Power Kite Forum

Dirty. Dirty dirty dirty.

macboy - 8-10-2008 at 08:07 PM

I hope RevPaul had a better night at the rugby field. The good side of my field was overrun with soccer players so I had to hit the swirly-over-the-trees stretch and what a mess. I still worked up a sweat but a good deal of it was due to fear ; )

So really guys, all you out there that fly in steady clean winds - NEVER take them for granted. We were 22km gusting to 35km today and lulling to ZERO. I was clipping across the field at what I'd guess to be 30km forward speed and the kite literally flattened as if a vacuum had just sucked all the air out of it, the lower tip flipped up towards me so the kite was effectively laying on it's back, 20 yards off the ground. This only lasted a split second mind you, the upper tip peeked over, opening the LE at which point the kite popped back to life as if someone had changed the channels and the kite roared so hard that the handles launched out of my hands. Enjoy your clean winds - you're lucky, lucky kiters.

It'll never be bad enough to take away the enjoyment, but it sure keeps a guy on his toes. And knees, and back, and chest.......not the day to practice pendulum jumps with a 4.7m......I'll save that for the lake.

kitemaker4 - 8-10-2008 at 08:33 PM

That's why I fly nasa wings.

Susan (npw goddess) :eekdrull:

NPWfever - 8-10-2008 at 08:45 PM

Nasa wings scare me more in gusty winds, they start opening and closing, and loop and are hard to get back under control.

revpaul - 8-10-2008 at 08:51 PM

-no love for us. by the time i got out the wind (after howling all day at 35-60k/ph) decided it had enough:Ange09:. few passes on 3.8m Reactor then threw up the 7m Blurr for a spin (more to air dry it after sundays ride). Derek lost his cell phone and spent a lot of time walking around looking for it:no:.
-going to try a NPW someday.
Paul

lunchbox - 8-10-2008 at 09:15 PM

Yeah, I know what you mean Macboy....sounds like you had some crazy winds.

We should be getting some Santa Ana wind conditions here pretty soon which usually means very strong but also very gusty.

I used to live for those conditions but now that I got my bigger fixed bridles I'm really enjoying the lighter winds (6-12mph).

...Don't get me wrong though....nothing beats a good steady ocean breeze...I just wish I had it more than once a week :yes:

bbrex - 9-10-2008 at 04:14 AM

NPW's only open and close and pop when you don't have them set up properly. You have to fly them enough not to think about how to control them. I've never had them loop on me, except my .8m in 40 to 50 mph at NABX last year at Superior. It helps a lot to if your harnessed.

Brad

kitemaker4 - 9-10-2008 at 11:22 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by NPWfever
Nasa wings scare me more in gusty winds, they start opening and closing, and loop and are hard to get back under control.


Nick

Comments like yours just goes to show that you do not know how to fly a nasa wing properly. A little education goes a long way. All you need to do is ask.


Sounds like you need a lot more practice with the nasa wings. I never have that problem even flying in 40 to 50 mph winds. You have to remember that nasa wings need a lot of brake. Nasa wings have keep my safe in gusty winds now for over 3 years and that is why I fly them. I like them so much that I just picked up a 15 meter.

Susan (npw goddess):singing: