With our local winds steaming along at 20-30 kts - with occasional higher gusts - I decided to give my Flexi Rage 1.8 a go. I purchased this kite for
conditions such as this, and I just had to try it.
I set it aloft while in a seated position on the grass - in order to safely explore its potential in these winds - and within a minute of flying it, I
was pulled in maybe 8-10 foot increments up to where my water bottles (used as trailing edge weights) sat on the lawn. It was pretty impressive
really.
Once fairly confident in knowing what the kite seemed to have up its sleeve, I then decided to stand, and for the next 30 minutes or so, I had the
best static session that I have had so far. It may not have been the longest - as I was fairly exhausted from battle - but it was the best!
The solid pull from the kite was often very sudden, but I have gotten to the point where I know when/where the potential for this to happen is, and I
was always well braced to react and absorb it. What was the most fun though, was how fast this kite flew through the window - in any and all
directions - and its sheer speed alone created lots of pull.
So anyway, at least now I know that on the occasional day(s) when we get winds with an angry disposition like today, I have a kite that seems to
rather enjoy it.
As kites get bigger they fly through the window and turn slower. As you noticed with a small kite you get little spurts of big power as the little
thing speeds through the power zone. Being so small you lose almost all pull as the kite reaches the edge. Taking what you experienced to a bigger
kite in less wind will have you doing big long scuds!
I have not flown the 1.8m Rage but really like the 1.7m Sting in those conditions!
Yes, I passed several State and town crews out cutting fallen trees and limbs as I headed to the park, and I have to say, this added to my level of
concern regarding my sense of good judgement...
In the end, it was great fun indeed, and a confidence builder as well. Apart from a serious tropical storm or hurricane - during which, all bets are
off wind wise - today's winds were about the most we see around here. The Rage 1.8 proved itself to have been a good choice for these levels.
When standing, I began to imagine that I was on skis, and I could really sense what it may have been like if I was. This has always been a side goal
regarding this hobby - next to simply enjoying the great exercise of static flying - and today I could feel that this goal is no doubt a reality.
Yes, I passed several State and town crews out cutting fallen trees and limbs as I headed to the park, and I have to say, this added to my level of
concern regarding my sense of good judgement...
In the end, it was great fun indeed, and a confidence builder as well. Apart from a serious tropical storm or hurricane - during which, all bets are
off wind wise - today's winds were about the most we see around here. The Rage 1.8 proved itself to have been a good choice for these levels.
When standing, I began to imagine that I was on skis, and I could really sense what it may have been like if I was. This has always been a side goal
regarding this hobby - next to simply enjoying the great exercise of static flying - and today I could feel that this goal is no doubt a reality.
I'm starting to sniff a budding snowkiter in you. For me, Snowkiting is the best way to enjoy kiting by far. If you already feel confident as a skier
this could become a natural avenue for you to switch from only static flying to mobile kiting. Snow covered soccer fields and similar parks work great
and are deserted in the winter. As long as you have enough snow to cover the grass you can be off and running!
Snowkiting is for sure my goal. I am an avid skier, and have been since I was fairly young. The rest of my family ski as well (or snowboard for some
of the younglings), and they too have enjoyed learning to static fly my kites.
We have some very nice lakes in the area that would be perfect for Snowkiting, and a bit north of me, there are plenty of fairly remote farm pastures
that would serve quite nicely in this regard.
I have a nephew who graduates high school next year, and he plans to do a 'gap-year' prior to the next thing. His goal is to head out west (I
suggested CO) and work at a ski resort that also offers mountain biking in the off season. Those are two of his favorite things, and he has excelled
at both. Now, he has also been introduced to Power Kiting and hopefully Snowkiting this winter, and with his quiver of skills, I am hoping he will
have no issues finding work that he enjoys with like minded folks.
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