayak - 21-5-2016 at 05:49 AM

most of us are kinda old and replacing any # of things that were our adrenaline rush at some other time...most also know these kites are better and wished we started young
come hit Wildwood in the fall before you do Ivanpah...bring us some NEBCO beers :thumbup:

brockrock1000 - 21-5-2016 at 06:06 AM

Wow. Thanks for all of the awesome thoughts, advice, and info! I appreciate it!

I really enjoy static flying for multiple reasons, but two stand out. I love the scenery where I tend to fly (large open fields, sandy beaches), as I find these places to be very relaxing - even on a windy day. I also love the form of exercise that is achieved by static Power Kiting. It seems near, full-body on a good day, and I am finding it great for further developing a sense of strong physical agility. It always amazes me how at the end of a flight session, I look at the time to see that an hour or more has passed when it seemed like only twenty minutes or so...

I have several fairly large lakes near me that tend to freeze up pretty well during a good winter, and I am an avid skier. My path at this point will probably be to further develop my static kiting skills, and then hope for cold and snow this coming winter.

As far as buggy kiting goes, I have a lot of interest in this as well (especially after spending some time on this forum), but there are just not enough places near me to do this on a regular basis - that I have found anyway. For now, I will keep looking and honing my skills.

ssayre - 21-5-2016 at 06:18 AM

I sold all of my 4 line fixed bridles to fund kite powered motion activities but will buy more at some point. You can't beat them for a workout and fun static flying. This video was last summer.

abkayak - 21-5-2016 at 06:36 AM

if you do this right its not just full body workout but a full contact sport
ssayre lost his mind and sold out and now has fb remorse :D
imo you should always fly fb it makes you a better pilot...and definitely get a harness and strop in
dp seems right for standing motion (board,skis) but static or bug not so much...others my disagree
1000's of ways to have fun w/ wind...all of them are proper

3shot - 21-5-2016 at 07:11 AM

With a Rage quiver, you really should look into the kite buggy. Just about every town has some sort of soccer fields, etc. That's where most of us unfortunate souls are forced to ride until we can make national events. As far as progression, it all depends on the individual in my opinion. It's like anything else in life. Some people fall right into kite traction and progress super fast, and some more slowly. As long as YOU are having a good time, that's all that is important. If you can meet up with somebody else who kites, or make an event, you will learn more in a few days than a year learning by yourself. Age is irrelevant. I actually see more older people starting the buggy then younger chaps. At least it seems that way. You can make it as extreem or as docile as you like. Some like speed with the hair lit on fire, and some just cruise around like a Sunday drive.

Come on guys! He's circling the bait, almost time to set the hook :D. Someone get him in a buggy to try... STAT!

WELDNGOD - 21-5-2016 at 07:27 AM

Quote: Originally posted by jeepersjoey

I can place the power kite anywhere in the sky and make it hover without power.

You must have never flown a High AR race kite in high winds. They don't like that. At the windows edge ,yes . In the zone they come alive ,if you stall them they get really squirrely,tip tucking,spinning etc.
I do agree that a rev will make you better ,but lets keep it in perspective. Rages are a looong way away from a Combat ,Vapor yakuza etc..

southpadreburt - 21-5-2016 at 08:17 AM

I would suggest that some people love kites and enjoy flying and watching them. The revolution kites provide all the beauty and challenge that some require. Power kites however can be used as an engine for locomotion and provide the thrill or excitement that most of us are addicted to. I started when I was 60 and have not run out of interest or new challenges. Love the revolutions in low wind and have a large rev for the buggy. Love to kiteboard as many new skills are needed in addition to the kite skills. Using different kites with my buggy is an endless part of learning. Will be turning 70 this year and my new kite progression is mountain boarding. Don't worry about age, just try all the things you can and don't worry about running out of enjoyable kite experiences.