John Barresi

Lovely, generous people. FYI, it's very possible I won't remember, so feel free to remind me if your name is called and I'll promptly redraw. Thanks all!

When flying in light wind, the goal is to find that "cup" in the kite... The right flex, the right pressure, the right handle angle, and work to maintain that when driving (between glides when the kite goes flat)... Whump™ is based entirely on this principle.

Additional info, mostly obvious but for posterity... Using one rod type as an experiment (say 3 wrap), longer leading edges (Rev 1 / Zen / 9') flex more than a 1.5, whereas Rev II or B2 kites (6' or so) flex the least... Again, effecting the range of throttle or variance of your airfoil... That's why I suggest having a P90 frame on tap for the B2 if you want real control, whereas the stock (1/4") frames will make the kite faster and slipperier (also fun).

Aye aye Rob, thank you.

Leading edge is top importance, since the flex of the leading edge defines how much your sail changes shape in flight... As an experiment, hold any Rev by the leading edge (face up) and bend the leading edge like it does in flight, now look at the center trailing edge as you do so... Note how the trailing edge raises and lowers with the bending or unbending... That is the "open and close" of your throttle, this has a greater effect on your drive than the true "angle" of the leading edge. Also, when the trailing edge does open or close in flight (from bend), it changes what throttle position is needed on your controls (hand adjustment in flight)... Accordingly, I don't choose frames for weight, as much as I do for the amount of flex it will give me (moderated). If your LE is too flexible, you'll spill wind too easily... If it's too stiff, you won't be able to load effectively. Soak that voodoo in.

Duct tape.

Zen - I always used black race rods with a 2 wrap center, that's it, never liked the actual Zen rods for an active style of flying, just too spongy and flexible (distortion of airfoil). Also note, the "throttle range" on a Zen (margin between forward/reverse is very small (smaller than a 1.5) so it's easy to lose drive if you over-control, and it does NOT like to hover except inverted... It's about "Zen", perpetual, controlled flight, glides, articulate turns and careful sail loading... Once mastered, it can generate a ton of sail pressure and hang time (glide).

And again, I'd have to quote/unquote it from Bazzer from a clinic a few years back.

Sorry, not planning to be at AKA this year... We'll likely still be on our way home around that time. But like I said, we're right by Jockey's Ridge all week - just send me a message if you want to connect for lessons.

More reference here, after 1:32.

Only ever seen this happen for one of two reasons in my 24 years... 1 - custom bridle with smaller line (and knots) 2 - missed larks head (just loop hanging on knot) You'd be surprised how long it's stayed on with #2 before popping off.

Similar range, different handling... Black race is a bit stiffer, and thus gives less flex (wind spill) and better spring back, I don't use 2 wraps anymore.

Bra

Nope, the company is long gone and haven't heard Pam come up in years, sorry.

That's funny, I'm writing this reply from Chris Shultz's couch in the Outer Banks.

This is Bazzer's own, proven method. As Scott says, only if you really can't stand the stains.

Fountain around 3:05 http://youtu.be/BuUXRKQwezU Lots of other moves there too, with circa 2007 calls.

The other thing I like about the design is that it fits well under my Buff wrap.

Arrived in Kill Devil Hills (Outer Banks), open for private lessons some days this week and thinking about doing a casual clinic over the weekend on Jockey's Ridge if there is enough interest... Anyone keen to connect?

My favorite leaders headset, hands down, far and away after 125+ events calling with iQuad. Plantronics MX505 http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-MX505-Windsmart-Boom-Headset/dp/B0007NDBEW/ref=sr_1_107?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1407811378&sr=1-107&keywords=plantronics+headset

A lot of folks don't know, I bought my very first sport kite from Tom back in August of 1990 and he was my kite source for several years afterward - gave me a good start (info, suggestions, education), I remind him every year how much the quality of that experience quite literally changed the course of my Life.