Reef Runner

I'd have had to find some help.......don't think I could have taken the cold water

OH NO.........now that's what I call a dedicated Rev Pilot...........My hats off to you Gulf, or no Gulf, I bet that water was cold, and what a tough lesson to learn. Glad you got all your equipment back I suppose a Pro was worth the swim, though

From a personal standpoint, I prefer to launch from the inverted position, but this is because inverted, is how I set up, and how I land. If you want to launch from the inverted position, just over brake a bit, and allow the kite to rise 3 or 4 feet, then release one brake, or increase one, and the kite will flip to the upright position, and off you go. It's really whatever feels best to you. Again, landing in the inverted position is always the safe position, because you can simply hold both handles on one finger, by the top leaders, or stake it that way, and the kite is always being driven into the ground, hence no accidental, self launch...... That's just my opinion........

Watch out, Wayne will be giving you grief, on that pink !

Fantastic........time on the lines , invaluable. Sounds like you are doing everything, pretty much right. Glad the lines worked out. Next time you take one of those inverted dives, simple apply a lot of brake, just "before" the crash. That's one of the neat things about a Rev, you can come from full speed, at the top of the wind window, directly towards the ground, and with a quick application of brake, the kite will stop for you, in just inches. It's really neat to do this, and stop about 2" to 3" from the ground, back up a couple of feet, then flip back to nose up, and go straight back to the top. Kind of amazing, the first time you do it........... Keep up the good work, and I agree, when the wind just won't cooperate, take a brake, especially while you are learning. Nothing more discouraging than having to constantly fight the kite, just to keep it in the air. Carry on Sir.......sounds like you are on your way!!

Time on the lines.............nothing like it ! Glad you got in some quality time !

Kent at "A Wind of Change" [ http://www.awindofchange.com/category/bulkline.html ], seems to have the Shanti Skybond (yellow), in bulk, and also in ready made sets. Also has some colored sleeving (black & white) If anyone is interested in bridle line, Goodwinds [ https://goodwinds.com/line-winders/bridle-line.html ] has a pretty decent supply, in assorted sizes (100#, 140# & 200#) and colors. I use the 100# for making Rev bridles. I like to mix colors on the vertical & horizontal components of the bridle, just for the heck of it. Also good for sleeving, once you remove the core line (several colors available)............ Back to flight line, might try Wind Power Sports [ http://www.windpowersports.com/accessories/line/quad-line-sets.php ]. They seem to have a bit of selection, including Berry Blue & Shanti Skybond, apparently in both dual & quad sets. I too have had times, when white line was hard to see, but just as many time, when the blue line was likewise, just as hard to see. They both have their advantages and disadvantages, just like everything else.........probably just one of those personal preference things. I do like the looks of that Shanti Skybond (yellow). Anyone got any experience with that on quads ?

So, what's wrong with purple? I like "Purple" just fine...........

Agreed with this, the first dozen times I flew quad (I was new to kites in general as well) I had one *hell* of a time with tangles. After unwinding I'd spend another hour or two untangling and then be ready to fly ... or more accurately (at the time), crash. I re-watched JB's video a few times and then one day, it just started working. I wish I could tell you what I started doing differently but I honestly don't think I *WAS* doing anything different. The key seems to be ensuring that when you unwind you're doing the EXACT reverse of what you're doing when winding. The other trick I figured out (I don't recall if it was in JB's video or not) is after I made it down to the kite end, I took a pair of lines in each hand, pulled them tight against the handles/kite stake on the other end and spread my arms far apart. This will move any small mess down to the handle end where it's easier to see. It also will pull out (most) false tangles. Swannie Great description Swannie.............I think that we have all been through that exact same process.............Their is NO perfect method, only manageable ones, but one day, it just all comes together...........

Take care Bart...............we're thinking of you !

So just curious............what happened to the drawing? Wasn't in, just wondering who won ?

All good ideas indeed, but if I was going to video, I'd for sure, keep the camera between me, and the kite........... And if a grab and run, decides to try it.......clothesline him !! (just kidding all)

Ditto Be the "Jim Furyk" of kiting !

Sorry, we're just following along, and trying to help ....... (I corrected my previous post also)

You got to quit trying to over-think this thing. Again, that little light bulb isn't going to go off, without a lot more days on the winder. In addition to just winding and un-winding, you also got to get into your head, which line you are lark's heading to which, and why, and why those ends, that are on the outside of the wound package are there, and why they are lark's headed, as they are (?), and where do they connect (?), to the handles, or to the kite. Once you get your system down pat, and OWN it, you'll never even have to think about this again. Really, this is just small stuff, but very necessary for a hassle free fly-day. Again, it's all manageable.............. and again......... good luck

Whatever way you decide to use is good. Just don't give up.............

Amen !

OWN your wind-up !

Always looks worse, than it really is.

The difference.........you shouldn't have any (or minimal) problems with the two-winder/two-line method, just a twist or two. But, as everyone has acknowledged, you will always have a twist, and/or tangle or two, to deal with, using the one-winder/four-line method...but again, they are manageable, and most of what initially looks to be tangles, or twist, really aren't. One day you are going to look back at this and say to yourself, "man, I can't believe I had such a difficult time with this". After a while, you'll get it, and you'll never look back. I still think that you are putting way too much into this, trying to prepare yourself for a perfect un-wind, and in reality, there may be no such thing, as a perfect, four line un-wind. If I unwind my lines, and see that they are pretty well straight, I usually can get the kite into the air, and that will usually straighten things out, at least to a point so they can quickly be remedied during a quick landing, or maybe even in the air........... Again.....good luck........and practice, practice, practice.

Ain't going to happen (or not likely). You'll always have a twist or two to contend with, even with two lines..........

Oh, and I know you didn't ask me, but I've never had a dual line to mess-up ! Actually, it's pretty hard to mess up just two lines. If that works for you, then use the two winder method. It may take a bit longer to set-up / take-down, but if it will put you in the air easier, go for it. As JB, and many of us have said, first, you've got to understand what is happening, and why, and then learn to manage it. Nothing like time spent on the winder, to accomplish this. (I know, we sound like a broken record)

Voila !

Can't believe you got it up, the first time, under those conditions.............. I salute you, Sir..........

Absolutely, and it will never be a perfect process, just manageable. The simple nature, of what you are doing, is going to create a tangle or twist, but again, easily corrected. As I always like to mention, this isn't rocket science. It's just string, but it's still very, very, manageable, with a little close attention, and TLC............