tommorow is going to be windy. weather man said 20-25 mph..

and i was just wondering if taking my crossfire 5m out in it would be mental..or REALLY FUN?!

any thoughts?:D

Suicide at the 25 end. Mine lofts me without input at about 17-18. I'm 235 lbs. You might get away with it at the edge of the window and with heavy brakes near the ground but overhead is going to teabag you till you turn loose of the handles. HQ says 24 is the limit on that kite, but I wouldn't fly it in that wind. You might be able to handle that wind with a buggy, but not static .

On the other hand, I'm constantly slack-jawed at some of the tales told on here about kites used and the winds they were used in. Maybe I'm just soft.

I put away my Reactor 4.9m when it nears 20 mph and that is not a lifty kite like the CF.

Bobby's right. I sure wouldn't do it.

Hahaha I have such a hard time holding down my crossfire 2.4 in those winds. for me a 2.4 in those winds is no fun, (static) it's not like i can jump or anything, and if i do it's a harsh landing. More exhausting just having it at the zenith getting a so-called rest.

Cant believe someone stole your kite. I hope the universe gets them good!

I pulled out my blade 4.9 in winds like that. Packed it up after about 5 minutes... But the most exciting kite flying yet! Full pads are a must. That thing picked me 8 feet straight up. WOW.

But like I said, I packed her up quickly, its a scary experience. But the rush of it lasted all day long!

If you do it, please be safe. It can hurt you. My 3.2 crossfire is damn exciting in those winds, but manageable. Wouldnt know about a 5.

quick jump session, 17 gusting to 23 mph, no worries

[url=]13m Venom[/url]

[url=]static[/url]

Had the 8m Neo out on Wednesday. Wind at the start was 13 with occasional gusts to 18. Getting good air "on demand" and having a blast riding the landboard. Having too much fun to notice the wind had increased. Board speed got really fast and I found myself close to the edge of the field with the kite nearing some small trees. I turned the kite up to miss the trees, got distracted, and then was pendulumed about 50 feet while the kite shot off through the power zone in the opposite direction. As I supermanned past one of the small trees the lines wrapped around it and so did I. Looked sort of like a teather ball.:wee: (according to my son, the simile is pretty much how I looked, without the "WEEEE" part)

Helmet was definitely a good call. Mostly scratches and a sore neck. Got things straightened out and checked the wind. 20mph steady!
With a dry mouth I forced myself to get back on the board and rode conservatively for about 15 minutes then called it a day.

Quite a humbling experience. RESPECT THE WIND! GIVE YOURSELF PLENTY OF ROOM/MARGIN OF ERROR! STAY ALERT AND AWARE OF THE FLYING CONDITIONS! Had I done these things, I would have packed the Neo, un-packed the 3m Scout, and avoided having to pull stickers out of my a$$

Nice jump Tridude!!! Seems like you're really digging that V13!!!

Glad to hear you're ok Mgatc!

Quote:

I put away my Reactor 4.9m when it nears 20 mph and that is not a lifty kite like the CF. Bobby's right. I sure wouldn't do it.

Yep...ditto with me as well...had the Reactor 4.9 once...maybe15-18mph and although not a lifty kite I felt really powered and was able to do a few little jumps (maybe 1-2ft) on the landboard...can't even imagine a CF 5 in 20-25mph on land...I'd try it in water though (note - not a water kite - would just feel safer in water - was my point!)...on land...No way...I like to play it safe....at my age I don't bend anymore....just break!

Thanks LB.......great kites as you know.....................Mel, glad you're ok. Yep those gusties will get you!

Thanks to all for the words of concern. I am fine and quite ready to ride ASATWB. (as soon as the wind blows)
The event increased the learning curve a bit for me. Most certainly my respect for what we do.
Nice air Don! Is that in the park at the Cosgrove exit?

fairgrounds on the flea market side..........................................

Wow, Mel. You were really pampering that knee back at Folly and now here you go tackling trees! Glad you're ok for sure. Really glad you had on the helmet.

def take it out in those winds on soft sand with another person to spell you. itll be a lot of pull it makes it easier to swap with somebody every couple jumps. this is how i fly blade 4.9 IV with my brother, much nicer having somebody to help drag you back up wind or hold your belt for pit jumps etc. i dont do those winds on grass any more unless very steady wind, too hard on knees

I have had a similar scare + disgrace.
I was riding with my 5m Ace in too high of winds and traveling at a decent speed but not too fast. I got distracted by a group of people coming in to the park. As I was passing a smallish tree my brake line snagged it. Before I knew what was happening I was yanked up and back. I only had time to dive the kite blind and I was stopped in place. My feet on some branches about 6ft off the ground and the rest of me pasted on the tree. Fortunately the kite did crash and stay but it attracted the 10 or so beginers that were out for the free kite intro night.

I packed up and helped with the lessons. That didn't last long before Trev. called them off because of the high wind. 5m are tricky kites for air ! They fly real well into those higher winds but can then turn on You in a second if You lose attention.

We can all relate to that one, got caught in a gust coming of a slope did a huge pendulum and landed on the top of a 10' hedge. The landing wasn't bad but getting down out there beat the hell :evil:out of me...lol

took my 4m ace out today in 20-25 mph winds...i got lofted 10 ft twice...it was the most intense session ive ever had...but i have A LOT of experience in high gust winds