Yesterday the wind was great so I got out of work a little early and headed to the football field.

This was my first time getting the kite to really behave like it should. MAN what a blast! I stayed out for two hours, went home, and laid on the couch because I was exhausted!

I was getting consistent 15 foot butt scuds and even some about twice that long when it gusted. Before today I was unable to get the kite to the zenith, but there was no lack of wind so it shot right up there.

I spent most of the time exploring the wind window and dipping into the power zone for some scudding. I was alone so didn't have any launch assistance, but only had to stake the handles about 3 times. I am getting the hang of reverse launching, getting it up to the zenith, then doing loops to untwist the lines.

I'm just going to keep practicing flying the kite while sitting down. I can't wait for the next windy day!

That's great you are getting the hang of it! This is only the beginning of a beeutiful freindship with your kite.

Remember, when untwisting the lines, you can add some brake on the handle you are pulling to turn and it will spin faster and actually spin instead of turn as long as you have enough wind. Kinda fun in itself.

Also don't forget if the wind is too strong to the point you don't feel comfortable doing loops to unwind the lines you can always spin your body to unwind the lines. I always forget that trick.

dlish - that thought never even crossed my mind! duh!

great suggestion.

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Originally posted by dlish89 Also don't forget if the wind is too strong to the point you don't feel comfortable doing loops to unwind the lines you can always spin your body to unwind the lines. I always forget that trick.

Now that's a good one! Us newbies have got so much to learn. Thanks! for the "hints"!!

There's been a few times that I would wait for the wind to die down to do a loop to untwist the lines in case my "loop around the tip" turned out to be a larger loop that went into the power window!! :o Now, I'll try the "spin the body" trick....heh heh. Just gotta end up facing the way I started...and still on my feet....ha!

Lobo :singing:

PS - dlish...ya got yer bags pakced?? Excited just a little????

Dax.....I can share in your excitement!!!! And your exhaustion. I think a kite will let us know what shape we're in....especially the way us begginers probably fight it a little. But, wow....it IS FUN, ain't it?!?!?

Congrats on getting enough wind to be able to do something with it!

You probably already have these, but, if not, here's a couple good wind forecast pages for ya:


http://www.windmapper.com/?Loc=CE

http://www.usairnet.com/cgi-bin/launch/code.cgi?Submit=Go&am...

Lobo :singing:

thats definitely a good trick...just make sure the kite is directly overhead when spinning around...you wouldn't want to get yanked by a powered up kite while facing away from it......boy the de-power folk have it easy... they just spin the bar

Sounds great Dax! You're hooked now...I bet you are thinking about your next kite already

DaVinch - shhhh!

I am thinking about my next kite, but know it will have to be at least a few months away. I feel that I still have lots to learn with this one.

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You probably already have these, but, if not, here's a couple good wind forecast pages for ya:

Great websites Lobo! I didn't have them. Looks like I'm going kiting again tomorrow! 15 MPH winds!

I liked the aviation one so I bookmarked it. here are my favorites, cuz you can't have just one!

http://www.kiteboardingreport.com/states/iowa.htm

http://www.weatherview.dot.state.ia.us/

I really like the kiteboarding one because it predicts a week ahead.:singing:

checkout windmapper--its very accurate................... click the arrow near or the city where youre located and you get a weeks forecast of wind, direction, temp, precip, etc..........

http://windmapper.com/?Loc=MW

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Originally posted by Dax Quote: You probably already have these, but, if not, here's a couple good wind forecast pages for ya: Great websites Lobo! I didn't have them. Looks like I'm going kiting again tomorrow! 15 MPH winds!

Dax, you just have to start comparing the forecast with the field/location you kite. My location is generally a little lower winds than predicted. Main reason is the website uses the nearest airport for data, and I'm in a more hilly, rougher terrain. Slows the wind down, and makes it a little more turbulent. In time, you'll be guessing close to what your site will be compared to the prediction.

Lobo :singing:

Most accurate I've found is

http://www.iwindsurf.com/windandwhere.iws?regionID=146&s...

using the NAM model, at least for surface winds - up a bit, the winds are generally a bit stronger. Hasn't messed up too often in the last months. As Lobo says tho, best to compare over a period of time.