Is it possible/reasonable to fly in rain storms? I often find the strongest winds are right before and during a storm, but obviously these winds are going to very gusty and turbulent.

I'm curious if it's ever an okay idea to head out in these conditions. I'd imagine you'd want something with a lot of depower and which won't be dragged down by the rain. My guess is if any kite would do well in these conditions it'd be an LEI, but I'm curious what other people with more experience think.

many sessions in the rain, mostly tubes, As long as there is no lightening!, so those tend to be inthe fall around here.

the ARC/foils do ok, but tubes do better. a wet tube not that big of a deal, but a wet foil is a mess and if it touches to ground its an ultra mess ,kinda like to avoid it.

if its solid wind and not too cold, u just really got know storm patterns/season and spark potential.

Storm force winds here in the UK often brings horizontal rain which cuts the face heading upwind. Goggles steam up instantly, even with anti fog applied. My experience of this type of weather in the buggy is with one hand shielding the eyes and the other on the bar.

Only a full face helmet offers sanctuary from the howling winds and driving rain.
These sort of conditions aren't fun but are sometimes necessary if you're trying to break PB records.
LEI's offer the best protection. Get in under one and wait for the rain to pass. If a rain storm is you're only hope for decent wind then be prepared. A change of clothes, socks, sneakers, towel.

This wasn't fun > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uNvnLZp4Jc

RedSky: Was that you? I've already seen that video. Definitely looks like more fun than having no wind.

My question was mostly hypothetical though. In addition to having very little wind I also have exceedingly little room. I also don't have any LEIs.

definitely difference in flying in rain v. storming rain. storm is not fun. unpredictable and asking for trouble

Redsky, I instantly thought of that video when I saw his first post.

Quote: Originally posted by rofer

RedSky: Was that you? I've already seen that video. Definitely looks like more fun than having no wind. My question was mostly hypothetical though. In addition to having very little wind I also have exceedingly little room. I also don't have any LEIs.

A smarter wiser me would have stayed home. Low winds I have plenty. The NS3 4.0m and 8.5m sound like a step in the right direction. I've had some great sessions in low wind and watery sunshine but I have a fair bit of space to work the kite. How much space do you have ?

Quote: Originally posted by ssayre

Redsky, I instantly thought of that video when I saw his first post.

I'm flattered you thought of that video. I took a few minutes longer to think. :D

I only have two spaces that are generally worth trying to fly at, both of which are on hills where the wind generally blows up them. The first is about as wide as a soccer field and slightly longer, but surrounded by tall trees on three sides and with an island of trees in the middle. This has been my best spot with my old 6m NPW on 10m lines. 20m lines are so much nicer, but they always put my kite dangerously close to the trees.

The other space is a similar size, but steeper and more open. However, it happens to also be part of a frisbee golf course so it's rare I get the whole place to myself.

With time I've learned that it's often just not worth trying to fly around here. If my 4m NS3 works in the rainstorms though then it'd absolutely be worth it to get completely drenched if I could actually get moving consistently.

Quote: Originally posted by ssayre

Redsky, I instantly thought of that video when I saw his first post.

Me too!... especially when I saw RedSky'd responded

Quote: Originally posted by RedSky

This wasn't fun > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uNvnLZp4Jc

used to land board with my 3m pansh legend on short and regular long lines just before big thunder/ rain storms with like >40 mph winds, very adrenaline inducing.... its crazy looking being suspended by a small pillow case size bag floating in mid air. HAAAHA

Wish i woulda thought to make* pictures... havin too much fun at the time lol

Quote: Originally posted by volock

Quote: Originally posted by RedSky   This wasn't fun > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uNvnLZp4Jc

:D Haha, you guys. :smug:

Here's another bad ass moment > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VX7WkB4vmlY

My hero! The astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson.