Quote: Originally posted by grigorib

Quote: Originally posted by ssayre   ok. riding goofy helps me ride one handed toe side since I'm right handed. funny, i find it almost impossible riding one handed front side because I have a hard time controlling kite left handed. Yep, toeside with right hand on the bar only - it goes sweet! I need to work on my upwind turn from toeside - in light wind I almost pulled it but in stronger wind I whacked the kite. One certain downside of streetkiting - crashing or sliding the wing over asphalt/concrete occasionally. That's going to wear it out.

Yep, I've got some wear on the nose on my nasa's. It doesn't bother me too bad with relatively inexpensive wings but I cringe when I scrape my peak. I try to be more careful with them.

Quote: Originally posted by grigorib

It's got about an inch of risers otherwise wheels were biting the deck. What really helps pumping are soft bushings. You can even pump a regular skateboard with soft bushings (rear bushings should be stiffer than the front). You should be able to tilt the board with a force of couple of fingers or fully down with a palm. It makes it easy to pump and it's more useful for lower turning radius which I like.

From the pic it looks like you might be running on Bennett Vector trucks, correct?

@grigorib - Nice pic showing all the equipment...quite the water quiver! I like that old school fish...I got a board that looks exactly like it...but yours is a lot nice nicer. Are you using that board in the waves on the Great Lakes?

Maybe you guys have already seen this video but I think the guy does a really good job of explaining the different types of longboards. Geez, there is a lot of stuff to learn!

BTW, I flew in some really gusty winds yesterday and had a lot of backstalls and the kite flying backwards. Keeping the kite moving helped and so it longer lines but what are some tricks that you can do to stop the kite as soon as possible when it is sweeping through the window backwards (BTW, I'm on a NPW9 3.4 using a 2 line bar)?

Quote: Originally posted by lunchbox

Maybe you guys have already seen this video but I think the guy does a really good job of explaining the different types of longboards. Geez, there is a lot of stuff to learn! BTW, I flew in some really gusty winds yesterday and had a lot of backstalls and the kite flying backwards. Keeping the kite moving helped and so it longer lines but what are some tricks that you can do to stop the kite as soon as possible when it is sweeping through the window backwards (BTW, I'm on a NPW9 3.4 using a 2 line bar)?

I've flown many different spots around my city. Usually in between appointments at work. What I've found is there are either locations or wind conditions that just won't work well and will cause stall/back flying. For example, one location I use on the east side of town works great on an east wind. If blowing any degree from west then it's absolutely miserable flying due to trees and a building that I thought was plenty far enough upwind to not be an issue but it was. My point is there will be times when you need to move on and find a different spot depending on the day and wind direction.

I usually can tell within a minute if location and conditions seem conducive or not and will jet to another spot or quit instead of trying to suffer through. I have a feeling the stars will be a touch more stable and turn nicer for you on your border line wind days.

Also, thanks for the video. That's great information and is in line with the great advice b-roc has been giving me on longboard selection. I think I've taken my current s9 sidewinder set up as far as I can go. Great set up for carving and general cruising but I "need" a stiff drop deck with high concave, reverse kingpin trucks, and a better slide type wheel for what I want to progress to. Higher speed / slides. I think something like the last board on the right in the video would be great except I'd probably get a wheel with rounded edge instead of wide and square.

I've still got a lot of learning to do, but I think I'm starting to sort out the various longboard features at least from a research stand point. I had no idea. It's almost as tough as picking a kite and also seems like a 2 to 3 board quiver is in order depending on location and conditions. Why must we acquire 2 or 3 of everything before we are set.

Quote: Originally posted by B-Roc

From the pic it looks like you might be running on Bennett Vector trucks, correct?

Correct. Why, what's different about them?

Quote: Originally posted by lunchbox

@grigorib - Nice pic showing all the equipment...quite the water quiver! I like that old school fish...I got a board that looks exactly like it...but yours is a lot nice nicer. Are you using that board in the waves on the Great Lakes?

The only board missing from the "family" picture is MHL hydrofoil. I rode the LF Fish in the Lake Michigan and it cut through waves like a butterknife (with large Litewave fins) but I've been riding it much more in OBX though. I should probably keep only one of surfboards, will probably post them for sale later

Used my 5.5 NS2 today (directly off quad handles)+ longboard at small park near home. Did Sean's truck landing one better - opened the sliding door to my minivan and let the kite fly into it and just folded it over a few times. No tangles when I got home. Not that much wind, but first time I've tried this particular location, and was surprised it worked. Longboard worked almost immediatly, after trying my ATB w/o much success.

It's a slippery slope folks - I already think about small ponds I can see driving on a highway whether they're kiteable. Now I'm going to be looking the same way at the roads and parking lots on the edge of town...

Quote:

I've flown many different spots around my city. Usually in between appointments at work. What I've found is there are either locations or wind conditions that just won't work well and will cause stall/back flying. For example, one location I use on the east side of town works great on an east wind. If blowing any degree from west then it's absolutely miserable flying due to trees and a building that I thought was plenty far enough upwind to not be an issue but it was. My point is there will be times when you need to move on and find a different spot depending on the day and wind direction. I usually can tell within a minute if location and conditions seem conducive or not and will jet to another spot or quit instead of trying to suffer through. I have a feeling the stars will be a touch more stable and turn nicer for you on your border line wind days. Also, thanks for the video. That's great information and is in line with the great advice b-roc has been giving me on longboard selection. I think I've taken my current s9 sidewinder set up as far as I can go. Great set up for carving and general cruising but I "need" a stiff drop deck with high concave, reverse kingpin trucks, and a better slide type wheel for what I want to progress to. Higher speed / slides. I think something like the last board on the right in the video would be great except I'd probably get a wheel with rounded edge instead of wide and square. I've still got a lot of learning to do, but I think I'm starting to sort out the various longboard features at least from a research stand point. I had no idea. It's almost as tough as picking a kite and also seems like a 2 to 3 board quiver is in order depending on location and conditions.

Yeah...I know what you mean. But the NASA's are so close to perfect in so many ways...I think if they didn't fly backwards in those funky winds, they just might be perfect. So is it asking too much or maybe it's just a design change that someone will remedy down the road...just makes me curious I guess.
Nice to year that the Stars might be a little more stable in those winds.

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Why must we acquire 2 or 3 of everything before we are set.

Ain't that the truth!

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The only board missing from the "family" picture is MHL hydrofoil

Wow...you got one of those too? Those look like a lot of fun. I'm more into the surf side of things but maybe eventually I'll pick one up!

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Used my 5.5 NS2 today (directly off quad handles)+ longboard at small park near home. Did Sean's truck landing one better - opened the sliding door to my minivan and let the kite fly into it and just folded it over a few times.

Nice one....you got skillz

Quote:

Now I'm going to be looking the same way at the roads and parking lots on the edge of town...

Yeah...I got the bug pretty bad! I guess there are worst things to be addicted to :D

@lunchbox - coming in strong with five embedded quotes in one post. Setting the bar high in 2016! I'd like to see some video footage of the NPW landing into the minivan; pretty slick. :D

Quote: Originally posted by grigorib

Quote: Originally posted by B-Roc   From the pic it looks like you might be running on Bennett Vector trucks, correct? Correct. Why, what's different about them?

Bennetts are very unique for their lean and pump. Given their geometry and tall bushing setup to maintain proper geometry, they are made for pumping which makes them great for what you describe as your style. They are often paired with Trackers for LDP (long distance pumping) setups where you run a loose Bennett on the front and a dead Tracker on the back.

I would own a set if they made a longer axle as I like boards around 9.5-10" wide (and I likely will own a pair someday just because you kinda sorta have to have one set in your collection).

If you like Bennetts you may want to try a set of Carver CXs if you can. They are expensive but they are the closest thing one can come to surfing the street and they pump very well. I have them on both my pool boards. They don't ride switch well at all but they carve pools, pipes and streets like no other.

I would not advise pairing them with a kite as they would be too squirrely and prone to wobble at speed and pearling if too much weight is on the front truck during an aggressive turn.

I'm going out right now under the cloak of darkness to practice "pumping". No kite. At least not planned, depends on wind :D

BTW, here is a picture of the longboard I am using...I know...talk about oldschool. I actually bought the board a little over 20 years ago...my girlfriend at the time used to ride on the front and me on the back just cruising down the boardwalk. I did get the OJ III wheels and bearings a few weeks ago, however. It's actually a really fun board to ride, very flexible deck and I like the long carvey turns.

The last pic is the street I ride in Oxnard...to the right is the beach so it's nice smooth air...

dude you are set ! nice board!

Quote: Originally posted by lunchbox

BTW, here is a picture of the longboard I am using...I know...talk about oldschool. I actually bought the board a little over 20 years ago...my girlfriend at the time used to ride on the front and me on the back just cruising down the boardwalk. I did get the OJ III wheels and bearings a few weeks ago, however. It's actually a really fun board to ride, very flexible deck and I like the long carvey turns. The last pic is the street I ride in Oxnard...to the right is the beach so it's nice smooth air...

Heck with the board (which is nice btw)... What's in that bag?

Quote: Originally posted by ssayre

Thanks, looks like it's got some tall risers. Does that help add more power when pumping? Also, dumb question, on that set up the back foot is behind the back truck on the tail right?

It's got about an inch of risers otherwise wheels were biting the deck. What really helps pumping are soft bushings. You can even pump a regular skateboard with soft bushings (rear bushings should be stiffer than the front). You should be able to tilt the board with a force of couple of fingers or fully down with a palm. It makes it easy to pump and it's more useful for lower turning radius which I like.

My stance is - front foot a bit back of front trucks, rear foot over and a bit backward of rear trucks (but not on the tail). Usually right shoulder facing forward, goofy. I can kite regular but can't pump it regular side though


Couple of things to add:
- risers are two piece: 1/2 inch flat + 1/2-3/8 inch tilted one on top of it to increase truck angle
- I went to read about Bennett Vector trucks and realized I'm using regular bushings which are shorter. Ordered tall red Bennett bushings, should have them in couple of weeks. Mine are apparently also 88a/90a (I thought they're softer than that) so using tall 90a will do alright for carving.

The taller Bennett bushings may allow you to eliminate some of the riser pads and still prevent wheelbite while allowing for more lean.enjoy.

Wind was decently steady,I would guess somewhere between 15-20 mph.

Quote: Originally posted by B-Roc

The taller Bennett bushings may allow you to eliminate some of the riser pads and still prevent wheelbite while allowing for more lean.enjoy.

Ordered tall Bennett bushings from sk8kings on 1/1 with estimate of 7-10 business days delivery and got them today! Gotta get out to test them tonight....

Quote: Originally posted by Windstruck

@lunchbox - coming in strong with five embedded quotes in one post. Setting the bar high in 2016! I'd like to see some video footage of the NPW landing into the minivan; pretty slick. :D

Here you go Steve its no big deal. Video from today - wind is pretty flaky at this spot - but its 5 minutes from home.

Nice work Randy!

good wind and mild temps today. Hopefully I can work on slides with the new toy.

Quote: Originally posted by Randy

Quote: Originally posted by Windstruck   @lunchbox - coming in strong with five embedded quotes in one post. Setting the bar high in 2016! I'd like to see some video footage of the NPW landing into the minivan; pretty slick. :D Here you go Steve its no big deal. Video from today - wind is pretty flaky at this spot - but its 5 minutes from home.

Well played Randy, well played.

Quote: Originally posted by ssayre

good wind and mild temps today. Hopefully I can work on slides with the new toy.

Nice looking new ride Sean. Go get some! :karate:

Man I love the 2.5m wind days. Started off on 5m lines in around 14-18 mph wind. Wind picked up to mid 20's gusting 30. Removed the lines and flew off bridle. That's what's so great about these. Infinite possibilities. The 2.5 is the most gust tolerant and has the widest wind range out of the sizes I own. Looking forward to your thoughts on that size Lunchbox.

I used the new board which to my surprise still works in small locations but not nearly as well as s9 with sidewinders. Great choice with the s9 and sidewinders.

Also, I removed the third line stuff on my street kite bar. I'm going to run like that for awhile. I really liked only hooking up 2 lines.

Quote: Originally posted by ssayre

Man I love the 2.5m wind days. Started off on 5m lines in around 14-18 mph wind. Wind picked up to mid 20's gusting 30. Removed the lines and flew off bridle. That's what's so great about these. Infinite possibilities. The 2.5 is the most gust tolerant and has the widest wind range out of the sizes I own. Looking forward to your thoughts on that size Lunchbox. I used the new board which to my surprise still works in small locations but not nearly as well as s9 with sidewinders. Great choice with the s9 and sidewinders. Also, I removed the third line stuff on my street kite bar. I'm going to run like that for awhile. I really liked only hooking up 2 lines.

Is that the photo the local network news affiliate used for their top-of-the-hour story? Nice pic! Don't blame you for ditching the 3rd line for that set up. Talk about easy-peasy. :karate:

Yeah Steve, this should be very nice for quick set up. I know we are only talking 1 line but it also created some other problems on 5m lines. When looping the kite, the third line leader creates a lot of friction in the line hindering control. It also winds up nicer on the bar when packing up.

I will still need that third line 10% of the time on sketchy wind days when I'm near downwind obstacles. I have the 3rd line wound up separately and the 3rd line leader and components separate. It only takes a minute to install. This way I can slip it on by itself if flying no lines but need to hook up kite killer or install it and the 5m line if flying short lines. If that makes any sense.

Quote: Originally posted by ssayre

Yeah Steve, this should be very nice for quick set up. I know we are only talking 1 line but it also created some other problems on 5m lines. When looping the kite, the third line leader creates a lot of friction in the line hindering control. It also winds up nicer on the bar when packing up. I will still need that third line 10% of the time on sketchy wind days when I'm near downwind obstacles. I have the 3rd line wound up separately and the 3rd line leader and components separate. It only takes a minute to install. This way I can slip it on by itself if flying no lines but need to hook up kite killer or install it and the 5m line if flying short lines. If that makes any sense.

Makes good sense. For what it's worth, I rigged up a super simple third-line leash of sorts using a short piece of rope 7-8 feet long with a carabiner on each end. Loop one end of the rope around your waist, hook the carabiner onto it (I made a simple overhand knot loop at the right length) and then attach the other end to the back of the 3rd line after its been through the bar. Get the length right and you will be able to outstretch either arm with some slack in the line, but if you have to let go you will have your 3rd line attached to your "harness". I'd rather deal with that rigging than a kite killer. KKs are just a pain in the seat meat.

That is a great pic!

I love the 2 line set up and flying one handed. So much more freedom of movement.

I also found out this weekend when flying in really gusty wind (the lulls were a killer), that I was able to fare better with the kite on 1m lines than 3m lines.

Speaking of that 2.5m. I could have really used it this weekend. The offshore winds were cranking at Malibu this weekend. Too much for the 4m but the 2.5 would have worked.
This is like the 5th time I got skunked because I didn't have the 2.5m. I am saving a little cash so I can buy the 2.5, 5.5 and 8.5 together, but I'm thinking it might be more practical to just buy the 2.5 and 5.5 right now and suck up the cost of the extra shipping when I finally get the cash for the 8.5.

BTW, I've been out on my Sector 9 Revolver with the Sidewinder trucks and love the board!

When I do get the 2.5 I will definitely report back. If it's as good as the 4m, I'm sure I'm gonna love it!

Quote:

Looking forward to your thoughts on that size Lunchbox.

I was just thinking about something like that this past weekend. Was flying one handed and a big gust came and just whipped the board right out of my hands. I always allow for a lot of room downwind so it wasn't a problem, but I gotta say, I was surprised how far the kite went!

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Makes good sense. For what it's worth, I rigged up a super simple third-line leash of sorts using a short piece of rope 7-8 feet long with a carabiner on each end. Loop one end of the rope around your waist, hook the carabiner onto it (I made a simple overhand knot loop at the right length) and then attach the other end to the back of the 3rd line after its been through the bar. Get the length right and you will be able to outstretch either arm with some slack in the line, but if you have to let go you will have your 3rd line attached to your "harness". I'd rather deal with that rigging than a kite killer. KKs are just a pain in the seat meat.