I bought my first kite today (2.5m RadBasic) after checking out some ppl flying them on the beach and just *had* to try it out.

Ended pretty disappointing though with the lines getting all tangled up and me not having a clue how to fix that in the wind on the beach.

Anyone know some video/article/tutorial or whatever giving some tips on getting started? how de hell do one keep the ropes in place and not make the thing behave like a plane propeller that came loose.

handles or bar?? I use 5 lb sand weights and a water bottle to weigh it down while I lay the lines out.. leave them on the trailling edge as you pull the kit up to inflate it and a final big pull to get airborne.

If you are using a bar then just remember that when wrapping the lines that the hand holding the bar NEVER lets go of the bar while wrapping... Since there is no way the lines can Cross they will unravel nicely next time. other than that TIME is your friend ...

Thanks for the quick reply.

Hmmm...I got to get used to the lingo.
Got two seperate handles (guess that's what you mean)


The weights idea sounds like a plan (wind can be crazy here in Cape Town)

When you say "inflate" it I figure you mean let the wind blow into that "holes" on the side? (I think I was trying to fly the thing upside down.....go figure)

Just been watching this movies on YouTube...seems others are using thicker lines? (mine is tihs really slim nylon type...took me an hour to get them seperated afterwards)

Go here


Huge amount of information for just getting started. Don't be disappointed, you’re out there to have fun! Welcome to PKF!

Just what I was looking for, thanks!

No problem, Angus has a very useful site along with Popeye and many others that are out to help.

just checked the weather ... guess the wind was too strong earlier at over 40km/h for a n00b?

Found a dvd in the bottom of the backpack I got. No really..those lines they are using are much thicker than mine. Does this matter? (Was a mission to get them all seperated after flying...I mean, attempt to fly)

Quote:

Originally posted by krokonoster just checked the weather ... guess the wind was too strong earlier at over 40km/h for a n00b? Found a dvd in the bottom of the backpack I got. No really..those lines they are using are much thicker than mine. Does this matter? (Was a mission to get them all seperated after flying...I mean, attempt to fly)

Yeah... Generally wouldnt recommend you fly in more than 15mph of wind while learning. Even with a small kite...

Might also be helpful if you can find a local who has some time to teach you a thing or two about flying that kite...

What are your goals? Buggy? Landboard? Kitesurfing/kiteboarding? Just curious...

Best of luck!

Naah, guess I'm on my own.

Since back home (been abroad a long time) I wanted to get something to do after work and weekend that involve outdoor, some action, dont cost a fortune or need to much planning and I can do by myself.

The okes kite surfing near my home look awesome, but I never surfed nor flew a kite. When I saw these ppl on the beach flying the power kites I just *had* to do it too.

Really would like kite surfing, but let me start out with doing this first.

This is how I land/launch/pack 'n wind:

Thanks. You guys have been awesome.

Will try again tomorrow..apparantly wind will be around 30km/h (It's Cape Town...just got to live with the wind)

be careful with the wind--small kites can kill ya, just like the big ones.......

30 K can be extremely dangerous if you are getting large gusts... beach wind ca be much more stable and safer to fly in, On a 2.5 M kite 30 Kmh will be fun but You shouuld know how to launch land and fly your kite before you try in too much wind.

I picture you unknowingly Kitelooping the kite and getting really Tossed, Have you ever flown before ??

this site is an awesome source for info and the guys on here are really helpfull, And I dont mean to come off sounding like i'm trying to dis-suade you, but take time to learn and stay safe.. the wind is a powerfull powerfull force.

in 30 K my first advice will be to not run after the kiter, instead, lean back and let the kite pull, sit down if you feel like the kites becoming uncontrollablle. :wee:

Wind not too strong today, but cannot go to the beach yet. (Dentist visit).

Spend a few minutes just now in the park behind my house. Not much wind, and hooked that stuff you hook your lines onto, onto my fingers.
Pretty good to get used to the lines and not be intimitated by the spaghetti attached to the kite. Can just stand there and get a feel of things. Think a good thing for beginners, for incase another dumbnut like me come ask. :-)

Hope the wind light like this later and take things a step futher on the beach.

Thanks again for everything

As for the "have you ever flown before". - Yes. Yesterday before posting here. :bigok:

as for the lines , they are prob Dyneema/Spectra which is VERY strong and will slice through human flesh like a knife through butter . Do not fly over people or grab the lines of a crashed kite it can power back up and remove your fingers.Take it in small steps,so you don't get hurt or worse. Take it from me ,I have been flying almost 6 yrs. now,and I have a fractured shoulder socket from flipping a 120lb buggy over doin "kite loop power slides" for fun.
It is an extreme sport,remember that.

I asked if you'd flown before Cause I am also Rocking a titanium Ankle after a massive overjump with a 3.5 M kite.. pilot error for not respecting the wind, Something I wont do again .

just walked again yesterday for the first time in 2 1/2 months.

:eekdrull:

Geez....these things can hurt huh?

Will take it easy....myself got tons of old injuries from being a nutcase when younger, and don't need more.

Second try today and went 10 times better (mostly thanks to the links and videos you guys posted).

Draw my first blood....wearing long pants next time.

Still having issues with twisted lines. I followed the advice in the video John posted (complete with sock and all) and it worked great.
While I managed to keep the left two lines on the left, and the right 2 lines on the right, one way or another the lines on each side (flying line + brake line) get twisted.
Isn't there some kind of accessory that allow you roll all 4 lines seperately? Or is this just a normal beginner issue. Seperating the lines each time (which take long than the time I spend flying) is a pain.

Speaking about flying....wowowo...was pulled head first through some mole heaps twice, twice hand the kind plucked out of my hands, but had it in the sky for a few seconds several times. Until the wind blew the kite into the river. Dirty Dirty now.

twice hand the kind plucked out of my hands = twice had the handles plucked out of my hands (Why this forum dont have an edit option for your posts?)

It does... see the little tab on the post in the top right with two orange notepads and a pencil? Click that, it'll allow you to edit.

The lines will get much easier to handle as time goes by... One trick is to keep a little tension in the lines as you wind them up. If the lines are laying loose on the ground it's harder to wind them well.

If you're getting the handles plucked out of your hands you are not taking small steps there bro! But you're at the mercy of the wind....

Use the search (top left corner) to check "kite killers" and "parapacking", might be of help to you.

Stupid me..did not notice the edit button (and I'm a programmer!)

Seems i'm in for a tough time learning. The wind here not smooth...speed change by the second. (But then, when it got plucked out my hands I was dead tired allready).

Will keep trying with the lines...will get it sorted out.

Missus loves it (she tried once, but at 50kg it's just too strong for her). Thinking about going later and get her a smaller stunt kite.

Once you get your own rhythm and method down, you will not have any problems with twisted lines. I lay out the folded kite, unwind the lines and stake the handles by the brakes, unfurl the kite, and launch. Maybe one twist that is easily identified and rectified, but usually not. Just make sure you set up in the exact reverse order you pack down in. Same hands, same motion, just reverse.

Only when you have a "helper" pack your kite for you will you have problems because they have added a motion to the process that you do not know to un-do. Especially if they are right handed and you are left handed, etc..

Good luck, have fun, stay safe and happy New Year.

yah!!! Got it right for the first time (mostly thanks to your help,advice and pointers here)

Wind was just about right (Guessing about 20km/h according to that beufort [spelling?] scale). Flew like a pro (ok..exagerating) twisting lines, untwisting it in the air, etc etc.
Yeah, the lines are just a beginner thing. One get intimitated by it being twisted and think it's all a mess, and mess it up further...actually it's a minor issue to correct.

Got some sore muscles here but it was awesome! Back tonight!

The hooks are in, heh heh. Rock on.

Oh yeah!

The wife also like it, but seems 2.5m is a bit tough for her weight and strenght.

Borrowed sis's kid's stunt kite and let her see later if she like that more or a power kite. If the latter, I think a 1.8m is ok for her? What you think?

Quote:

Originally posted by acampbell The hooks are in, heh heh. Rock on.

Yep, he's ready to buy another one already! :singing:

@ OP: this can be an expensive habit.... consider buying used from the forum, feel free to ask for advice / guidance on that front.

Don't see too many south africans here. But will be on the lookout.

yeah, I agree it's not cheap. But nearly every "hobby" I had cost a bit (Scuba Diving, Ski, Motorbikes.....all which left marks on me and my wallet), and compared to the amount of fun this is actually the cheapest so far.

Naah...second kite for the wife. She's cool with stuff like that, but don't fancy seeing her being dragged head first over the field, glasses on nose with my "bigger" kite again. Figured a 1.8 one should be ok for her. (and for me to play in strong winds :singing: )

Now..anyone got advice for a near broken tailbone? (who said lean back? got me a stone in the butt)

Yeah buy some armour! downhill bike or motocross stuff -

You seem to have the same problem as me. I'm off the North West coast of Scotland and its almost always windy. It was a steep learning curve picking up the basics.

Anyway, a pair of knee pads and a helmet should be minimum for safety sake but armour shorts will take the most impacts and save the pain of regular falls.