Reef Runner

Well, I wish I could help you. I've untied some real messes, over the past few years, and most of them weren't even mine............... You've just got to get it under some magnification, as Pete mentioned, and then carefully pick it out. I have a very small (3") pair of "short nosed", needle nose pliers, that I keep in my kite box, just for those stubborn knots. You just have to be very careful, not to rip or tear any of the individual fibers, within the piece of line. You can grab it, but you don't want it to slip. That's what tears the fibers. Delicate work, to say the least!

And the owner of the dog, probably doesn't have a clue, that his dog just messed up an $80 lineset, and nearly totaled a $200 - $300 kite.

I'm glad it wasn't any worse, than it was. I wonder how often that kind of problem occurs? Dogs have always been one of my biggest fears (so far as kites go), especially when flying in some of the parks, here on the lake, as well as on coast. Lot's of people bring their dogs out, and many are allowed to run free, even though they are supposed to be leashed. The dog doesn't know any better, it's the owner that is responsible, as I'm sure you know, but the end results, I can only imagine, aren't pretty. I did have a close call, one time, when I had left a rev staked out, just for a few minutes, to go get a drink of water. Just as I was about, back at the handles, I caught a glimpse of this large big dog running directly across my flying area. Luckily, I was able to grab up the handles and launch the kite, just seconds before a catastrophe, would have surely occurred. I don't think the dog ever saw the lines, as they nearly grazed his nose on the way up. He was concentrating on someone, or something, on the other side of the field. Had he been a few seconds earlier, he'd have probably taken my lines, rev, and all. I can only imagine........

Right back at you, windpoacher ! Happy Easter ! Have a good one !

Hey Pete, I couldn't have put it better myself............ TRULY - WORDS of EXPERIENCE !!!!

Do you mean, that "after the dog", and "after you finally got the 120' set untangled", that you had one knot left in one of the lines, that you couldn't get untied, OR, did you mean that you had to tie one knot, in one of the lines, to put it back together Not real clear on your exact outcome, here, but neither sounded great.................. Oh, BTW, how is the dog doing this morning ?

Everybody's got their own system, so again, whatever works. I definitely had problems winding and unwinding, when I first began, but I finally got it nearly figured out (nearly). I was pretty much right-on, except for having the reasoning part, embedded in my head. What I mean, is that I was doing it kinda right, but I was never really sure, and there was some variation in how I accomplished the wind up. That variation, made for some easy unwinds, and for some not so easy unwinds, but I never really understood why. For some reason, I just couldn't get the system down, and repeat it exactly, every time. Well, I'll have to give it to JB. That was just about the time, that he put out his tutorial series, in particular, "Line Management". Once I watched that video, several times, got the process and the reasoning behind it clearly embedded in my mind, I've never looked back, and never had another problem. I do it exactly as JB describes in the video, and as he says, 3 minutes out, 3 minutes in. The things in that video, that made it work for me, was learning to always land in the inverted position, always stake the handles at the top, and always wind the lines, from the kite, back to the handles. This basically puts the upper and lower lines, in the correct positions, relative to each other, so the looping of top line to bottom line, and bottom line to top line, occurs more naturally. Again, the thing that begins to "make you think it isn't working", is when the upper and lower lines, begin to become, un-equalized in length, allowing one line to sag below the other. But still, even that doesn't really change anything, other than how neatly the lines wind onto the winder. It all pulls right out, when you unwind it, and separate the left pair from the right pair, and give them a pull or two As for that un-equalization, I notice that this occurs, due to the upper lines tending to stretch, a bit more than the lower lines, after several uses, or after a day of heavy wind. As I mentioned previously, this un-equalization, does tend to make the wind-up / wind-out process, a bit more cumbersome, simply because of the differences in upper and lower lengths. When this begins to occur, to the point that it becomes bothersome, that's usually my que, to reverse my lines. By this I mean, that I switch, and begin using the the bottom lines on the top, and and the top lines to the bottom, and use them that way for several flights (this is also a good time to reverse ends to equalize line abraision). Then, after a few flights, like magic, they seem to equalize themselves again, and the wind-up / wind-out process, smooths right back out............. Now, this equalization, is NOT, the same equalization, that requires untying & retying the sleeving, for me, anyway. If the variation is from top to bottom, then I just switch line positions, and let "nature take it's course", however, if the variation is from left to right, that's a whole nother ball game, and a whole nother JB tutorial (another subject). Well, that's just my $.02 on this subject....................... Oh, BTW, thanks JB, for those excellent explanations, that I refer to, so often !! http://www.youtube.c...h?v=Cuw3vBD50hs (Line Management) (Line Equalization)

Hey Wayne, GREAT - Whatever works, for sure. I'm just glad to see someone else posting and sharing information. So basically, you just used an already "known length of line", rather than a tape measure, to get your base length ? Then you added 15" for the sleeving, plus and additional 3 inches, for the knots, where I add 15" for the sleeving, plus 6 inches for knots. That makes perfect sense, seeing as you are tying, four less knots, than I do. I think a lot of people would be surprised at just how much line is used up, just by the knots. I believe you said that you tie "only" two overhand knots, in the sleeved portion, to form the final loop? Ok, and I'll assume from you color coding scheme, that you are using the same color sleeving on both top & bottom, but you end up marking the full length of the sleeving, on the bottoms (red for right - black for left), but on the top just a short red and black mark, on the sleeving ? Interesting that you mark your handles. Just the other week, "nckiter" and I were talking about that very thing (he doesn't - I do). Then we got to discussing the many different methods that people utilize, to color code lines, sleeving, etc. Whatever it takes, to make for a smooth set-up, that's what I say, and I'm definitely all for it. As for my handles, I spray paint the lower section of the stainless rod, RED, to signify right. Nothing special, I just cover the grip with a piece of newspaper and scotch tape, then I remove the lower rubber end cap, and just do a quick spray on that lower end. I leave the left handle stock (as is). As you say, it gives me a defined procedure to follow, when I set up. I've seen others simply apply a piece of colored tape on the lower section of one handle. Again, whatever works. As for my line color coding, I use yellow sleeving for my top lines (yellow, sunshine, up), and pink for the bottoms, so that's not a problem. But I do ID my RIGHT lines, by marking a 2" section of the (spectra) line, with a RED Sharpie, about 2" out from the sleeving. I do this on both of the right lines (the yellow top and the pink bottom), on both the handle & the kite ends. Again, this gives me something to identify with, and a definite procedure to follow, as I set up.....but most importantly, as you said, it give me something to keep me straight. And I hate to admit it, but I will still, on occasion, mess up, but I usually catch it on the final check, before take off.............. :lol: ps.........I flew on my new 80' set yesterday. Believe it or not, as John says, three minutes out, three minutes in..........no sweat. But you know, with all the coding that we are using, if you're half way paying attention, it's really pretty easy............... thanks for contributing to the topic.......

No problem....no rush.......!

Jeepster / Baloo Thanks for thinking of us. Yes, we were spared, but many were not so lucky. thanks again.......nick

Pete, John, Wayne, & Jynx, Thanks for the concern........ I just heard from nckiter (Kip), and he is all ok.............. also NCREVR (Lee), who is over on the Rev Forum, is also ok. We all had very close calls, but it seems that somehow, we all made it through........lucky, very very lucky & blessed ! Again, thanks to all for the concern..............nick

Hey Pete, Thanks for thinking of us. It was indeed, a terrifying day. Yes, the largest tornado system, that stayed on the ground for over 150 miles, and went directly through downtown Raleigh, NC (we watched it on TV as it was happening). Thank goodness, that one went just below us. Another one went just to the north of us, and numerous others, passed all around the area. The destruction in NC is historic. North Carolina, has never seen this type of destruction, as this tornado system passed through many heavily populated areas. We (me personally) were awfully lucky, and we definitely dodged the "Proverbial Bullet". Of course, (here) we had some very strong winds, heavy rain, and quite a bit of hail, but no real severe damage, just mainly trees down, limbs & debris. I feel so sorry for the people that lost there homes & businesses & lives. The death toll is mounting. Many people, very close by, lost everything they own. It is just so hard to believe the amount of devastation, that we are seeing on the local news stations, this morning. The local weather guy out of Raleigh, that was on the air yesterday, worked in Texas for 10 years, prior to coming to WRAL TV-5, in Raleigh. He said that this event, was something like you expect to see, out in the plains, in "tornado alley", Texas, Oklahoma, etc, but definitely not here NC. They (the TV broadcasters) were almost at a loss for words, as they tracked this huge system, and filmed one of the larger tornadoes, coming directly at them. It actually went directly over the station, spared them, and then continued to tear it way through downtown Raleigh. They actually evacuated the TV station, of all personnel, that weren't absolutely necessary, to continue the broadcast. As for us, I'm about 35 - 40 miles NE of Raleigh, and of course, the storms were moving NE, so scary afternoon, yes indeed. Thankful and fortunate once it passed, yes indeed. When everything was popping around here, I thought about your (Pete's) tunnel, and what a safe place that would be, at a time like this. I just hope we don't have anything like that again, anytime soon. It will take along time for some of the areas to recover. Clean-up is going to be endless, but it'll happen, one way or the other. I can say one thing for sure, when it was all over, and the sun reappeared, first I said a prayer of thanks, because someone was definitely watching over us, and then, "Miller Time" came a little early, but it was actually "bourbon", yesterday. My nerves were shot ! Again, thanks for checking on us...............nick PS....................NCREVR and nckiter are also close by, and both were likewise in extremely dangerous locations. NCREVR is from over near Wilson, which was hard hit, and nckiter is in Apex, just below Raleigh, another hard hit area. I do hope that both of them made it through, ok............

Yes, I've been in a Clapton mood this week, I used his music in the other video I put together, too. Yes Sir, The music definately makes it, [and the flying ain't half bad, either] Go Mr.ton.

Fantastic video Rob.............and the music added a really special touch. Mr. ton, himself............

Got Line Yet ? I made-up two sets last week......both came out within 1/2" of the target length ! Lucky, I suppose !

Done, done & done !!!

Jockey's Ridge, is a large sand dune (tallest in the eastern US) on the east coast of North Carolina. The peaks are approximately 100 feet above sea level, getting you well above any wind obstructions, and it is usually wide open, offering an ample flying area. There is plenty of room for single, dual, & quad line fliers, and it is located right across the main highway, from a large kite store. The dunes actually consist of three peaks, and are an example of a Medano, shifting sand that lacks vegetation. No plants or animals make their home on the dunes, due to the harsh conditions there. During the summer months, when visitation is highest, visitors are encouraged to bring water with them. There is no fresh water available within the park, and dehydration can sneak up on you, with the warm & windy conditions, which tend to mask ones excessive loss of body moisture. The desert-like environment, can be quite harsh, with air temperatures reaching 110+ degrees, and sand temperatures soaring an additional 30 degrees. A pair of flops is a must, on those hot summer days. Hats & sunscreen are also advisable. Again, the environment can be extremely harsh, especially for the very young, and the elderly, so use caution, but do enjoy! You will never find a better place to fly, as long as you come prepared, so bring all your kites and enjoy the breath taking views, but do not forget the water !! Jockeys Ridge State Park (the sand dune), is located on the west side of the main beach road (US 158 Bypass - South Croatan Highway). There are public restrooms & water, along with a hang gliding school, located over at the Park Headquarters, on Carolista Drive, which is accessed from the main highway, at milepost 12. There are also public restrooms and restaurants, located in, and around the shopping center, directly across the main highway, from the dune, at milepost 12 1/2. There is also a park entrance, located directly across the highway from the shopping center, along with a pedestrian controlled crosswalk, to assist in getting across. Traffic is extremely heavy during the tourist season, and moving at 50 mph +, so use the crosswalk. Bear in mind, that these two areas, the Park Headquarters, and the shopping center, are located on different sides of the dune, and are approximately 1/2 - 3/4 miles apart. Once you are out on the dune, there are NO facilities, of any kind, so bring water if you plan on staying a while. Occasionally, the park rangers do circulate over the dunes, on a four-wheeler, bearing ice water for the visitors & guests, but you can not always count on them, coming by your location. Again, this can be a very HOT place, during the mid & late summer months, so please use caution and common sense. Did I mention, BRING WATER...... http://www.kitemap.org/site-details?id=77&sname=Jockey%27s+Ridge+State+Park

Didn't mean to make a big deal, just wishing you the best................as for the J Buffett quote, that came from his book, "A Pirate Looks at Fifty". Great beach reading. Buffett has always been one of my favorites, so far as his music goes, plus, he's a pretty good story teller................

Hey Pete, I wish you the best, my friend................take care, and keep us informed as to how things go................. We're pulling for you

True, true...............that was indeed, the initial goal ! But I'd still like to see more people join in, with different ideas and procedures............tic - tock, tic - tock...... Already had one "Newbie" to send a PM/email, expressing thanks for the info. If it only helps one person, then I'm good !!!

tic - tock - tic - tock - tic - tock Hey Wayne, I mentioned a while back (to someone else), that all of a sudden, it appears there is no longer any interest in making lines. We had a topic going about "spectra availability", and everyone wanted to talk about how they made their lines, so I started a topic about that very subject (heck, I thought it was interesting), and now nothing (?), but I know you and Pete will come through eventually............"and the beat goes on" tic - tock - tic - tock

Hey Wayne, you are very welcome, & no problem with sharing. As I mentioned to you before, I would never suggest that you, or anyone else, change anything that you've been doing in the past, especially something that works, and works well. As you eluded, I too have made quite a few sets of lines for myself, as well as for others, and I also, never really gave it too much thought, so far as the "specific length", as I too, mostly fly solo, so it's never really been important. I suppose that what brought all this on, was that Pete & I, have been hashing this thing over for a while now, via email, so I just thought that I'd share what I had come up with, here on the forum. I believe that Pete will do likewise, as soon as he makes his next set of lines. Anyway, the measurement part, really became clear, once I did a little calculating, and starting putting things on paper. Now, if nothing else, I've got a reference to go to, when I order my raw line. I just wish that more people, would take a few minutes, to share their own techniques & procedures. We just want to see how different people, make their own sets of flight lines. Sometimes, something like this can be difficult, to actually express on paper, but I think in the long run, this could indeed, be a very informative topic, if only others would just join in and share. So far, this has just been my personal thoughts on the subject. Not saying they are right, not saying they are wrong, but just that they work for me, as I'm sure your method works for you. I'll surely be looking forward to hearing back, when you make this next set of lines............and I promise, there won't be any wise cracks from the gallery, not this gallery, anyway!

Just so you're still making progress...............