Seeing as how I am definately still a newbie to this addiction, I turn to all of the sage wisdom that this post offers. I am decidedly a static flyer, since there are no beaches, dry lake beds, or areas that offer enough open space for wheeled pursuit. My addiction is currently fueled by an HQ Beamer II 3.6. Not my first kite, but my first quad. I have gotten to the point where I have done just about everything that I can think of with this set-up and am looking for a new attraction. When the lakes freeze this winter I am thinking about trying that, but what about now? Suggestions?? This is a great forum, and I admire how skilled pro's take the time to impart their wisdom on newbies like myself.

Next best thing to static flying, is static jumping. Get yerself a Blade 4 in the 6.5 meter size, take your time in low winds, get used to the power, step it up a bit and then get LOTS of AIR. Just my $0.02


Scoop

Yeah - go for something bigger!

I agree, I had a radsail 4m and got bored with what i could do, So I hopped onto scoops shop and ordered up a blade 6.5... mmmmmm :evil:

Howdy,
It's not all about long open beaches and dry lakebeds.
A soccer field, or even better, a soccer complex with multiple fields works.
Of course, it's not a good idea while the soccer games are going on.

In-line skate types, modified for off-road use, can be very effective in smaller places. As can cross-country ski-trainers (with wheels for practice on grass), as well as a buggy.

Trips to the beach or the dry lakes provides a completely different venue to play in. Makes for a special vacation.
Only a very few of us have that benefit year-round.

Kite jumping is inherently dangerous.
These are tethered aerodynes and don't magically become gliders.
But I've learned that most ignore this.
Until they find out the hard way.
So be it.

Here's another element you can try:
I've named it "Kite Chi"

As your kite does a loop in the sky, raise your hands over your head and spin around, untwisting your lines as the kite twists them.

It's not about your lines.

We have become a visually-dominated culture.
Our eyes have gotten so loud, our brain sometimes seems to forget our other senses. We have 5. Some seem to have more.

Our eyes have become fixed on the kite.

Turning around distracts our eyes for just a moment.
Gives our fingers a chance to listen to the language the kite uses to tell us "Where It Is" and "Where It's Going" - The most important information.

Available to us non-visually.

Kites fly in a tactile world.

It can feel mighty weird at first.
But going there repeatedly makes it feel a lot more comfortable.

You become a much more aware flyer in the park.
Seeing the little kid before you make the pass over his head.
Flying side-by-side with friends as you both see all the sky and both kites and avoidence is much easier.
It's where team-flying came from.

As a power kiter, it must be obvious we need to be looking where we're going, not where the kite was.

Basically it is a technique to develop a tactile relationship with the wind, through the strings and sail of your kite.
For many of us, it is the beginning of a love-affair with the wind.

Oh... One more thing... Do you listen to music while you fly?
I began adding a personal soundtrack to my kiting back in the early 80's and even on my buggy, cruising the playa, music is a wonderful aural additive.

So this "old-dog" encourages you to go beyond the kite.
What doors can be opened?
Where can this take you?

Many paths up the mountain, grasshopper.


Safen Up! Buggy On!

"Often wrong... Never in doubt"

the coreylama

Thanks all! Read similar post from coreykite last night. Tried the "Kite Chi" today after work. Winds were smokin for here, maintained blow around 20 mph. Probably looked like like I was smokin grass instead of scudding on it, but I was twirlin' like a ballerina. definately a different view on the world. Had no problems, and enjoyed the challenge. Corey, thanks for the kite and the post. All else, keep the suggestions coming. I'll try anything if it keeps my kite in the sky.:karate:

Bigsteve - let us know how you like your new 6.5m.

I've read good things so far about the new Blades!