Alright, finally got out with the vortex in more appropriate winds 15-19 but gusty as hell (more like 8 then 19 then 15 then 8 and so forth), and what a smooth nice kite when the wind is enough to "hold" the kite- but here is my question- I was lofted several times 5-6 feet in the air due to the kite falling back in the zone and then powering up on a gust. Any tips on maintaining a little more controll when landing to make it softer. Had a blast but also have a softball size bruise on the hip to remind me of it. I think a lot of it had to due with my location and a building causing a wind shadow, which eventually caused me to call it a day.
scott

Sounds like you are having fun with your vortex! If you get lofted do your best to keep control and put the kite at the zenith to get the most float down. If it's getting crazy and you don't want to get lofted, fly the kite to the edge of the window and do your best to keep it there. When I get lofted I try and leave the bar de-powered until I start to head back toward the ground, then I power up to get float to land softly

hey take it easy on that knee buddy....:singing:

@ cheesey- thats the reason for the bruised hip
@ fly- i will make a more consious effort to push the bar out once my feet leave the ground. Is the landing softer if you are moving most of these were from a static position and i was going up 5 and forward 30, not even sure that the kite was getting to zenith before i was landing (if you can call a sudden impact a landing)

When you get lofted and head back towards the ground that is the best time to pull the bar in. when It powers up and is above you, it will give you the most float saving your joints. It is scary when you travel real far while in the air. It's better on the board because you can roll away and your energy is converted into movement and not into compression of your knees and ankles.

Always helps to have a TRAMPA strapped to your feet! Whoop Whoop Kite Loop!

uncontrolled lofting means STOP, unless you want more. but the idea of "ride it out" when you get jacked has arrived! react by pulling in as the descent starts at the apex . relax and allow reflexes that you've already (hopefully) obtained to get to this point to deliver you. keep hands in the center the less the input the better.

rough, unpredictable wind ...under the first few choices we make "CONDITION SELECTION" gets a NO.

even in ON /OFF wind/ super gusty, the best piloting is gonna be snatchy with lots surprises, and on land static flying is gonna be very unforgiving. on a ride gusts can be washed out much easier esp. on the water.

a collection of aggressive flying, running and staying low ready for heavy power...if thats what you want , and it comes with injuries at no charge.

its tough to say NO when you want to go! plenty of times with busted gear and body parts that i went out and should have been smarter, but that kinda education is phree.

All I fly in is gusty. I have learned to anticipate the possible "hit" and just lay down on the ground so I can take the hit. (Move courtesy of JoeBlinky---thanks buddy)

I am certainly not saying you can anticipate every gust but you can anticipate when you have put the kite somewhere where if it does gust you are going to get worked.


Laying down seems to really work to absorb to big portion by either sliding or getting stood up. By the time that is done you have normally weathered the worst of the gust and get the kite to the top or side. This is just a method I use that can help.....not a cure all.

Yeah what Phree said - that's accident territory

Yeah I should probably caveat my statement by telling you that I don't fly in wind that gusts so bad I get yanked 20 feet in the air. More like wind that will pull you forward on your face if you are not paying attention....that is where the "lay back technique" seems to work.

Txshooter38, I'm so stoked you mentioned joeblinky. He's an awesome dude that isn't on the forum a ton but people could learn a lot from him. He's my best friend! We fly in the gustiest winds, so we've had plenty of time to learn survival techniques

I had an opportunity to fly with Jordan when he was stationed in San Antonio. A great guy who taught me alot in one afternoon.....I hope he is well!!