Welcome DaveG

[John Barresi]

Hello @DaveG,

Welcome to KiteLife®!

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[DaveG]

Thanks, JB!

Hello to all - I've been flying dual line kites off and on for over 30 years, but hoping to get into quad kites soon.  

Dave

[frob]

What kites and styles do you fly? 

[makatakam]

Hi, and welcome to the forum.

[DaveG]

Thanks for the welcome notes, everyone! 

@frob - I have an ancient set of three Trilby stunt kites and a newer simple delta wing dual line.  I've been shopping around for my first quad.

@Cot51stState - thanks for the tips!

I live in the Seattle area and we have access to a beachfront cabin on Whidbey Island, which is where I do most of my flying. We're actually heading out there tomorrow for a few days - wish I had a quad already to try out!

[DaveG]

Hi again, everyone - just wanted to let you all know that I've purchased a set of three used quads from a fellow forum member - they arrive on Monday and I can't wait for my first flight! (although lately all we seem to have here in the PNW is fog and/or smoke with no wind...) I've been watching all the instructional videos, but have never flown a quad before. I'll take it slow and easy to begin!

[makatakam]

Watch the line management video a few more times. Get the routine straight in your head. It will save you a lot of grief. Ignore the twists in the line as JB tells you in the video. They will pretty much all disappear when you put tension on the line. Regard everything in the videos as Gospel. It is tried and tested and will serve you well as you gain experience. You will eventually develop your own process, but for now do as instructed. It will help with not having to undo bad habits and will build muscle memory more quickly. I know you'll want to fly immediately, but equalize your lines first. If one of them is substantially longer or shorter the kite will be harder to control. Choose good wind to fly in for your first few attempts, ideally 5-10 mph with a standard sail. In bad wind you will learn nothing except how hard it is to fly in bad wind. Last of all, fly with someone who is experienced if possible. There are many quad pilots in the PNW since that is JB's stomping ground.

Have fun, smile and don't forget to breathe.

[DaveG]

Great words of wisdom, @makatakam - thank you!