I was staring in admiration at Rob's (aka Cheddarhead's) sweet downturns in a recent video he posted (http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=30641 ) and I had to try them for myself. Took me a while but I finally got it down.

Here is a little video (humorously) chronicling my journey. As you'll see towards the end, I'm starting to develop a fan club! :D

https://youtu.be/7zuEgTKDqqw

Nice job Steve Now you'll be doing them all the time. Down turns deep in the wind window are nice for a power boost. Def harder to do with larger kites! Really have to set it up right so you have enough room between the kite and the ground. Thanks for sharing your vid! We have good wind today, but storms in the forecast. I waited 1/2 hr in the parking lot today with my buggy in the truck deciding if I should set up. Glad I didn't, half way home it poured rain. Tomorrow I'll get another chance:D

Thanks Rob! I trust you saw the humor in my video. "Mastering" is a strong overstatement. What I really could have said is "failed four times (on film!); squeaked by twice", but hey, I produced it so I got to script it too. :evil:

Glad you didn't get a soaking! I did that just once and it wasn't pretty. The P2 was a huge soggy mess and it was gusting like crazy as I was trying to pack up. Ended up just pulling it all together in a heap in my arms and sprinted for the car. Sorted out the (considerable) mess once I got home, where of course it was sunny again.

Yes, the humor was apparent:D Life wouldn't be any fun without some humor.

Great work Steve!!! Looks like you're getting the hang of the downturn. Hopefully you could feel the advantage of it as it was pulling you through your turns!

I think the trick to it has 2 main components: first is putting the kite high so you have the altitude. Second is maintaining the tension on your bar (or handle) on the same side of the kite all the way through the turn. In other words if you are headed to the left and have raised the kite high, you pull your left side of the bar (or left handle) to loop the kite downward and maintain that left side tension even after the kite has completed its turn... if that all makes sense.

I did a bunch of downturns in this vid, and I think that idea is most visible around the 1:20 - 1:40 mark https://vimeo.com/106352452

Downturns are hard for guys because they require commitment.

Great video and such great scenery. What a great field! No worries about high tide!

I hate you a little bit for having such a cool spot. :D

good work

Steve, that's pretty awesome. We gotta come up there and fly with you soon.

Wow, so many nice comments! Thanks guys!!

Spencer: s-w-e-e-t downturns indeed! Very smooth all the way through. I look forward to trying them with small kites. The P2 turns like a barge. Super nice video to boot. I dig your transitions and choice of material. I noted your CamelBak and intend to imitate. I use them for hiking and will start now using one for buggying. That's thirsty work!

Now Angus, you're projecting. :o. Commitment is my middle name.

Come on now Sean, remember that all sites look huge through someone else's GoPro wide angle filming! :D

Kent - name the time and place and I'll try and meet you for some UT action!

Excellent video!!

He He he... small kite?... that was the biggest kite I've owned, an 8.6m PL Reactor II... awesome machine that I wish I hadn't felt inclined to sell... buuuuut ... I'm running away form foils nowadays :o

Was there a dinosaur at 12 seconds?
beauty grooving music.
Half expected some chimps to come out flying static...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSxI0OOjR0Y
GREAT VIDEO!
count me into the fanclub (member #2?)
thankyou.
colin

Colin - very observant! Yes, a 30 ft. tall dinosaur it indeed was. That guy is sort of a wild dude. He has a zebra, a buffalo, and a small goat that he grazes right there under the windmill. 2001 was one of my favorite movies growing up and I've always loved the original as well as the jazzed up theme music. Great video clip!

Wish I couldv'e photoshopped an ancient fixed bridle like my skytiger into the video, but I haven't even figured out how to post a still of me flying Tedwesleys beamers that he sent me yet.
Best fun I've had in weeks tho. Makes me realize I have to get out of work and the house more...
colin

:D