http://www.revkites.com/forum/blog/17-learning-quad-west-australian/ Learning Quad - West Australian Syndication Fri, 22 Mar 2013 13:57:26 +0000 webmaster@revkites.com (Revolution Forum) IP.Blog 60 http://www.revkites.com/forum/blog/17/entry-308-learning-to-fly/ “Into the distance, a ribbon of black
Stretched to the point of no turning back
A flight of fancy on a windswept field
Standing alone my senses reeled
A fatal attraction is holding me fast,
How can I escape this irresistible grasp?”
 
These Lyrics are from The Pink Floyd Song “Learning to Fly”
Clearly someone had been flying a Rev when they came up with these.
Well not really, it is about flying a plane, but there is certainly an “Irresistible Grasp” with Rev Flying.
 
I expanded my Flying choices with a Supersonic and an SUL.
The Supersonic was chosen as a Fun Machine, something to rip around the sky, giving me a break from technical Practice, yet still using my Quad skills and techniques. I believe I will be spending as much time as possible on the Quad lines for the foreseeable future. So I want to make sure I have options available. The Supersonic provides me a new outlet for Quad line.
 
The SUL is white. I fell for it because, apart from its LE etc, the Sail is all white.
I know the B series STD is very nice in light winds, I do use it on light days.
The SUL provides slightly different response characteristics that are fun to play with. Besides, the White Sail floating gently in the Pre-Dawn breeze. Just Beautiful.
 
I have had a whole bunch of great sessions lately. Every one of my Rev’s has given me some great Airtime.
 
Yesterday I flew the Supersonic in some Moderate to Moderate-High winds. Boy is that thing fast.
I know I over steer it a lot but it is so much fun. Fast Reverse, Super fast ground sweeps.
The Dive Stops are the Best.
 
Day before it was the Standard and the Mid. Swapping between as dictated by the wind.
The B series are great kites, Stable and predictable.
 
A couple of Mornings ago I floated the SUL around for 20 min as the Sun came up behind it.
Then that afternoon I tore up the Sky with the Full vent in winds strong enough to make me step forward a few times.
 
Each day the winds bring me something, never certain what it will be.
I will offer up a Rev to the sky, every day I can.
 
The Supersonic and SUL are fun, but they are not my focus.
I am really trying to clock up the hours on the B’s. I understand that nothing will happen overnight.
But I can see the good that the practice is doing for me.
So Practice, Practice, Practice is my plan.
 
But the Plan is what I am doing, not what I am having…
Fun, Is what I am Having, as I “Learn to Fly”.
 
WA]]> Fri, 22 Mar 2013 07:40:00 +0000 http://www.revkites.com/forum/blog/17/entry-308-learning-to-fly/ http://www.revkites.com/forum/blog/17/entry-306-perth-meet-duelling-stacks-and-more/ I finished my Breakfast while I collected up my various bags, and headed out on field.
I staked out my 150# lines with the plan of putting a stack on it. I was linking the Midvent B to the back of the Fullvent B when SparkieRob came out on field. Followed quite quickly by Jim (a long time Kite friend)
 
In the light of the pre-dawn Rob started to get out a 2 stack and his Vented Polo.
The field also took my Standard B on 90# lines and Rob’s SLE. 7 Revs on 5 sets of line.
Jim got out a small 2 line foil and I tied out a Single line kite. It truly was the makings of our own little kite festival.
 
Lots of Rev’s were flown at different times by different people, depending on the wind at the time.
I got to have a fly of Rob’s Vented Polo. Wow! What a kite that is. There was enough sail pressure to be able to feel the effects of your inputs, but it was soooo light. Something that was a Blast was to go from a 3 B Stack to the Rev Polo, Almost could not feel the Polo was there.
 
Rob and I spent some time sharing the same airspace, I was getting used to having another kite around. Mostly we used the 2 stacks side by side, probably not the best for starting out, but it was Fun.
 
At one point I pulled the Single Line Kite in. As I was packing up the Kites Long tail, Jim asked if Rev Kites could take tails. So the Yellow Tail went looped between the bottom corners of the Lime Midvent. It looked very nice. Sure the tail does slow down the kite, but it can be fun.
I was about to put my other tail, A Blue one, onto my Blue STD. Rob called out the suggestion of twin tails on the stack. So the Yellow and Blue tails went on. Naturally it was not long before the 2 Stack became a 3 Stack, still with double tails of course.
 
Rob turned his 2 stack into a 3 Stack and we flew around together. Some Coordinated hovers, but again, mostly getting used to another kite being so close.
 
I need to get some 150’ lines so we can get serious.
I think that next session we can try some “Infinity” or “Sideways Figure 8” following moves.
Should be ok on the 90’ lines.
 
I am having so much fun exploring all the aspects of Revolution Kites.
Light Wind, High Wind, Single, Stack, Pairs, Tails, everything…..
 
WA]]> Thu, 14 Mar 2013 23:52:00 +0000 http://www.revkites.com/forum/blog/17/entry-306-perth-meet-duelling-stacks-and-more/ http://www.revkites.com/forum/blog/17/entry-304-not-a-flight-log-something-different/ Darker Mornings and Evenings, a positive cool change, it even rained.
Oh Sure, Summer will throw a few more warm days at us, but the really hot days should be behind us.
 
This Episode of my Blog is not a simple Log of my recent flying, but a look into the Past, at the Quad flyer I could have been. Also my recent Quad experiences, and also looking to my Quad future.
 
I have been thinking about how I could have been a Quad Head years ago.
I have had my B Series STD and VTD full kits for years. They were the latest and greatest when I got them. With lots of hours of Dual line flying under my belt and a good level of experience with Power Quads, I felt well equipped to take to the realm of Precision Quad. How wrong I was, Fear of breaking a frame meant I was oversizing my frames for the wind and using my heavier lines all the time. This combined with a lack of understanding led to a lack of control. And my Downward spiral (sometimes literally) left me wanting. They got packed away ever so neatly and rarely saw the light of day let alone the winds of Perth, For Years….
 
It was a chance I missed out on, and I am certainly not going to dwell on it.
It was something I did not, or could not do. But Now is my time.
 
I have been really putting in the effort over the last couple of months.
Since picking up the Quad handles, I have been grabbing every chance to fly. Most of my sessions are only about 20-35min of flying time, but I will take what I can get.
At this stage I am controlling my expectations of myself. I really have not been flying Rev very long. My hovers can be wobbly at times and turbulence is really hard to deal with.
Some times when I reverse I don’t play the brakes just right.
But, I am learning and I am having Fun.
 
I am thinking about where I am going with all this. I have got an older Supersonic on the way. 2010 colours apparently, Really looking forward to ripping across the sky with it. It will offer me a break from the Technical Practice that is still Quad related.
I have really enjoyed the Strong winds on the Vented B, when I could cut loose after a Practice session. I think the Supersonic will bring something very fun to my sessions.
 
I would like to think that I will be able to do a lot more with my Rev’s in a year’s time.
As much fun as I am having now, I would like more control.
Also if Rob is game, I hope to be able to do some Pairs flying too.
It would be nice to think that I will have found more Flyers Locally too, Very grateful for one other local flyer at the moment.
 
Honestly I don’t know where things will go from here. But I am having fun Now.
If I am still flying in the Future, it has to be all good…..
 
WA]]> Fri, 08 Mar 2013 08:42:00 +0000 http://www.revkites.com/forum/blog/17/entry-304-not-a-flight-log-something-different/ http://www.revkites.com/forum/blog/17/entry-303-howz-my-blog/ th Blog entry.
As I write this I have 8 Comments from others and over 700 views.
Also 1 Follower, but I think John follows everyone’s blog.
I have noticed that the views are dropping , Still quite a few of you reading this though.
Thanks!
 
I will ask anyone reading this to consider commenting or PM’ing me to tell me what they do or don’t like about my Blog. I am doing this for You, the Reader as much as myself.
I hope to hear from you, and I hope this Blog is interesting.
 
So now a Flight Log Catch-Up.
Thursday 28FEB Arvo.
I got the Whole Stack out again, It is actually fairly quick to set up, I am surprised.
If you have stackable Revs, I would like to encourage you to Stack them, It is a whole new flying experience.
The wind was much lighter on this flight, than my previous Stack flight.
I had to work a bit at times, but it was a good flight.
 
Friday 29FEB Morning.
I was sent to work in the city for Friday morning.
I was excited at the chance to Fly near the Swan river before going to work.
Some great winds can be had on the River…..
But not for me… It was so calm, I could not believe it. Bummer!
Oh well, out came the STD with a switch to the 2 Wrap frame. 50# x 50’ lines.
Sail Loading Practice and Light wind Flying.
I got in some Catch and Toss practice too. I had to be really quick on the Tug otherwise the Kite would fall too far before gliding.
Some were way off but I got a few catches. My Toss is still touching the ground as the kite catches the lines. After I was worn out by the lack of wind I packed up the lines and did some Toss practice.
I would pace out my distance each time, to see how I went. After quite a few throws, I feel more confident at making the 50’ distance.
So, No Wind, but a session well used.
 
 
Friday Arvo was much nicer, at my usual Flight Park.
Moderate winds got me to put up the Vented and Mid Vented as a Stacked Pair.
I tried to do a lot more Hovers and reverses this time.
I will admit to wanting to rip around the sky with my stack
So i really needed to get "technical" this time.
A great fly in a decent wind, gotta be happy with that.
 
 
Also.
The weekend was a long one, filled with excitement, but sadly not of the kiting kind.
I did take the chance to do the snag free mod to one set of handles.
It was simple enough. With thanks to SparkieRob for giving me the wall plugs and screws needed.
When I do the second set I will take some in progress photos to share on the forum.
The handles look good, but I will need to try them out now.
 
WA]]> Tue, 05 Mar 2013 08:06:00 +0000 http://www.revkites.com/forum/blog/17/entry-303-howz-my-blog/ http://www.revkites.com/forum/blog/17/entry-301-flight-log-and-my-first-stack/  
I got a great fly in on Wednesday Morning.
I got out the Mid-Vent Black/Lime for the first time.
The wind was light, the wind was moderate, and the Mid Vented Went really well.
 
I also ran out a second kite. I think it is my first time to stake out 2 Rev’s in one session.
I had the Mid with a 3 wrap Frame on my 90# x 85’ lines.
Next to it was the STD with 2 wrap frame on 50# x 50’ lines.
 
When the wind got too light for the Mid I Parked it and swapped to the STD.
I was doing Catch and Toss practice on the STD. Doing the catches pretty easily now.
I think I understand the principles behind the Toss. I just need to practice some more.
About half the time the Rev touches the ground and then takes off.
It has been suggested to me by John Barresi to practice with the lines off, so I will give it a go.
 
 
Thursday – Stack Time…
10-18km/h (6-11mph) with some gusts to 32km/h (20mph).
I decided to set up the Vented and the MidVent as a stack first and have a bit of a fly.
Just as a warm-up, see if I wanted to add the Standard at the back. (taking it slowly OK?)
I Liked It!
 
Good responsiveness not too much pull. I tried some basic hovers, forward and reverse flight etc.
Then I added the STD to the back.
 
A few times I had to fill the Sails, Thanks Pocket JB, Sail loading tutorial.
Most of the time I was leaning backwards with my heels dug in, A few times it dragged me along.
So much Fun. I got the stack to Side slide, Hover in various positions and do some Awesome Dive and Stop’s.
 
Often when I fly there are people who walk their dogs.
Never have I captured their attention like I did with the stack.
 
I gotta say, my arms felt about a foot longer after this flight.
 
Awesome!]]> Fri, 01 Mar 2013 08:07:00 +0000 http://www.revkites.com/forum/blog/17/entry-301-flight-log-and-my-first-stack/ http://www.revkites.com/forum/blog/17/entry-300-my-best-kite-day-ever/ I got to Tom Bateman reserve (my Fav Flying grounds) at just after 5am.
There was a good cool Easterly coming through the car park.  There were only the earliest signs of Dawn.
I took a moment to let the wind rush past me, taking in the early morning sights, sounds and smells.
Flying kites puts your back to the wind so often that it’s nice to face the wind once in a while.
Rob would be along soon, it was time to gather my thoughts and my Kites.
 
I got my Revs and a few other things together.
Rob’s car pulled slowly in. I had wind meter in hand for an early check, 12-20km/h (7-12mph)
Looking good…
 
Out on the field the Rev’s came out.
And the wind went down….. Typical!
I had the STD B with 90# lines and the 3 Wrap LE and 2 Wrap Verticals.
Rob put out his EXP and SLE. I think the SLE was running on the 3 wrap frame.
 
During a period of fairly low wind Rob had his EXP on his newly sleaved 30’ lines.
Rob starts having a go at the Toss And Catch.
Within a few tries he is Nailing them. (Just between you and me, I think he has been practicing in secret)
Well I had to have a go too , The STD on 50’ lines. It takes me a few goes before I manage a reasonable catch, and I am not getting to toss at all.
Rob offers to swap setups.
I take up the EXP on 30’ lines, catches are much easier, but I am still struggling on the toss.
Once again Rob starts nailing the Catch and Toss, but on the 50’ lines. Nice!
 
The wind rose and fell slowly, it even shifted direction a few times.
Probably some of the worst kiting wind I have flown in for a while. Totally inconsistent!
And Yet we Flew, we talked, we shared, Fun was had.
 
I Got Rob to try a couple of my Non-Revs.
I have a long Pre-Rev History and I have not been able to offer any Rev’s to Rob that differ from what he already has.
So it was Nice to be able to share a Power Foil and a Single Line Glider Kite with him.
 
I have to say I would not have picked the kind of wind we had.
But boy did we use it well. Putting down and picking different kites up as the wind changed.
 
I had an Awesome time.
Rev Flying is so much better when shared. After a shared session I feel fully charged
We tried a few close hovers too, Mostly LE to LE. Did not wrap lines though.
I am thinking of trying out some Paired moves as I get better though.
Another New Aspect to explore
 
WA]]> Thu, 28 Feb 2013 05:21:00 +0000 http://www.revkites.com/forum/blog/17/entry-300-my-best-kite-day-ever/ http://www.revkites.com/forum/blog/17/entry-299-flight-log-21-25feb/ Not flying in Lightning…. No Way…
 
By the Afternoon I was treated to Mild conditions that allowed the STD to fly quite nicely on 2 Wrap and 50/50 lines. The conditions were very nice, got in a decent half hour.
 
Friday 22FEB Morning was very Light on. 0-2 km/h gusting to 5km/h (0-1mph 3mph Gusts)
I put in the effort and flew. STD Sail 2 Wrap Frame.
I managed quite a bit of Air time. Rests needed between.
I am very thankful I put in the effort and made up my 50# x 50’ lines.  Sometimes there is ‘Maintenance’ stuff flyers need to do, I find it hard to put the kites down and get on with it, but when you do, the rewards will come to you.
So I encourage everyone to do the Maintenance they have been putting off.
 
Friday Arvo was a Surprise, 20-35km/h (12-20mph) winds sometimes dropping right off, or gusting to who knows what! I pulled out the Vented and set up with the 4 Wrap frame and then I slid the 3 Wrap LE in too. A new experience for me….
One Word, Awesome!
The wind was bumpy, but the kite was acting heavy in the sky, letting me easily control it. The Vented was acting more precise than ever.
The Speed was there, for sure. I could zip and spin as fast as I liked, but when I pulled it in, held on the brakes, It would revolve slowly in the dead centre of the wind just off the ground.
Also The Vented was doing a good job of trying to Drag me around too.
It was a great opportunity for me to cut loose and have some fun, I was sliding spinning and roaring around the sky with a huge Grin on my face.
 
Monday 25FEB had winds that cycled up and down, However, I made do with the vented on 3 Wrap.
A friend of mine did some filming of my flying efforts. I have yet to view the video.
The wind was really hard to deal with, I had strong gust that would drop to nothing.
I would be partway through a manoeuvre when the kite would start dropping.
I did my best and it was an interesting challenge.
 
I do feel that the time I am putting in is paying off. Nothing is perfect yet, but I can see improvement happening.
 
Best of all I am having so much Fun with these Rev’s.
So Glad I got them out again.
 
WA]]> Mon, 25 Feb 2013 07:47:00 +0000 http://www.revkites.com/forum/blog/17/entry-299-flight-log-21-25feb/ http://www.revkites.com/forum/blog/17/entry-297-flight-log-and-thoughts-about-my-rev-kit/
 
Well I Joined up to KiteLife… Very Happy about that. I feel that the Contribution that KiteLife makes to the Community needs to be supported.
And all those Sweet Tutorials are Pretty good too
I have been Downloading them onto My Ipod Touch.
To Paraphrase SparkieRob, I have a John Barresi In my Pocket.
 
This morning was nice, Light to Moderate winds when I set up the STD with 3 Wrap and 80# lines
I got in about an hour of Side Slides and Hover Position Practice.
Also doing some Power Dives too, that sudden stop is so sweet.
 
I was about to pack up when the wind dropped right down, A smile came across my face as I remembered my recently created 50# X 50’ lines.
Away went the regular lines, Out came the 50’s, Frame change on the standard to 2 wrap all round.
In under 5min I was ready to go.
My First though when I was standing there, handles at the ready, “Hey the Rev Looks bigger up closer”
 
Then it was only a matter of remembering all the Light Wind and Sail Loading stuff from John’s vids....
With A couple of Refresh looks at the Vids (Go go Pocket JB!) I was away.
 
I was able to Power up to a good height with 4 steps backwards and do Inverted Glides with 9 steps forward. Easily making up Ground.. Yeh!
I got the Side-Side climb going a few times too. All in about 3-5km/h (2-3mph) Ok not super light but Much lighter than my Previous flying efforts.
Awesome Morning. Two Great winds.
 
I would like to take a moment to talk about my Rev Kit.
I Have:
B Series Blue/Black STD (3 Wrap)
B Series Purple/Black VTD (4 Wrap)
2 Wrap Frame
Second 3 Wrap frame
2 x Standard Handles with the B series Leaders
50# x 50’ Lines
80# x 85’ LPG Lines
150# x 85’ LPG lines
2 x Weight sets for the B’s
Golf Ball stake (Given to me by SparkieRob, thanks again)
(Soon a Mid vent Lime/Black will pop itself in there on the spare 3 wrap, Sail only on the way)
All of this is kept in a Hard case from a Dual line kite I have had for ages.
 
One thing that is awesome about this is, I can fly with my Kit slung across my back like a quiver.
I even have my Wind meter on the Strap. I can walk around as I fly without needing to stay close to my stuff. If anyone needs the Area I am in I can walk the kite elsewhwer and not need to go back for anything. I highly recommend keeping your kit easily portable if you can.
 
Of course if You bring a dozen Rev kites with you that’s great too.
 
WA]]> Wed, 20 Feb 2013 04:33:00 +0000 http://www.revkites.com/forum/blog/17/entry-297-flight-log-and-thoughts-about-my-rev-kit/ http://www.revkites.com/forum/blog/17/entry-296-19feb2013-flight-log/ When I got set up, there was Sweet Mild winds with moderate gusts.
I set up My B STD with a quick change to the 3 Wrap frame.
I gotta say the Multiple framing options on these kites is Fantastic!
 
I started out by practicing some Squares and Circles.
In an attempt to gain more control of my kites I have been doing a lot of hovering in different positions, and also lots of forward/backward/sideways flight. I figured it was time to start trying out some shapes.
My shapes were a bit wonky, but it is a good start.
 
I got about 15min Air time when suddenly The wind speed really picked up.
Over 35km/h (20mph) and stayed there for about 5-10min.
I reflexively rushed toward the kite and took it over to the side, good habit from dual line flying.
It gave me the opportunity to do some edge-of-wind-window hovering and spins.
 
But when the wind dropped down, it dropped off. I managed an ungraceful but safe landing and staked the handles down.
Checking my wind meter gave me under 1km/h.
 
A few min later and there was barely enough wind to fly, But I got in at least 5min light wind practice before having to pack up.
 
Last thing I did before packing up was to select 2 x 50# Dual-line sets from my stock.
I ran them out, and got them to about the same length.
 
All in all a Very nice Afternoon. A little bit of every wind.
 
Last night I sleeved the 4 exposed ends of my new 50# set, and set aside 4 sleeves for the other ends.
 
This morning (Tue19FEB13) the wind was Strong 25-35km/h (15-22mph)
With Gusts that were pushing me around.
I decided to try out the Vented B with 4 wrap all round and the Extra 3 Wrap LE.
Also broke out the 150# lines.
 
I am amazed at how stable and slow it could be in the strong winds.
The Vented B was able to Hover and reverse fly easily and gently.
There were some Solid gusts that made me dash forward, but they just added to my smile.
 
I have taken the “1000 hours” approach to my Revs.
It once being said to me that “It takes 1000 hours to perfect a new skill”
This is actually a good thing, Flying the Rev’s is Fun and I get better the more I fly. Awesome!
 
The last thing on field was to finish my 50# x 50’ lines. 
4 lines the same length, all sleeved up.
Alright Light wind, I am ready for you now…….
 
WA
(Just a Thought to Rev, A Production line XtraVent B series would be great, Not the Pro, Just finish the Regular B Series Line-up)]]> Tue, 19 Feb 2013 04:00:00 +0000 http://www.revkites.com/forum/blog/17/entry-296-19feb2013-flight-log/ http://www.revkites.com/forum/blog/17/entry-295-about-me/  
I flew kites as a young kid, but my memories are vague at best.
I really got into kites about 25 years ago, Single line kites to decorate the sky.
My Interest has peaked and fallen a few times over the years.
 
I was a member of the West Australian Stunt Kite Association, I met lots of great people and borrowed Many fantastic kites.
We flew Dual line demonstrations at various places.
Some of my Greatest Kiting memories happened with the WASKA.
 
But then other things crept in and took my time away.
The WASKA is no more now. I dont even know what happened to it.
 
Over the years I have collected Dual line kites to cover wind range from 0-50km/h (0-30mph)
I have single line kites too, from indoor gliders to display kites to a Big Sled.
I have even made a few Single line kites too. My Pride being a 1.4m x 10m Hi-Viz Greenish Yellow Dragon.
I got into Power Kites at some point. I have a Big Dual line Foil, and My First Quad a 2m sq Foil.
Great fun but nothing like a Rev.....
 
Back when the B Series was new I got a Black and Blue Standard (Package) and a Black and Purple Vented (Package)
I had no real understanding of what I was getting though, and lacked confidence with them.
I made a few attempts to fly them, but never got anywhere. So they got put away......
 
Some years later I find them again. I look upon them as a mistake, and decide to sell them.
A friend of mine (A Single Line Kite Enthusiast) tells me "Never sell anything you have worked to save up for, you will always regret it."
So I listened to him, and I kept them.
 
A few months later I am posting on a different forum, about my Glider Kiting.
It is a very slow forum though with few members. I ask a friendly member "Are there any better Forums?"
I got supplied a nice list. Upon posting to one of these Forums, I Discover another West Aussie.
I Enquire if he Flies Single Line, Dual or Quad. Quad is the reply, He even told me he used to have a Duallie but gave it away.
Well now, Here is a chance to get some advice on the Rev thingies I have.
I dust off the Case and we meet up.
 
Well "SparkieRob" you opened my eyes.
The Tips, the techniques, the enthusiasm, Awesome.
Most importantly you gave me the Confidence to Try.
 
Since that day I have not missed a weekday flight.
I have been practicing everything I can.
Hovering at every angle. Sliding in all directions, etc
Since (Re-)Staring Quad on the 23JAN2013 I have been loving it.
 
I hope my story was not too long, I hope you got something from reading it.
 
I am still learning Quad, I probably will always have something to learn.
 
My Kites are not "Pro" but neither am I....
 
WA]]> Mon, 18 Feb 2013 05:53:00 +0000 http://www.revkites.com/forum/blog/17/entry-295-about-me/