[Virtual Freestyle Practice, New Camera, and "Push Axels"]

On 12/30/2016 at 7:37 AM, Exult said:

A pause in any activity can also bring fuel for the time when you start again

Great advice, I'm taking it now in fact. We had our move-out inspection  today which went very well but it took tonnes of scrubbing and we got rid of so much junk right up til the wire. I'm taking the rest of today and tomorrow off from unpacking and am going to just relax, hopefully fly a bit, and plan the next month. 

On 12/30/2016 at 7:37 AM, Exult said:

I think I said it before that ending the slide by a FA looks good. I've started to try them myself.

I'm glad you like them! I find they feel really satisfying when I actually pull them off. I originally started doing them so I could get to the middle of the window in a stall  while in higher wind (so that the fade would be more stable) but now I find they are a great way to try FAs at different points in the window consistently without having to also work on super accurate snap-stalls. 

On 12/30/2016 at 0:38 PM, RobB said:

congratulations on your Virtual Freestyle entry

Thanks! I'm so glad I entered! It was a great way to meet a bunch of amazing flyers, plus I learned so much trying to film those 1:30 clips. I learned lots while critically watching everyone's videos too. The dual-line flying community isn't very dense geographically which makes the turnout for these online events are all the more rewarding.

P.S. you got so close in the draw! I was rooting for you (though I think everyone was super deserving of the prize  

[The Meaning of a Field or The Long Session of Memories]

I thought a lot about this entry over the past couple weeks while I've been moving into a new house (yay for not being renters anymore!) thanks for giving me so much to think about while lugging boxes! I love how you had chances to be both the source of knowledge for an excited dual-line flyer and to learn more about paragliding yourself!

I've lived on Vancouver Island pretty much all my life but I've moved far enough around on the island to have a few clusters of nostalgic sites like this. I had few memories of Clover Point before last year when I started flying. My only notable memory was finding a peregrine falcon on a rather windy day. I got a picture that we were able to use to read the (upside down) band and log a proper report!

"Allemans rätten"  seems like a great way to encourage a respect for the productivity of natural spaces. In Canada we at least technically can't privately own the shoreline, but even in government parks you usually aren't supposed to pick anything without various licenses (though people often ignore this)

I love the idea of combining rockets and kites! My BF used to play with rockets when he was younger but I never got into them. A quick look on Youtube seems to show the combination hasn't been well explored at all. The competition you described sounds like it would foster some serious creativity!

It sounds like your father was a real pioneer in the kiting world! It must have been inspirational. I remember trying to fly single line kites (probably the lame duck drugstore variety) with my family once when I was a child but I don't think anyone in my family knew much about flying. I'm starting to get my dad interested in learning though

 

Can't wait to hear more comparisons between the Hydra and the Kymera! They both look beautiful.

[Virtual Freestyle Practice, New Camera, and "Push Axels"]

 

 

On 12/3/2016 at 5:29 AM, Exult said:

Another name for "my" push axle could be a backwards/reverse axle (unless already being used for something else). Suggestions for your axel version: push axel, push-spin axel, short-spin axel, short push-spin axel... ??

 

I noticed in the Peter Peters link you sent me that the "genie pop" is pretty close to what I called "push axels" I don't see anything on his page that describes your reverse axel! 

On 12/3/2016 at 5:29 AM, Exult said:

What about creating a real one for print out and on the field pencil editing? I begun thinking of what I'd like to have on mine

I've been working on an excel flight session file that I could print and bring with me, or even fill in on my phone, but it has been tough to figure out how to best format everything! I'll share what I'm working on after my next push at it  I can tell that this worsening weather is going to result in a lot of extra time to plan and organize for future sessions.

On 11/24/2016 at 1:52 PM, Exult said:

(and I only use one line when pulling the kite on its back

Wow, does this ever feel different to what I've been doing! i love it! I've had almost no chances to fly recently (getting ready to move puts a dent in my time for sure...) but I recorded my first chance trying these 'one-handed' inputs. I set the camera up behind me so that I could watch my hands after, so the video isn't particularly pretty but I found it informative to watch! i sure 'cross' my left hand often, pulling it in towards my chest instead of out to my side. Super limiting to do this of course as I run out of room and thwack myself in the chest..

 I'm going to think on your comment on why some tricks are more popular than others! I wonder if the availability of tutorial style videos is a big limitation? It is amazing how many people (me included) learned most of what we think of as proper trick kite flying from Dodd gross, dpmama, and the old prism DVDs on YouTube. 

Edit  I'm going to add this here too, but your "Snow Crash" comment in the forums inspired me to try flying out in the snow here! I sure crashed a lot but it was loads of fun.

 

[Virtual Freestyle Practice, New Camera, and "Push Axels"]

On 11/24/2016 at 1:52 PM, Exult said:

Does the omitted stall affect in what wind range that the trick works best in?

I've tried them up to the strongest winds I currently feel comfortable tricking in and they seem to work! I think that in stronger winds it is more important to wait til the nose has rotated past 12:00 before the axel input (like you say, it is much like a spin axel without most of the spin)

On 11/24/2016 at 1:52 PM, Exult said:

For me (without knowing if there are any official definition) a push axel is somewhat different. Start from a stall, then rather than focusing on pulling on one side instead push on one side so that wing sinks back and around. It is probably so that you slightly almost without knowing it will pull the front wing when the other sinks back. When the rear wing is pointing from you after the kite has completed 1/4 revolution you can also pull on the rear wing slightly to help it forward again.

I think I did this by mistake in low wind recently but promptly forgot it happened. I'm absolutely going to try this next time I'm on the field. I wish there were already a name for what I call 'push axels'! In that trick list they are just referred to as 'another way to axel'. 

On 11/24/2016 at 1:52 PM, Exult said:

Talking about the Slide-Axels-Fade video again you seem to have gotten the fade launches going and be reliable as well (at 5:32 e.g.). When I do fractured axels I kind of feel a bit in a hurry (and I only use one line when pulling the kite on its back) and the reliability is not what I want. Fade launches work OK (I use two lines to pull it on it's back here). Is there any difference (in feeling) when doing these two fade tricks?

Yeah I think that fade launches are comparatively easy for me because I can line up the nose pretty well before launching. Trickier is catching the fade with the nose pitched up far enough to start the kite rising. If I pull too hard for the launch the nose kinda bounces off the lines and pitches down. It seems easy to give 'enough' slack reliably for the fade launches. It feels to me kinda like doing an axel input but with both hands at the same time.

For fractured axels I noticed you can get away with both an axel type input (pop?) or a slightly longer pull with both hands. I haven't tried to do them by just pulling one line though! Another thing for my checklist for the next flight. When I miss the moment of the nose being perfectly away from me the kite tends to spin on its axis at an angle. At least I'm getting better at recovering from that. I think I need more slack specifically after the 'pop' as my kite usually powers up when the nose is pointed at the ground. This is why I'm trying to keep my arms down, but you're right that I could probably compensate  by walking forward a bit more!

I'm still exploring turtles a little cautiously because the quantum is kinda tough to pull out of the turtle (it drops pretty far during the recovery) but I like the sound of the spin stall-to-turtle!

Thanks again for your insight Exult, I feel like these conversations really help guide my thinking while on the field. I got an OK virtual freestyle entry in so I can finally get back to the more systematic drill-like practicing + exploration of new tricks that I find very relaxing. I might have to get some quality 50' lines soon too

[Seasons]

Great video!

I like the 'cameraperson' effect the pan-and-zoom provides. any way you can break each motion up into an acceleration, pan, and deceleration phase? It feels like I'm expecting each

shot' to end later than it actually does which might be causing the dizziness. If you can't do acceleration, maybe flank the main pan with short pans at 1/2 the speed of the main pan (if that makes sense...).

I love the provided stats too. I gotta get a wind speed meter

Keep 'em coming!!

[Bridle Adjustments, Wow (featuring, new green quantum)]

Thanks for the encouragement! I'm loving these new bridle settings for sure. 

On 11/6/2016 at 0:58 AM, Exult said:

"Grr the dreaded half axle to turtle"

Not intentional there (still trying to get half axels) but absolutely repeatable on my end. I think these are maybe the "rixels" you were talking about? I do what I think is a half axel input at the edge of the window but with a) the nose horizontal, and b ) a pretty hard snap on the upper wing. that tricks site you sent me too said too hard a half-axel input would put the kite into a turtle and it sure does! I came close today to getting a lazy Susan out of it too!

On 11/6/2016 at 6:12 AM, RobB said:

Also, it looks like the Cascade isn't too far off. I saw all the pieces in the video, they just need to be put together...

Thanks! I can't wait  I keep thinking of you saying "more slack" when I'm on the field and I think it has really started to improve my axels!

[October Check-In]

I just have to say again how fun and insightful this community is! I can't always get out to the field during the week and recently haven't had tonnes of time to hash out proper responses sometimes. But every time I check my phone I find someone on KiteLife with a new insight, a thoughtful critique, or a fantastic video. I'm extra glad to see the spirit doesn't wane as Winter approaches!

 

On 11/3/2016 at 2:40 PM, Exult said:

> I think the 'sharpness' of the pull makes much more of a difference than the intensity. I can axle with one finger no problem this way. On the other side, a longer pull almost always ends in a wingtip snag/wrap. Even when the tip doesn't wrap, long pulls rarely get the kite to rotate all the way around.

Do you mean that a sharp pull is when you just make flick on a line and the intensity is how much momentum your arm/hand gets (and how much of that that gets transferred to the kite)?

I wish to find a table or a definition list (preferably by someone well familiar with English), that describes/defines flick, pop, tug, lash... Would terminology be needed for pushing and giving slack as well?

I'd also love to find these definitions! It seems hard enough to learn these tricks without having to guess what people mean by the terms! You got my meaning pretty much exactly this time though  

This might be too out there but now that I'm thinking about it we almost need to differentiate between 4 things:

1. The sharpness (or how quickly the direction change takes place)
2.  The intensity of the pull
3. The distance the line pulled travels (especially in relation to the other line?)
4. how much slack is given to each line (kind of covered by 3)

On 11/3/2016 at 2:40 PM, Exult said:

To better understand trick descriptions (such as http://www.idemployee.id.tue.nl/p.j.f.peters/kites/basics/funcidx.frm.html ) it is of use to know possible movements and part of tricks I believe.

This is such a great list of tricks that I keep forgetting about! I wish there were a video for every trick on the list  

 

On 11/3/2016 at 2:40 PM, Exult said:

Somehow (not meaning to sound offensive) I don't think that that is so important. There are so many aspects of kiting to explore. Perfect an "old" trick or try it with  varying inputs. So many kites to try out the different tricks on, so many tricks and so many possible whether conditions to examine "the moves" in.

I think you are totally right. I've had so much fun just trying to axel with my nose pointed in different positions and with different amounts of slack/pop. And those Fractured axels are going to take lots of practice before they are second nature, especially on the quantum! My only annoyance is that trying Half axel type inputs still leaves me in the walk of contemplation too often, and that problem would go away if I were a little less focused on doing them perfectly horizontally. 

 

On 11/3/2016 at 2:40 PM, Exult said:

Axel or half axle into a flare and with the other hand investigate a second pull   Vary this second input. What determines if the result is something like a half axel, rising half axel or a fade? Two kites that felt good doing these tests with were the Illusion and the Alien (should try ut on the more recent kites again).

I'm going to think about these now that I'm getting a little more predictable with my axels. The other slack line flyer I met on the field does a move like this that seems so graceful. 

On 11/3/2016 at 2:40 PM, Exult said:

> I went out a few times to try night kiting!

You are so "kite-on"! I had the idea but I've never tried - for years. How is it? Would you say it is a nice thing to try or is it a valuable because that it offers more sessions during the darker time of the year. Do you learn as much from a session in the dark as from one in full daylight? Was it so dark that flying have been possible at all if it wouldn't have been for the lights during the session when you were out? About the night video I must say that it looks nice, giving you the kind of relaxed feeling of watching fish in an aquarium.

It was really fun, and super informative to my flying. I could not fly at all without the lights by the time it got dark (1min in to that video or so) (in fact we tried with a flashlight and it was truly terrifying.  I did my first spin axels with the lights on, made much easier because the trailing edge was 18g heavier than usual! I haven't been out much yet at night mostly because that's when it rains the most here. We fall back an hour tonight so I lose most of the afternoon light starting tomorrow. I'm sure this will induce many more night flying sessions.  

On 11/3/2016 at 2:40 PM, Exult said:

I'd would like to try that steering as well! This is silly, but that video (Faded fractured axels...) triggers something in me that resembles a competitive mode (Have been working with the FA fade stuff for 1.5 years and have not been thinking of that steering! More focused on start and maintaining it.).

I find that every time I watch a kite video I get inspired to try something new/different. Rob's last Skyburner XXL video makes me want to try more vertical control, it looks like he can raise and lower the kite at will in a fade! I'd love to see any footage of your flying if you manage to snap some sometime! It might also be cool to try little 'one trick challenge' type threads where we post things like our longest fade, stall, slide, most spins, and such  there's a video somewhere of someone doing 100 backspins that is super motivational!

 

[Exult's chunky log - autumn/winter 2016]

On 10/15/2016 at 1:31 AM, Exult said:

It might be so that your hands already know a snappy turtle initiated from horisontal flight which could be used in harder wind. Consider your early attempt of a half axel http://kitelife.com/forum/blogs/entry/194-lunchtime-slides-stalls-and-a-bunch-of-half-axle-practice/ - you instead briefly went into a turtle. Perhaps continue to work on this snappy turtle work that you accidentally started?

This works!! Thanks Exult, I can reliably turtle from horizontal flight now! Great feeling. It is much harder to maintain altitude in a turtle than in a fade hey? And I still can't get the kite to backspin or anything. But progress! 

On 10/15/2016 at 1:31 AM, Exult said:

I'm not sure we are discussing the same thing - by the "fall over" I meant the 3/4 downwards turn of the start of the side slide which the Hydra does almost by itself (though I'd like to verify that during better conditions). (This is a behavior that is shared by all my kites designed during the nineties (with the possible exception of City Session). On the other hand the Infinity, Maestro 3 and 4D instead want to make a very wide turn when turned downwards at the edge of the wind window. Yes they can make sharp turns elsewhere and I should figure out if I can make (force) them to do the turn at the edge as well.)

Yeah, I think I was talking about the 'provoking the kite' stuff, not the slides. During "air recoveries" I am starting to get the feeling that each position the kite takes on has some combo of inputs that would turn it into a trick. Sorta like how those cruddy half axles have now turned into decent snap turtles! When talking about slides though I noticed I can point the kite straight downward at the edge of the window for quite awhile and still usually have enough momentum to slide. Hopefully this means the turn radius of your newer kites won't hinder your slides too too much!

[October Check-In]

On 10/26/2016 at 6:18 PM, RobB said:

Was the first video just the I2K, or did I see a different kite in there, too ? Maybe an Ozone at the end ? Different kites are going to be stronger with certain tricks, and I have to say, the I2K is a very difficult kite to trick. I really only like mine with the Spoilerz installed in higher winds. 

The first video is the I2K except for the very end where I pulled out an old Shanti Kite I got on Craigslist. It isn't very trickable, but after breaking that LLE (now fixed) on the I2K I needed something else to fly that day  I've heard the I2K isn't super trickable but it is so much lighter than my Quantum so I think it might be better to practice flip tricks on for now. It just might be time to start saving for a new kite though! 

On 10/26/2016 at 6:18 PM, RobB said:

1/2 axels ? It took me forever to learn them, and I still don't know if I do them right. I do a fast snap stall input, but don't let the kite go tips horizontal, but give the axel input quickly after ditching the speed (when the nose is pointed at 10 o'clock or 2 o'clock, depending on which side I'm flying). I choke the axel just as the nose is pointed in the right direction (left or right, horizontal) and quickly take up the slack either with a step back or an arm sweep, or sometimes both if the wind is low. That's the best I can describe it, and like I said, I'm not sure if my 1/2 axels are 'real' 1/2 axels...

I hadn't looked at it that way before!! I'm going to try that on the field today. I got out briefly with my Ozone yesterday but for some reason didn't try half axles on it! 

On 10/26/2016 at 6:18 PM, RobB said:

The Fade at the end of the last video stuck with me. That was nice. I like to see how long I can hold a fade, which can seem like a boring exercise, but it really helps to get the 'feel' of the kite. The gentle inputs that a fade teaches you translate directly to the types of inputs need to hold a stall or a slide. 

Thanks! I really like the idea of learning to control the kite in stalls, fades, and turtles! I took your advice and did a bunch of prolonged fades on my Ozone yesterday!

 

On 10/26/2016 at 6:18 PM, RobB said:

Finally, about the weather watching... tell me that you can't drive past a flagpole without looking up to see which way the wind's blowing ?!?  8)

Every...Single...One... Even flags in movies and on TV now! I'm driving my roommates crazy with comments like "wow that looks like perfect wind" mid show. Not to mention the webcam right at clover point! It points to the left of the actual field, and there isn't a flag or windsock in the field of view but I'm learning to judge the wave peaks to see if it is worth going out. 

Thanks for the encouragement! I really hope I can keep the frequent flying up all winter long!

[Exult's chunky log - autumn/winter 2016]

It sounds like you've been getting some great sessions in!

You have been so patient waiting for your new kites! It sounds like they have a great home with you and will be used often.

On 10/11/2016 at 1:20 PM, Exult said:

I've had a good low wind experiences and also had too much wind, but there is no point in denying it any longer, with the right kite in somewhat hard wind kite spanking is fun.

This is something I'd like to realize too! I noticed myself just not bothering to fly in winds that a couple months ago would be just fine! Minimally I guess I should be OK with focusing on figure flying in stronger winds. I'd love to develop the strength and snappiness to 'spank' a kite in slightly higher winds. 

On 10/11/2016 at 1:20 PM, Exult said:

To the extent that was possible to investigate during the current wind conditions it seems that this kite belongs to the category that falls over with a small turning radius (which I like more than the other option that the kite has a large turning radius at the edge of the wind window so that it hits the ground (which I don't like)). This was not a very good occasion to investigate the sideways flinging of the kite during the initial downwards turn, since the speed from the side slide in itself was so high that the sideways speed that you could get from the downwards turn was small in comparison.

This is fascinating! I'm going to pay careful attention to what my kite 'wants' to do after being provoked. It is taking lots of tumbles while I"m learning these half axles and I love the idea of each being a little opportunity to get to know the kite better. 

On 10/11/2016 at 1:20 PM, Exult said:

Fighting the biological diversity in this hedge (the intended mono culture is some kind of Laburnum/"golden chain" and the invading species is some kind of wild rose with dense thorns that managed to escape from it's restricted area). As Christopher Lambert said in the (preferably) first Highlander movie: "There can only be one!".

Lol! I'm in the invasive species/herbicide biz and have used that quote many times when talking about weeds! First time I've heard it from someone else!

I love this blog format (though I personally think you could make a new post for each log dump)! Thanks for sharing your experiences!

[Low Wind Flying and Working on Fades]

22 hours ago, Exult said:

Axel:
Try letting the kite sink back before you pull to get a flatter axel. While you extend the arm that you are going to pull to make the axel, give enough slack/time so that the nose goes down so that the kite becomes more horisontal. From this position a gentle light pull will (hopefully) give you a flatter axel.

This is interesting! Now that I know what axles feel like I think I can make use of this information  I really like the look of a super flat axle.

22 hours ago, Exult said:

Fade:
I'm surprised that you manage to start out with fades after only a summer! Should one look for the explanation in what tricks that are considered standard nowadays (as seen from the perspective of a end of nineties revived kite fossil like me, trying to adapt to a new environment) or is it more that everyone have their own way of learning and as well as order of trick learning?

Aw thanks! I found this old forum thread that inspired me to try the axle-to-fade http://www.gwtwforum.com/index.php?topic=2517.5;wap2 . I was trying the flare-to-fades and just kept getting scared of nose-diving so I thought I'd switch it up a bit! 

I know personally I'd love to be able to half-axle so I can change direction quickly, and to get into, out of, and switch between stall, fade, and turtle. If I could get all that down I wouldn't mind if it took me a long, long time to crack into the more complicated tricks. 

Hoping to get out at lunch so will report on progress!

[Still Wiping That Tear From My Eye...]

Congratulations to both of you! I was surprised at how much better flying is when you aren't by yourself. Just wait til you are are both flying at the same time! Those pics make me want to take out my I2K now that I'm a little more confidant!

Also, it is so great to see how quickly kids learn these kites. Me and my BF were out a few months ago with a toy dualie and a couple kidlets came up and wanted to fly. 5min later and they were both whizzing all over the place! 

I hope you can look forward to many years of kiting together!

[Side slides and axles]

I didn't get multiple cameras set up yesterday but I got some very interesting angles when practicing axles on my Ozone. I think I'm getting the hang of slack management for the trick, and mostly with the set up as well. The kite shudders too much during most of my axles though, so I'm guessing I'm still tugging too hard or slightly at the wrong time. 

Here is a video! I've been taking your advice and "filming with intent" as we talked about so only the key bits are in slow motion. 

 

[Exult's chunky log - autumn/winter 2016]

Great points thanks Exult! I managed to get a little bit of kiting in while travelling but I kept things simple due to crowds  

I did spend a good chunk of my spare time doing the flare/fade/turtle dance  

I got out yesterday for a great couple hours with my ozone in low wind. I decided to save flip attempts for more constant wind, it was work to keep the kite up yesterday. I'm going to try and let a turtle or two float down to the ground today, no matter what the wind does. 

[Exult's chunky log - autumn/winter 2016]

19 hours ago, Exult said:

You have managed to turtle the kite (at least in one video). Flaring the kite is (does not need to be) not much different. 

My attempt at a flare (/pancake) description:

1. The set up: When the kite heads downwards, walk forward at the same time as you pull your arms backwards. Your speed forwards (typically slow jogging pace) should be enough so that the kite doesn't speed up (too much). Continue until your arms are slightly behind your back.

2. The flip: With your arms behind the back while you still are in forward motion, make a quick pull with your arms/wrists and immediately fling your arms forward.

You can be calm in your movements (unless you have the kite in the centre of the wind window in hard wind of course). To get the timing/rhythm of the flip-movement think that you are going to throw your arms forward, but you only start the single move (consider it to be a single movement) by the slight pull. There should be zero pause between the pull and the forwards arm fling. Think that your hands bounces on an (invisible and very bouncy) surface behind your back into the forwards arm fling. Maintain at least walking speed forward during the trick (for "normal" wind speeds at least). To make it into a belly landing - you guessed it is a matter of timing.

Thanks Exult! Yeah I've managed to get the kite to flip into a turtle but only right at the top of the window and then I'm immediately running backward to try and take up slack on the lines. Watching some videos suggests it might be easier to both turtle and fade elsewhere in the window?

I really like your instructions for these flips, I think they make a lot of sense. Especially the walking, I'm starting to feel like most of my difficulties still come from getting my hands and feet to collaborate. The "bounce" descriptions make a lot of sense too. 

Can't wait to try all this out! I got out once this week and found no wind at all on arrival  and now I'm traveling for work but brought the quantum and will hopefully find a new spot to fly (thanks for your 'learning to fly in unfamiliar locations post

 

[Exult's chunky log - autumn/winter 2016]

This is great! I just got some 50' (ish) lines from a kilter who broke and re-sleeved a set that I'm hoping will help me develop my Strangelove of ground work . I like flying near the ground as it is easier to see the kite (both for me and for the cameras), so it would be nice to feel better about taking advantage of it! Some of my favorite of Rob's videos have lots of ground contact in them and it looks like lots of fun. 

 I'm going to have to watch that video about 10 more times  The tip drag in it gives me confidence for sure. That ground roll is so dramatic, it is definitely something I'd like to work towards slowly. Tip stands are probably the scariest thing for me. I tried those cartwheels once or twice but the best I can manage is spinning the kite with the nose on the ground (looks dumb but at least I can fly out after it). 

I'm really hoping to try some turtles and flares next time I'm out as I don't think I understand what they are supposed to feel like yet. Maybe I'll make those belly landings a goal. I think I've seen Dodd Gross do them in his videos and they look graceful. Gotta look into coin tosses too as I have no idea how to set them up yet, not even in theory!

Great point about obstacles, there is both a lamp post and a sign that could be pretty destructive if I walked too far forward my mistake. 

 

[Side slides and axles]

Slo-motion has been great for me to see the nuances of the kite's motion, that's for sure! It is great to see what others get from these videos too! Watching the turn at 1:05 I think I see what you mean! I think the snappy tug as part of the stall turn pulls the trailing edge towards me, which causes the nose to lean away? If there is wind today I'm hoping to try a multi-camera setup so maybe I'll have a good debrief video up this evening  I can't wait to get out and practice again, that's for sure. 

[Exult's chunky log - autumn/winter 2016]

Whoops yeah I could have been clearer there (shouldn't do so much posting from my phone!) I was mostly refering to your interest in ground contact tricks! I feel like you must have taken the fear I feel of hitting the ground and turned it into some sort of exhilaration

 

[Exult's chunky log - autumn/winter 2016]

Great post! I like the flight log format and the hierarchical style! 

I think it is good to have lots of things to work on so you can pick and choose depending on the conditions and your mood! I know some days I am totally fine doing the walk of shame repeatedly and some days I just want to feel airborne and vaguely competent. 

It is great reading your entries and seeing how different we all are in the aspects of kiting that interest us. It is great to be able to follow your exploration of all these ground-contact, fade, and turtle based tricks! I managed to get into and out of a turtle a couple times today but getting out is tricky (I have to remember to walk back quickly I think...)

Great photos too. That Tramontana is a stunning kite! Also that crayfish looks delicious.

[First summer Progress :)]

Thanks Rob that is great to know! I do have Spoilerz here but didn't have instructions for using them  This is great, can't wait to try them out!

[First summer Progress :)]

Hey that's great to hear! The spars seem much lighter than those on the Quantum!!

 I took the I2K out briefly the other day so my BF could fly the quantum. It was totally unfly-able (lagged, then sorta 'floated', almost completely uncontrollable) until I adjusted the bridle from high wind to stock. The standoffs were furthest to the outside. I'm going to sit with it for awhile and go through all the standoff/bridle combinations if the wind is nice next weekend  It seems like an interesting kite! I'd rather play with the quantum until I'm competent with some slack line tricks though. I'd also like to find a better way of tensioning the leading edge, I think I saw a guide on this forum when I was deciding if I should buy it. 

 

[First summer Progress :)]

Wow I'm glad it survived! I popped the lower spreader out of one of the APCs once and it was quite startling. Kudos on pulling out the crazy glue and just fixing the problem! I'm not sure I'd be so confidant I know who I'm talking to when I inevitably need to repair this thing Hope to see you on the field this weekend!

[First summer Progress :)]

OK! I think I've summarized some of the best advice I've gotten recently in this post but here are the tips I'd have for first time flyers, my realizations as I got a a little more control of the kite, and some of my greatest challenges! Here goes, and I'd love advice on where I'm off the mark in all of this. I'm not above editing anything (and will note edits) for clarity. edited to add Thanks Exult for the advice! I've spattered in a few edits.

 

Some tips for starting out:

When you first get your kite set up get someone to hold the kite above their head for launches. This lets you evenly and gently pull both lines and (if the wind is decent) the kite will just lift out of their hands. Keep the tension even on both lines and the kite will climb up straight.

Don’t try and “steer” the lines like a car. It is absolutely the first impulse but it just doesn’t help. I found just bending my elbows and trying to keep the tension on the lines even was a good place to start. The kite will kind of lead you but as long as you only make small, gentle changes to tension you will ‘damp’ any oscillations and more or less keep the kite at 12:00 in the window.

I found thinking of the lines like tank joysticks helped a lot. If I kept one hand still I could gently “push” and “pull” the other hand much like a joystick to turn. Switch hands after that and practice moving the other hand. Once I got that I started to feel better using both hands at the same time for ‘combo turns’.

Find the Prism Way to fly (Fade, side slide, axle) Link Dodd Gross' stuff, and dpMama74's stuff on youtube. John's article "flying with Intent" is one of the best things recommended to me for getting in to a learner's mindset while flying.

Edit: I'd suggest getting an ultra light kite such as the Prism 4D (I'd recommend the Ozone but they don't make it anymore and I had a great time flying another kiter's 4D recently) in addition to a standard kite. I've found it hard to judge what the wind where I fly will be like even with forecasts. It isn't fun to get out there and not be able to fly. I found lower wind (within a kite's range) is much more interesting to fly in than high wind. I'd love to get a vented now so that I don't have to fight the wind ever again (lol)!

 

Realizations:

I noticed there was a difference in how a turn felt depending on how quick I made the pushes/pulls. If I keep them gentle the kite kinda ‘springs’ back when I returned to the middle. If I made quick motions I would feel some ‘slack’ on the line I pulled when I released the pull. This was where my flying first split I think into “figure” and “trick” flying. I’ve noticed now that if I’m flying squares I try to avoid tugging  hard enough to create that slack, as it slows the kite (sometimes too much). (edited to add) Instead, I'm now working on finding the hardest combo turn I can make without losing 'contact' with the kite. Of course snap stalls are all about creating that ‘slack’.

Before I tried any actual tricks I wanted to get good at stalling the kite and at controlling the kite in a stall. I’ve learned 3 easy ways to get the kite into a stall, from Kite Life and from the r/kites subreddit.

1.       Fly over to the edge of the wind window then turn my nose up. The kite will stall but the edge of the window is weird for learning stall control (edited to add) because I'm turning out of the wind window and sometimes the outside wing loses all wind.

2.       Spin the kite by throwing one hand forward (a biiig push) while keeping tension on the other line then pull hard enough with the same hand to counter the spin with the nose pointed up, all while walking forward. This works pretty well but is tricky to do.

3.       Stall Launches (as called by a helpful reddit user here). Basically I launch the kite then immediately throw both hands forward enough to stall the kite.  I feel like I get way better at stall control from just a little of this practice. Now I stall launch almost every time. I wish I had known this a long time ago!

I also practiced getting into and holding side-slides (or floats) across as much of the wind window as possible. A side slide is pretty much ¾ of a turn followed by a very gentle snap stall to point the nose up. Do the turn slowly enough that you are heading in the direction you want to slide in at a half decent speed before you snap. The snap is very gentle so it was a great way for me to practice and get the feel of the lines as the kite stalls. This was the first snap stall motion I learned and it is one you can practice in almost any wind because you are at the edge of the window.

Speaking of snap stalls here are my thoughts. A snap stall is effectively tugging one hand to dump the air from that side, then tugging the other hand both to dump air from that side and to compensate for the turning started by the first snap. I got a lot of insight on this flying the ozone in low wind and watching the frame/sail deform in a wave across the kite when I snapped. Snapping the other hand before that first wave made it through the kite would stall it beautifully. Does this make any sense??

Edited to add: Another thing that helped me was coming to terms with the fact that I'm not going to improve much over the course of an actual session. Sleeping on things seems to make a big difference though. That's why I'm glad I can get out decently often, even if not for very long each time. Even if I can run out to practice stalls for 20min it is probably worth it

 

Challenges

One big challenge is sorting out how much of my success and failure on a given day was due to the wind, the kite, or my skills. The difference between the ‘low wind’ (nose towards you) and ‘high wind’ (nose away from you) bridle settings can be significant. I’m still not totally sure which settings I like, and I feel like it isn’t easy to understand how the settings change flight characteristics.

As for the wind, low wind is challenging but very good for learning stall control, energy efficiency, and landings even if it isn’t good for learning how to stall or for practicing sharp turns. High wind means no snap stall practice in the middle of the window, but doesn’t rule out side-slides or even things like dives and snap stalls nearer to the edge of the window. If you try this I noticed that the closer the kite is to the edge of the window the less even the tension in the lines is when the kite is perfectly stalled. (edit: added) If I turn to face the kite head on it helps a bit with evening the required tension.

Another challenge has been the footwork required for stall control and certain tricks. I have started flying big circles while walking forward during the down and backward during the up parts to keep the kite at the same speed and it is helping.

It has taken me awhile to get over the fear of breaking my kite and push my limits more often. If you also have that fear here is a compilation of some slow motion crashes my quantum has taken with no issues.

Right this second I’m focused on “flying with intent (link)” including flying better figures, and at axles and turtles. I’m also hoping to learn fade control before I learn to enter a fade. I haven’t had the chance to try this, but I saw online that you can just get a friend to hold the kite in fade position until you have it under control then get them to let go!

 

 

Stuff I’m not at all sure about.

Different “modes” of kite control

1.       “full sail” (There is probably a better word for this)- Lines under at least some tension. Kite goes in the direction the nose is pointed. Pulling dumps air from that side of the kite, slowing it, and causing the nose to rotate toward that side. Pushing opens up the side of the sail pushed, speeding it up as it gets more wind (?? I think??), causing the nose to rotate away from it.

2.       Stall- lines are ‘in contact’ with the kite (as in, there is a very slight amount of tension). Pulling on a line pulls that side of the sail over the air, causing that side to rise. A quick push can slow that side of the sail down enough to drop it. This is how you keep the nose pointed up during a stall’

3.       Fade- Tugging a line pulls that side of the kite toward you, which increases air speed under it and raises that side. Keeping the nose pointed up by tugging on each side lets the wind lift the kite while it is upside down.

4.       Slack (?) I’ve been told it is all about making sure there is enough line available to the kite to complete the trick, and not so much that loops get caught on the kite (and so you can take up all that slack easily enough)

[Blog Knowledge Dump and Slow Motion Landings at the Beach]

Thanks Exult! I'm so glad these videos have a bit of value beyond just for my learning process! I'm starting to remember what the cameras are seeing which adds an interesting layer to kiting sessions. 

I like the flight plan idea and it would go well with my figure flying. Plus I can look at it after the session and see how much of the plan I was able to follow through on. 

Yeah it would be great to be able to dive straight down and snap stall/land right where I want to. I guess more practice  

I'm glad I'm not the only one to do a little simulation  I couldn't fly for the past two days so I've been brushing up on tutorials and practicing inputs. 

[Lunchtime Slides, Stalls, and a Bunch of Half Axle Practice]

Aww you folk are too much fun! Thanks for all the pointers. I love leaving this site feeling like I've had a lesson or two poured into my head  I think patience is super important while learning like I am. I'm thrilled to feel a little improvement each time I get out there but I'm in no rush! Mostly just excited.