tkrinor Posted March 9, 2014 Report Posted March 9, 2014 I was flying today in very heavy rain, and very choppy air. I was using a 3 wrap mid vent, 50ft 90s. At the time, the frame/sail combo seemed to be the only choice. It went from dropping like a rock to dragging me around in a flash. I often fly in rain, due to time availability (and living in the NW). Any insight on flying/zeroing in on the equipment, with the aforementioned conditions would be appreciated. Any time in the air is treasured ... just looking to max out the fun factor. T 2 Quote
SparkieRob Posted March 9, 2014 Report Posted March 9, 2014 I fly in the rain a lot in winter as it seems to be the only time I have. A couple of things I've found is; come IN at least one knot on your leaders to counter a heavy and wet sail. Any sail venting will also shed the weight faster than the sail itself. The other is be ready to give ground quite quickly in the storm gusts. By this I mean 4 or 5 steps and throw your arms out. This will give you enough time to gauge the speed to "walk and fly" while being controllable. The other way to stay flyable is to fly at the edge of the window. Usually I cycle a lot of ground. Walking forward and flying in the higher winds and then backwards in the lulls. I try to make it work on some sort of vented sail too, even if that means framing lighter. I'm looking forward to any other advice, the winter storms are around the corner. 3 Quote
Wayne Dowler Posted March 9, 2014 Report Posted March 9, 2014 The rain is always tough, your sail gets wet, starts to get heavy, and everything changes! A water logged sail just gets so heavy! It's one thing to get wet, then fly it dry! It's another when it gets soaked and never dries!! Quote
John Barresi Posted March 11, 2014 Report Posted March 11, 2014 Had some wet air last night, quick change of shorts and a healthy dose of cilantro fixed the problem. 3 Quote
Paul LaMasters Posted March 12, 2014 Report Posted March 12, 2014 in low wind conditions sometimes the lines lock together just from that wetness. I have sprayed silcone onto a rag and just run that down the strings after staking-down the handles. I find it's easier to under-frame than worry about damage in a sudden gust. A new crisp sail is also less influenced by wetness than a tattered ole' mess of a kite too! 1 Quote
Tmadz Posted March 12, 2014 Report Posted March 12, 2014 I have sprayed silcone onto a rag and just run that down the strings after staking-down the handles. Don't you worry about collecting dust and dirt on the lines? Quote
Paul LaMasters Posted March 13, 2014 Report Posted March 13, 2014 No, I'm hard on stuff and it wears out eventually too. Does the dirt and grime care if it's water or silicone that allows adherence? If you expect to fly in any conditions then sometimes you pack up muddy and wet, throw in some sand and high wind, repeat for a week 2 Quote
Tmadz Posted March 14, 2014 Report Posted March 14, 2014 Oh. Now we're getting into the showering with your kite territory. 3 Quote
Reef Runner Posted March 15, 2014 Report Posted March 15, 2014 Hey, don't fly in the rain ! Sounds pretty simple, eh Quote
Wayne Dowler Posted March 15, 2014 Report Posted March 15, 2014 Oh. Now we're getting into the showering with your kite territory. Been there, done that!! 1 Quote
SparkieRob Posted March 15, 2014 Report Posted March 15, 2014 Hey, don't fly in the rain ! Sounds pretty simple, eh If it were only that simple.... Truth be told, I get a real sense of satisfaction after a good rain session. Get a LOT of funny looks too! 1 Quote
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