When they say this or that arc is for land-use, do they only mean that due to the AR it's tougher to water-relaunch or do they mean it'll get water-logged and sink easier or ...?

... I need to get some practice in re-launching the arcs (when I can) and would appreciate some tips for how to practice that eg. how to put the kite on the ground without pranging it badly

Also - how to do the stylish carltb self-landing? I assume it's a back-stall to safety flag ...

ask flexiblade

From my experience - lacking that of the only land arc (scorp) - I would have to venture a land model would tend to be less lifty. They would still be able to lift you, but need more wind to do it in. I think that most of the later arcs - guerilla on - have very similar water relaunching abilities, or at least do well not getting water logged. And the last bit about self landing - I think you nailed it - for the larger kites - back stall the kite with the rear lines and then pull one side of the lines quickly towards you, will quickly render the kite harmless - unless your barehanded. A smaller arc is near impossible to backstall with the rear lines in decent winds. I will usually try and find something to hook the chicken loop on that is nice and stable, a good sized log with just the right nub. Then walk towards the kite slightly pulling on one of the rear lines until you get to the kite - grab one of the spars and then quickly walk to your bar and boom she's down and safe.

Hmm, which is odd cos the reviews I've read of the Scorp, comparing it to the Venom, describe at lifty jump machine with a huge wind window ...
Also, I'm keen for as much info as to the whys and wherefores of tweaking the internal straps too

The Phantom is also considered a "land" kite by many. Tridude has never had a land session with his and has 6-10 water sessions with it. That land-water designation has mostly to do with AR in that the long skinny kites might be more problematic to water relaunch. Truth is you will seldom have to water relaunch an arc but I've done it with my phantom even in my arc newbieness. So, those designations are only leanings and not absolutes and have nothing to do with their ability to float. If an arc is on the water for a little while it will take on some water. It just spills out the dirt=out after you relaunch.

with the kite at the zenith just unhook and let the leash catch on the flag line (front slide ring set up) and the kite falls directly down wind may twist a time or two but not that big a deal, then walk up to the kite and secure/reset.

with a back stall landing the mainline needs to long enough to stall out the kite (bar is pulled all the way in ,and the kite floats backwards) when the kite gets close to the ground turn it to the flag line side, unhook and release, then walk up the line and secure kite. kite will lay down like a launch in reverse right where you started.

back stall landing is only for light wind <15mph. too much wind kite won't staLL WITH BAR ONLY

That's how I figured it was done ...
You assuming it's a Zero4 bar with front line safety, Phree?

Phantom kicked my ass on the water good

What do you do when you are tuning the kite - what do you do with the bar, just drop it on the ground and run to the kite to secure the kite so you can fiddle? Or do you stake the bar or something?

Just stand there and keep tension on your flag line till the kite floats down, then walk to the kite keeping tension on the flag line if the wind is strong enough to move the kite around after it lands. Secure the kite with sand or a sandbag then sort your lines out.

bob's got it, right

let the bar go, it will run up the flag line the length of the kite and fall as the kite lays out then control the kite with the flag line.

after the kite is settled , actually "walk on the flag line so it doesn't move " harmless and effective. i usually disconnect the leash and walk up

the turning is slow and mushy the stall itself makes the kite hoover , if it doesn't turn just let go the same

you have to wear gloves

always have control

Flew my once-owned P15 on the water once. Hated it. Just didn't have the low speed grunt that you need. The lower aspect ratio kites are better for the water for that reason.

I had my P15 on the water and it requires a unique flying skill adjustment, not for everybody. once its going, its fast, nice sustained airs . the big gentle turns and steady point of sail riding style make for effortless cruising at speed. for a month or two it was fun with some insane speed runs and airs in 20-25mph, but a session back on a venom and i just prefered the quick handling which is indeed better for me on the water. the higher bar pressure is also an issue. it is a remarkable rig for sure

I ask all this cos I just bought a Scorpion 16 :D