So, I took a walk on Napatree Point beach in RI today around 1pm - with my Flexi Sting 3.3 in my backpack just in case - and shortly after 2pm, the winds came up...all 5-8 MPH of them... I decided to pay out the lines and give it a go, and lazily up it went. I flew for about 40 minutes with a couple of controlled landings and resets, and then I realized that the last time I attempted flying this kite in light winds like this, it was stall - crash - stall - crash until I finally decided to pack it up. This time, I was in control, keeping it moving and flying. Now I understand what I read one time - maybe on this board - regarding learning more about flying these kites when the winds are light.

Light winds are tough but teach you a lot.

Tips : Fly the kite fast on the front lines to create " Apparent Wind " in the kite.
Only use brakes to speed up turns. Brakes slow the kite in motion.
When wind is strong enough the kite will sit at zenith and down your sides at the edge of the window. When it is not your wind window SHRINKS! You MUST keep the kite in motion and start your turns well before the edge of the window.
Practice down turns. Let gravity help you turn the kite. Feel the long power stroke that you can make across the whole window. This is a handy move for turning when in motion with low winds.

Are you holding your handles with your pointer finger above the top lines? It helps to avoid unwanted brake input.

Bladerunner - Thanks for the tips! I appreciate it. Yes, that is how I hold my handles, and I did not really use any braking at all due to the light winds. It was a fun and relaxing session, but it looks like the winds should be ramping up around here later today and tomorrow, and I am looking forward to some raucous exercise.

I see you are out in Vancouver. Back in my flying days, we frequented Western Canada and the Northwestern US, and it is definitely my favorite area of this planet so far.

Quote: Originally posted by brockrock1000

keeping it moving and flying. Now I understand what I read one time - maybe on this board - regarding learning more about flying these kites when the winds are light.

realization and understanding sprang from same moment in experience, leaving knowledge virtual.

very nice man! loving that, time for another walk!