So as I was responding to "Shaggs" post it occurred to me to share this with all ya'll. Yesterday at one point I found myself doing a submarine impersonation (I guess maybe more like a torpedo but flying backwards) and when I finally surfaced to my surprise I had my finger hooked in the Airush release loop on my chickenloop. Not once was I panicked, and not once did I really think the power wouldn't fade and let me surface but instinctively I found my finger hooked in the loop ready to pull when all was settled.

I was stunned - and proud actually. I'm not a big fan of the Airush loop release but for me, it's the best chickenloop I have for flying the Arcs (has the spinning leash attachment) and I've become accustomed to using it. Right after every launch when the kite is settled and overhead I reacquaint myself with the loop and grab it a few times as if to pull it. I've done this after EVERY launch and I'm sure that's why I surfaced yesterday with my hand on it. One day I'll upgrade but I'm happy to know I'd likely be OK if I ever needed to pull it.

my personal belief is that everyone thats serious about power kiting should expose themselves to a wide range of conditions--then, when things blow up, as they will from time to time, the person will react properly rather than panic....its certainly worked for me........a healthy respect for the wind and kites is a good thing--fear and panic? not so good--usually will result in injury or worse

That's why we drill - whether it be martial arts, the military, a sports coach or a language instructor :D - same thing over and over so you just react with a clear mind ... in effect you have more time to make decisions about the situation.

When I busted my wrist, I got slammed into the shore and I remember thinking about trying to keep control of the kite but realized something was too wrong to continue and popped the safety - all in a split second.

When the doodie hits the fan, the poorly learned skills are what we forget first. I have had some pretty extensive dive training, and when panic is starting to set in we are taught "Stop-breathe-think-breathe-act."

Ill have to say good job on that, my dad recently got into a horrible accident last week. Some sort of a rubber sheet fell onto his windshield and he hit the brakes causing his car to slip out of control. Luckily he made it out of it ok with a couple of bruises from the safety restraints. Another truck hit his car from the back completely totaling the car he drove.

I would have to compare this to being sure not to slam your breaks when something happens. Its a second instinct i believe everybody who is a part of this sport needs.

rinse and repeat until you start thinking about something else

like the happy ending,

BTW did you know what the rig was doing while pearling ?

generally a , " ahhh right where i left it moment"

cool, keep at it

It was driving from 10 o'clock to 2 but when I surfaced it was climbing out from a 4 o'clock position....really