Hi all
Ive just picked up the kiting bug and am so excited abuot it. But im hoping someone can help me with a few tips.

I have a radsail 2.4m.
My first problem is the strings. i thouught i managed to get over the tangling the lines thing but i found out today that i havent-does anyone have any tips on putting the lines away and opening them? i really dont want this to put me off kiting.

actually, i think that is the main problem at the moment, but when the kite is up its great fun.

Went to the dunstable downs today and there were some awesome flyers about.

also-i have only been out with the kite about 10 times, i feel quite confident and i use kite killers-does anyone have any tips or advice on if i should move on yet, and if so...what should i get next

finally, any good tips on essential equipment i should have?

thank you guys.

I'm guessing you are flying with handles correct..
If so when winding your lines up keep everything attached to the kite and handles.
Here is my method.
1)put handles together and hold them in your left hand with the powerline end pointing toward the kite.
2)use your right hand to wind all 4 lines around the handles slowly walking toward your kite.
3)when you get a few feet from the kite grab all four lines and pull them between the handles to "lock" the lines down.
4)start folding the kite up then roll the kite up around the handles.

To unpack/unwind
1)unroll/ unfold the kite weighting the trailing edge with sand or small sand bags
2)hold the handles in your left hand with the power line end pointing toward the kite
3)use your right hand to unroll the lines as you walk backward

There should not be any tangles in the lines using this method. The only thing that can happen is the lines could be twisted. To untwist the lines put both handles in one hand and rotate both handles to untwist.

I can unpack and launch my kites in less than 2 minutes. I can land and pack back up in the same time or less. Just make sure whatever method you use do it the same way everytime and you shouldn't have a problem.

Scott

I've found the easiest way is to, leave the lines attached to the kite, wind them onto the handles, clockwise when putting them away, & unwind them counter-clockwise, when setting up ... less hassle & no tangled lines...

Unless you have more than 1 kite & need the line for both, then you'll just have to get a 2nd set of lines for both kites... otherwise it works great....

One word Parapacking.
I had the same issue but after reading this guide
http://www.racekites.com/howto/howto_11.asp
it all disappeared, no more tangles, incredibly fast to setup and put it away. In guide it sounds like it never going to work, but just have faith as it works flawleslly.

My variation, borrowed from others here and practiced over time...
Fold the kite first with bridles inside, tips to center and repeat until handles-length wide.
Put a couple of water bottles on the trailing edge.
Go back to the handles, put them together with the kite killers wrapped around right at the bend in the handles and hold the handles by the bottoms with the kite killer leashes under your fingers.
Wrap the lines aroound the handles once and then start a figure-eight wrap around the clump of kite killers.
Walk slowly to to the kite as you wind, keeping slight tension betwwen the handles and your winding hand, as well as you and the kite.
When you get to the kite, just before the toggle attachements, cinch the lines between the tops of the handles.
Replace the water bottles with the handles an roll up in the kite towards the leading edge.

To unwind...
unroll the kite and with one motion remove the handles and put them behind the trailing edge pointing to the kite.
Unfold the kite and secure the trailing edge.
PIck up the handles and start to undwind a few feet.
Sort out the bridles, untwisted, with the mains inside of the brakes.
Continue unwinding with the same hands you wound with, walking backwards or sideways, the exact reverse of how you wound them.
Dont flip the handle is in the air to unwind; use the same hand to unwind.
Walk back witht he same tension in the lines as when you wound.

When you get to the end and it looks like they are twisted, THEY ARE NOT (maybe one). They are just stuck. Spread your arms apart with a handle in each hand and shake a bit; they will fall apart.

Often I will be able to fly right there without returning to the kite. If they are still stuck, return to the kite and walk back to the handles between the right and left line sets with a set in each hand, with the main and brake between separate fingers. If your reach snarls at your waist, wrap one hand around it and push it towards the handles as your walk . When you get to the handles, the one or two real twists will be obvious and you can flip the handles around.

The only time I get true twists are when I unpack the kite between sessions such as for cleaining or something else. I find it worth the effort in such a case to unwind, straighten and re-wind. It's easier in the calm of the back yard with a cold beer nearby, than straightening them out in the field or on the beach with the wind blowing, wishing your were flying instead of cussing.

wow
brilliant, thanks guys got some great tips and ill try them one by one to see which suits me best, obviously after the next time i take the kite out of its bag and spend time unravelling the lines!!!

I second the parapacking - looks messy but works great.

yeah, it looks messy but works like a charm. Usually when I get done kitesurfing I'll catch my kite bridles on my board. The kite is now "tangled" to the board. I wind my lines up and when I get to the kite I pull it off the board and just ball the kite up while on the beach. When I get home I then fold the kite up neatly when I'm out of the sand and wind.

Scott