I went out today for an afternoon session (static on grass) in 15-20 kt winds. I was a bit cautious with my kite selection due to the wind speed, so I put up my Rage 2.5 to start.

This is the same kite that graciously twisted my ankle and then invited me for a face-plant the first time that I flew it in similar winds, and today, it seemed like the starch had been taken right out of it. Granted, it was a bit warmer and the air was a bit less dense, but those factors are negligible really.

What I realized - while then going with the Rage 3.5 - was that a big part of this learning process involves this reflexive awareness of when the kite may catch the wind - within the window or due to a sudden gust - and the need to always be ready for this.

I use the word 'may' above, because maybe the kite won't suddenly pull like the dickens, and if I thought it was going to and it did not, I would end up falling backwards upon the ground.

So what I found, was that I was using my arms - elbows defaulted at my sides - to absorb any sudden pull from the kite. This, and proper foot placement to prepare for the possibility of having to lean back - but maybe not needing to - seemed to be the key.

Today, things began to jell...subtle things...but that's what this all seems to be about..

You are no doubt old enough to appreciate:

Master Kan: Quickly as you can, snatch the pebble from my hand.
[Young Caine tries to do so and fails]
Master Kan: When you can take the pebble from my hand, it will be time for you to leave.

Like so many things in life, repetition stacked upon repetition is a key part of your success. "Muscle memory" gets used a lot on PKF as a useful expression. Another thing is to really take in your surroundings from a feel, sound, and visual standpoint. There are a lot of clues all around you, making "a sudden gust" really not so sudden. For one thing, by and large you are upwind of your kite much of the time so wind will be upon you often times before it is upon the kite. I know this isn't always the case. You will also read here about the importance of being able to fly with your eyes closed. For me that last point is easier written than done.

More from Kung Fu (1970's TV show for the whippersnappers in the audience):

Master Po: [after easily defeating the boy in combat] Ha, ha, never assume because a man has no eyes he cannot see. Close your eyes. What do you hear?
Young Caine: I hear the water, I hear the birds.
Master Po: Do you hear your own heartbeat?
Young Caine: No.
Master Po: Do you hear the grasshopper that is at your feet?
Young Caine: [looking down and seeing the insect] Old man, how is it that you hear these things?
Master Po: Young man, how is it that you do not?

nice! It's all about using the force. Knowing what the kite will do before it does it.

This is why you size for the gusts not the avg. windspeed. After a while you will be spring loaded for a gust(and have the skillset) ,that is what will save your butt. But you won't have time to think about it,you will just do it, or learn to crash really good.This is why we are big on safety equipment here @ PKF. Armor up ! It's gonna get bumpy sometimes.:o

Weldngod speaks the truth.

In time you will learn to anticipate the sudden pull a gust generates. There are often subtle cues, slight disturbances just prior (varying small increases/decreases in windspeed for example) that will alert you to an impending windspeed change. We teach our students to always listen to the wind, check their 6:00 frequently and watch the surrounding signs of wind changes. Such as gusts in other areas visible at the tree lines of changes in flags. The key is to become proactive in gust management, not reactive.

When starting out most folks have their arms outstretched and tend to lean back
It's natural...you are past that...it's a whole body and balance kinda thing

Windstruck - Awesome! I have always felt that there is something very Martial about flying these kites...like doing so is a form of Kata...

ssayre - So true. It's beginning to happen, and I am hyped. Winds are forecast to be light for the next few days - which should allow me to reclaim my lawn - but when they arrive again, I will be out there.

WELDNGOD - "But you won't have time to think about it,you will just do it". Muscle Memory in other words. Rings so true!

Feyd - I will see you up there on the ice this winter...

abkayak - "it's a whole body and balance kinda thing". Indeed it is.

In comparison to the martial arts, I would put kiting in the realm of Aikido. Generally moving with the power and redirecting it as opposed to countering or resisting it. Perfect example is Hot Launch.

You resist the power of the kite, you tend to lose. Be open to moving with it, and things tend to work out.

Most of the time.:P

Quote: Originally posted by Feyd

In comparison to the martial arts, I would put kiting in the realm of Aikido. Generally moving with the power and redirecting it as opposed to countering or resisting it. Perfect example is Hot Launch. You resist the power of the kite, you tend to lose. Be open to moving with it, and things tend to work out. Most of the time.:P

Yes! I would very much agree with that.

Just to make sure THE MOST IMPORTANT POINT gets across: SIZE FOR THE GUSTS ! If you have Janky winds with 10+mph gusts that means running under powered a lot of the time. Using FB especially.

When inland I have learned that as soon as you are comfortable with the present wind it's time to look around at what is coming at you next!

The other important point was to pad up! I always have a helmet on when the kite is up. I add padding depending on how hard I am pushing things.

Work on flying your kite without looking at it to really hone those reflex memories. Start by NOT flying the kite but simply setting it to one side and trying to keep it sitting there calmly. Get good at that. You should never park the kite at zenith and rest / talk to people etc.. Getting used to feeling it off to one side without having to pay attention is the way to go! Once you can do that then work on actually moving the kite around a little bit and correcting it without looking at it...

I do have my ski helmet, but to be honest, I have not worn it static flying. I can see the sense of this though, and I greatly appreciate the fact that safety gear is mentioned here often.

Get a skateboarders helmet for static.