Power Kite Forum

Flew my first Kite yesterday!

SandMan2 - 15-4-2008 at 08:43 PM

I tried out my Beamer 3.0 yesterday in Vacaville, CA. This was the first time I've flown a power kite. The wind was kicking pretty good, about 15 mph + gusts.

The first time I put the kite up, it dragged me about 30 feet across the soccer field I was sitting on. Straight up to zenith, it was really cool. Every time I brought it down into the power zone, it would either pull me off my feet, or drag me, which was a huge rush since I've never done this before. I even got about 5 feet off the ground by accident with a couple of gusts. Today I'm all banged up and bruised from falling and letting myself be dragged across the field. I've got a bunch of rug burn looking marks on my arms. But it was fun!!

Today there wasn't any wind today though, unfortunately. How windy does it need to be to get the kite up?

SCREWYFITS - 15-4-2008 at 09:19 PM

Sandman

Congrats... ;-) Great to hear you made it out alive...:o
Its a blast... ain't it?

Probably 8 mph or higher should be good. I think 5 mph would be absolute minimum...

Screwy

strictlycarved - 15-4-2008 at 09:59 PM

awesome dude kites are great sounds like your hooked.

SandMan2 - 15-4-2008 at 10:09 PM

Yeah, but after the wind died down I kind of wish I'd gotten a bigger kite so it would pull even in lighter winds...

DAKITEZ - 15-4-2008 at 11:32 PM

He just got his kite and flew it once and already realizes one kite is not enough :lol::lol:

BeamerBob - 16-4-2008 at 02:44 AM

Welcome to the forum and the sport. You didn't make a mistake at all. Like dlish said, you just realized early on that you will need another kite or 5. :yes: If you bought a larger kite instead, what will you do when the wind is at 20 mph? You need a variety of sizes to be able to take advantage of the wind conditions you are dealt. You made a great first kite choice.

WELDNGOD - 16-4-2008 at 04:29 AM

I got some scissors:lol: you know,if ya need em:frog:

Lobo - 16-4-2008 at 07:18 AM

Oh No! Poor guy! :P:o:P Sharpen 'em up Weldngod! :smilegrin:

Lobo :singing:

KiteProject - 16-4-2008 at 07:54 AM

Careful what you wish for. Before you know it, you'll have a quiver of power kites.

Welcome to the sport!

Quote:
Originally posted by SandMan2
Yeah, but after the wind died down I kind of wish I'd gotten a bigger kite so it would pull even in lighter winds...

BeamerBob - 16-4-2008 at 08:09 AM

You could feel sorry for Airhunter as well. He is in the same predicament. He flew my Beamer and while he was saving his money, he spent several hours flying a Blade IV 4.9 and a 6.5. He hasn't even ordered his first 4 line kite yet and already NEEDS a Blade. He was trying to figure out which one he needed and I let him know his problem wasn't "which one" but which one first.

Bladerunner - 16-4-2008 at 08:58 AM

If you are going to allow yourself to get tossed around like that Please PLEASE wear a helmet !!

Also please watch out for people and things downwind. A mishap can reflect on kiting for ALL of us.

With your attitude you will be getting good fast ! Assuming you remain uninjured !

HAVE FUN !!!



Quote:
Originally posted by SandMan2

The first time I put the kite up, it dragged me about 30 feet across the soccer field I was sitting on. Straight up to zenith, it was really cool. Every time I brought it down into the power zone, it would either pull me off my feet, or drag me, which was a huge rush since I've never done this before. I even got about 5 feet off the ground by accident with a couple of gusts. Today I'm all banged up and bruised from falling and letting myself be dragged across the field. I've got a bunch of rug burn looking marks on my arms. But it was fun!!

SandMan2 - 16-4-2008 at 01:01 PM

I will probably put on a helmet when I get a bigger kite...for now I can keep my head off the ground.

Bladerunner - 16-4-2008 at 02:14 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by SandMan2
I will probably put on a helmet when I get a bigger kite...for now I can keep my head off the ground.


:wow: Famous last words !!!!

kiteNH - 16-4-2008 at 02:23 PM

A gust lifted me up on my 3m Beamer this winter and I hit the back of my head off of the ground very hard. I was lucky that I had a winter hat on and that there was snow on the ground. It happened so fast that I was in the air before I even could react and let go (I was wearing kite killers). I now wear a helmet flying static whenever I'm powered up enough to scud get pulled around at all. So basically all of the time.

Great advice Bladerunner!:thumbup:

kitemaker4 - 16-4-2008 at 02:34 PM

A helmet in all wind conditons is a must. Elbow and knee pads would be good too.

Stay safe and do not over estimate the power of the wind. It only takes one time and then it is too late.

Susan (npw goddess)

SandMan2 - 16-4-2008 at 06:27 PM

I guess it's sort of like a motorcyclist saying "I don't need a helmet" :ticking:

Does anyone have a good suggestion for a second power kite?
I'd like something that will lift me up in lower winds. Maybe a Crossfire or Blade? What size should I get?? I'd like something that's strong in 10 mph winds and I can get towed around on and do some jumping.

Bladerunner - 16-4-2008 at 07:57 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by SandMan2

Does anyone have a good suggestion for a second power kite?


YES ! for you second power kite I suggest a protec or preditor HELMET :singing:

BeamerBob - 17-4-2008 at 02:53 AM

AFTER you get that helmet, my blade 6.5 is just starting to lift me at 8-10 mph with regularity. At 12 you can go big. I'm 235 lbs too. My Crossfire needs about 2 mph more wind to have similar lift. At 17 the CF will start lofting and I just don't get the Blade out that fast.

WELDNGOD - 17-4-2008 at 04:58 AM

Dude get a lid now not when you get a bigger kite!I have a 2.0 ACE that will fling:o you like a rag doll in 20+, don't ever think because they are small they are less dangerous:wow:.Small kites can travel lightning quick and generate lots of pull by doing so.You should always wear a lid. Do you have health insurance? You will use at least once due to kiting. Life insurance?might wanna get some, you being all lidless and such.But don't say anything bout this kiting thing, the agent would probably flip his lid!:lol:

tridude - 17-4-2008 at 05:33 AM

smaller=faster=trouble quicker

Not too sound cosmic but the two most powerful resources on good ole mother earth are water and wind. Never disrespect either or you will pay.............

Dax - 17-4-2008 at 05:45 AM

Yep, I had my Beamer 3.0 out in 14 mph winds last weekend - lots of respect for that kite. It gets fast as heck, snatchy, and VERY powerful. Get some safety gear!

SandMan2 - 17-4-2008 at 06:40 AM

I'm in the military so I am covered for health and disability and all of that stuff. But we're talking about the beamer here, I'm not going to get dragged off a cliff by this thing, come'on guys.

tridude - 17-4-2008 at 06:53 AM

In the military, then you should be aware of "line of duty" determination. What if Uncle Sugar determines that if you had a helmet or knee pads on you would not have a concussion of torn MCL? This could make you liable and therefore pay part or all of the hospital bill. I forgot to mention......... USAF retired......26 years. Again, these sails can apply a can of whoop and the smaller ones do it quickly with little or no warning. Just looking out for ya..................:thumbup:

KiteProject - 17-4-2008 at 03:08 PM

Before my kiting fun, wind and water were enjoyed from a distance and a good heavy coat took care of windy conditions. I didn't learn about the power of either until I started kiting. Nature, wind and water, must be respected. They are extremely powerful and human body not as tough but rather fragile. Luckily, I have no broken bones so far -- knock on wood -- but I did come close.

Oh and one more thing: good ones make it all look very easy.


Quote:
Originally posted by tridude
Not too sound cosmic but the two most powerful resources on good ole mother earth are water and wind. Never disrespect either or you will pay.............

WELDNGOD - 17-4-2008 at 03:36 PM

Hey sandman2, we ain't tryin to dis you. We just care about the folks who get into this sport,and don't want to see ya hurt.A few uof us have been flying a while, and have experienced the unpredictability of the wind.Even small sails can loft you higher than you would want to be, but they aren't very lofty,they will drop you like a rock!:o all it would take, is say one of those gusts from infinity to get ya.... Lets just say you won't even have time to let go,bam..... Thats why we push helmets ( and the use of stats on injury from kiting as fodder to help ban it). If ya want to fly in some high (30+) get a small (less than 2m) foil,it'll teach ya to fool around with mother nature. I use the flexi sting 1.7(wifes) when the wind is crazy , all I can say is it's like havin a demon escaped from hell, on the end of four lines!! Don't blink! I had no idea a piece of fabric could move so fast:wow: have fun,;-)be safe

SandMan2 - 17-4-2008 at 03:53 PM

I appreciate all the help. I'm really enjoying my Beamer 3.0, with 15 mph winds it scuds me across the grass every time it goes into the power zone. I called the owner of windpowersports.com today to ask about buying the Blade 6.5 for jumping. The owner totally freaked out and said he wouldn't sell it to me, no way. He said jumping is a sure way to get hurt, and you will get hurt, it's just a matter of time. So I am trying to redirect myself toward a second kite that isn't going to get me killed. I like the idea of jumping but not if it's really that dangerous. Any suggestions on a second kite?

Bladerunner - 17-4-2008 at 04:11 PM

The fellow that wouldn't sell you the kite was right and also a bit wrong.

The 6.5 Blade is an awsome kite for jumping but at the same time an awfully dangerous one in beginers hands. Jumping IS and can be dangerous but you can get away with ( and feel more confident with) a LOT more if you are padded up properly. I give the retailer HIGH MARKS for not just selling a kite :thumbup: :thumbup:

Don't be in a HUGE rush to go out and buy that second kite. Trip on down to Ocean Beach and hook up with the boys. Try their kites and get their advice. Sthrasher has a 6.5 Blade you may be able to " try before you buy " ! ?

Learn to fly that Beamer without even looking at it for long periods of time. It will fly in almost NO wind. The trick with low wind is to never stop the kite from moving ( speed = apparent wind = Power ) + don't fly it very far left and right because your wind window will be small. Once you have the SKILLS a 6.5 Blade is a kite you will like !

Why not a 4.9 ???? The smaller the kite the larger the wind range!

DAKITEZ - 17-4-2008 at 04:35 PM

:thumbup::thumbup: to Corey for saying no on the sale. Would we expect anything less ?

BeamerBob - 17-4-2008 at 06:22 PM

I had flown hours and hours for 10 months before I even tried a blade. I had the 5m Crossfire (not a toy) for 6 months and a 6m Pansh ace, and a 5m Pansh Blaze before that, before I tried a blade. At that point I was ready for both a blade and some careful jumping. I'm still timid about how much wind I take it (or the Crossfire for that matter) out in. When you are ready, a blade is a fantastic piece of engineering. You will appreciate it soon but you should have quite a bit of experience before you get one because you need to get spanked a few times by the Beamer to learn what a kite can do to you. After that, your respect level should be dialed in ok. My cousin airhunter spent hours with acampbells 4.9 Blade IV and my 6.5 last week. He flew them in winds that were safe enough to let a novice fly in. He is not a novice, he has years of practice with 2.8 symphony and has been dragged on his belly a time or two. We let a guy fly the 4.9 that had been flying an extreme 2 line trainer down the beach. Someone that has flown something before can fly a 4.9 or the 6.5 in 6 mph coastal winds without any real risk with kite killers if an experienced flier helps decide it is ok to do so. But if you have one on your own, you might not make the correct judgement and hurt yourself, someone else, or worst of all the kite! (just kidding) :saint: Enjoy the Beamer for awhile, let the wife see you having healthy fun with it, and maybe you can pick up another kite or two for birthdays, Christmas and such. Maybe even some in between.

WELDNGOD - 17-4-2008 at 06:25 PM

nice one beamerbob, I got 4 more to goto freestyler

BeamerBob - 17-4-2008 at 06:33 PM

you can do that before bedtime! :thumbup:

SandMan2 - 17-4-2008 at 06:35 PM

Okay, I've thought about it for a while, and I think I'm going to purchase the Blade 8.5.

Just kidding, but really, I'd like to order a second, larger kite now. Any safe suggestions? I've already been spanked and bruised by the beamer in 20 mph winds, but I still think I can handle something bigger.

WELDNGOD - 17-4-2008 at 06:35 PM

yeah, but then it's a long haul to 500

WELDNGOD - 17-4-2008 at 06:37 PM

Sandman what is it you want to do ? jumping? buggy? board ? static?

tridude - 17-4-2008 at 07:07 PM

Fly the heck out of that Beamer and get some more handle time. When you feel comfy (be honest with yourself realizing the potential results if your not), save some bucks, and THEN go for the Blade.

Bladerunner - 17-4-2008 at 08:19 PM

Learn how to get lifted PROPERLY with the Beamer. It will take some time. You are rushing to a bigger kite but I expect you don't really know how to control the kite for a proper jump . MORE IMPORTANT I'll bet you don't know how and when to redirect the kite in order to land NOT crash to the ground.

Meet up with the boys !!! Let them show you how to do these things right ! You won't regret it !

We appreciate your enthusiasm but we want you to learn things the RIGHT way !

The 1st thing you need to learn to not go crazy as a kiter is how to wait !!!!

Bladerunner - 17-4-2008 at 08:23 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by WELDNGOD
Sandman what is it you want to do ? jumping? buggy? board ? static?


Die an early death or avoid combat ? :wink2:

PHREERIDER - 17-4-2008 at 09:49 PM

sandman... the elements offer this freeride. IT is truly beautiful when you ride with mother nature. It is the sweetest power.
enjoy and respect this freedom.


your body needs time to build reflexes that will make flying and riding near efforotless and the next level will arrive to build on the solid balance you have with wind and rig.

be ready for a lesson everytime! sometimes the penalty for not paying attention is high!

enjoy SANDMAN

flexiblade - 18-4-2008 at 11:42 PM

I know the feeling that you have right now - I WANT MORE AND I WANT IT NOW!!! Don't worry you'll get there - but there's no real rush. You should definitely come down to Ocean Beach - this weekend is going to be a bit sketchy though 30+ winds - I will be flying my 2.3m Firebee and most likely be scared as hell - but that's half the fun - the other half of the fun is being in control of a great deal of power and to be able to turn it off and and on at will - most importantly to have the experience to know what to do when something goes wrong. I suffered a concussion last summer out at the Sod Farm in Davis flying the 2.3 - lucky I was wearing a helmet or I most likely would have been dead. Having insurance doesn't stop you from getting killed. Think about coming down to OB on the 26th - there should be at least 5 kiters that I know there with a huge range of kites that they would have no problem in letting you try out. Keep it safe and see you at the beach.