The wind was blowing 11-20mph or so today. I decided to give a high wind flight with my only kite.. 6m ozone fury. Guess what? I got my ass dragged across the field. I couldnt control the handles how it would catch the wind. 10 min later.. decided to just pack in and wait for lower wind. Any suggest how I can control brake or power line to control the power without getting the kite stop?

Now back to washing grass stain off my butt of pant!

First congratulations on having the sense to realize that your were out of your depth in those conditions and packing up and going home before you hurt yourself or someone else. Here are some points and comments that come to mind from your statement:
I take it from the grass stain comment that you were flying "static?" Static is a bit of an euphemism when you are scudding. it sounds a bit counter intuitive but getting onto a buggy or board will help as that gives you a way of "dissipating" the pull force.

are you launching to the edge of the window or straight up [hot launch]? The side launch will help to soften the "shock" of the kite powering up.

Start working with a strop and harness. start with a hook or open wheel rather than a captive system. This will let you "get out" with a simple "power up" pull on the handles and then you can respond the way you currently do [flag on brakes or let go and recover the kite w/ or w/o kite killers]. If your learning curve is anything like mine you have to train yourself to NOT unhook rather than having to train yourself to unhook. The harness will put the pull of the kite into your hips rather than through your arms and fingers.

Yeah, I launched to the edge of the wind just as I learned. I was going to use mountainboard but I keep getting thrown forward. Thanks for the tip. I will keep trying!

6m is pretty big for wind that speed, (IMHO)... typically for me, in the 11mph area, i would either be on a 4m or 5m,... over 15mph, I'm on a 3m or smaller; typically my 2.6m Viper s. But I typically fly a little underpowered...

So what's my point? ... if you're going to continue to fly in wind of this speed, get a smaller kite,... and don't underestimate how much power a smaller kite can generate... once you gain the skill in that windspeed with a smaller kite, if you feel you can handle it, move up in size... with extreme caution.

Agreed. The 6m probably best for zero wind to around 10 maybe LITTLE more for now. I am looking at smaller kite for stronger wind HQ Beamer 5 2m or Beamer 4 3m? I am 170 lb and wanting to use it for mountainboard and skiing.

3m is always a great starting point,... It really gives a GOOD significant pull, helps you to learn control, and will act as a high wind engine later on. Beamers are great, I had a 3m Beamer V. But also consider the PL Hornet or Hornet II... It has a little stronger pull IMO

Quote: Originally posted by Cerebite

First congratulations on having the sense to realize that your were out of your depth in those conditions and packing up and going home before you hurt yourself or someone else.

GOLD advice for the wind..........


took my 6.8 out tonight.......super light wind, test Mother Nature gently.

Quote: Originally posted by Cerebite

First congratulations on having the sense to realize that your were out of your depth in those conditions and packing up and going home before you hurt yourself or someone else.

GOLD advice for the wind..........


took my 6.8 out tonight.......super light wind, test Mother Nature gently.

was scoping out for sale kites an ideal start for you

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=25919

As said above, at 20mph I'd be switching from a 5m to a 3m and that's in a buggy! Have you checked the Beamer colours? I think the yellow is a IV 4m not a 3m.

Thats quite gusty wind. was it 11 gusting 20 or 15ish droping to 11 and gusting to 20.

Its really difficult to size a fixed bridle kite for either situation unfortunately but as others have said, kite size is key - particularly with Fixed Bridle kites.

Your 6 will be OK up to 15mph (particularly when you get more exerienced) if flown with a harness so you can hook in your handles and use your body weight to help control the kite.

15mph+ and you are going to want something smaller. 3-4m is good advice and its the perfect size for developing your flying skill in general. Its not big enough to hurt you badly in moderate windspeed, its fast and its got enough pull for traction sports.

The other answer is a depower. A 9-11m open cell (Access, Frenzy, Apex etc) or 12-15m closed cell (an Arc or Flysurfer) My Access is good from 12-18 but useable 9 - 20 for example. Depower is the way to go for boards IMO. I still prefer FB's in the buggy, static or in really light wind.

On snow you can go a little bigger than you would on a landboard because you have more edge to engage.

http://youtu.be/lXUjwnXh2Bw

This is a quick vid of 20 - 25 mph winds and 3 meter lines. I use these mainly inland where gusts are kickin. Doesnt take long to adapt to the twitchyness.

20-25mph winds??? I must have different wind here, as at 20mph things are starting to blow around a good deal :D

Deleted dupe

thats education ! and be thankful the for uninjured result

Hard to tell from the video but it was blowing.Thats what was reported. I was at Port Canaveral area. There was sand blowin across the beach.
NOAA reported E15 gusts 22.