9 replies to this topic

[jimt]

HI to all jim t is in need of another look at the video some one sent me 3 -4 weeks ago . I am traveling and not in computer contact all the time . I did not down load the video and can not find again. thanks , from yuma az. at present jimt

[Kitelife]

Demonstration here...



Full step by step instruction and explanation of the dynamics can be downloaded here, with a paid subscription...

HD - http://kitelife.com/...ac-hd-1280x720/
iPod - http://kitelife.com/...c-ipod-480x272/

[REVflyer]

Adding in a forward step or two with your feet (while executing the first "flick" w/the handles) is the basis for entering the falling leaf trick. The kite over rotates (all the way backwards) and then plunges downward in free-fall towards mother earth with the flying lines wrapped over the trailing edge. You must move your feet to go backwards (to remove all that slack you've just added moments ago) and then do your "flak", otherwise impact is imminent.

Also, you can do the flick/flak movement slower and hold your flick position (looks like a weirdly positioned stall). It doesn't have to be done rapidly, . . . knowing both options offers greater opportunities to flail in an entertaining manner.

The falling leaf is a great trick on a smaller platform like the B-2 as well. It over-rotates much easier then the bigger rev kites!

I showed the falling leaf trick to Will Strudy (great dual line pilot), and within ten minutes he had it down pat. (darn kids, he's 17) He could dive the kite down and snap the landing such that an ant wasn't crushed on impact. He also was doing 'em over water and snapping the bottom wing tips just lightly touching the pond. That was a very slick looking demonstration of his technique. I told him there's nothing left that I can give you Will, go get your own equipment and quit abusing mine. Ha!

[SkyPuppet]

Any advice for pulling a Flic Flac on a Shockwave?

The Shockwave training vid shows Joe H. putting both handles into one hand and pulling on the bottom lines, and this does a great Flic Flac. But, putting both handles into one hand before the pull is slow to make happen, and trying this way from any position other than upright or inverted isn't feasible. If I'm ever going to work the Flic Flac into a routine, I'm going to need to pull it off like I can on a 1.5 - quickly, and from most any kite orientation.

I have tried doing a Flic Flac on the Shockwave like I do for a 1.5 size Rev. All I succeeded in doing was sharply pulling the kite downwards in reverse! Unreal and awesome all at once!!

Is it possible to do a Flic Flac on a Shockwave like can be done on a 1.5?

[Watty]

Any advice for pulling a Flic Flac on a Shockwave?

The Shockwave training vid shows Joe H. putting both handles into one hand and pulling on the bottom lines, and this does a great Flic Flac. But, putting both handles into one hand before the pull is slow to make happen, and trying this way from any position other than upright or inverted isn't feasible. If I'm ever going to work the Flic Flac into a routine, I'm going to need to pull it off like I can on a 1.5 - quickly, and from most any kite orientation.

I have tried doing a Flic Flac on the Shockwave like I do for a 1.5 size Rev. All I succeeded in doing was sharply pulling the kite downwards in reverse! Unreal and awesome all at once!!

Is it possible to do a Flic Flac on a Shockwave like can be done on a 1.5?

I think there are two things that may help to keep in mind.
1. Keep the kite under as little pressure as possible before doing the flic flack. Stop the kite, and maybe even let gravity start pulling it down a bit, then do the flic flac.
2. Make your inputs hard and sharp. The benefit to doing this one handed is that you have more leverage to make a forceful pull. Your hands may need to go all the way down to your hips.

Hope that helps

[B-13]

Subscribe to Kitelife.com JB there has a nice tutorial

[SkyPuppet]

I'm in a tiff with PayPal, otherwise I would have subscribed long ago
Besides, JB's tutorial covers the 1.5 Flic Flac. As I said, I can Flic Flac a 1.5 all day long, thanks to Watty's advice through PMs sent awhile back.

I understand - the method for completing the trick may be the same between the 2 kites. However, I'm having no luck depressurizing the sail on the Shockwave, not even running forward.

Thanks for the advice Watty. From you, I learned that the "Flac" portion of the trick requires a super-sharp pop, a seriously snappier pop than I have ever given to any other trick. EVER. However..... In 8 mph wind, with a Shockwave, the sharpest, elbow-snappiest pop on earth only succeeds in quickly pulling the kite in reverse downwards! Once again, probably because I can't depressurize the sail enough to start the trick.

[SkyPuppet]

Just got back from flying. 2 glorious hours on the Shockwave.

Aha! (Or backwards - Aha!)
I was over-controlling it. Trying to hard, if you will. This has been a frequent learning point I've experienced while practicing on the Shockwave.

A Flic Flac on the SW is as simple as a little push forward with both arms (very little!), followed by a violent "maximum brake now!" hand position. Push forward, violently "pour out". This Flics it beautifully.
For the Flac, its as simple as "maximum forward now!" hand position with just a little pull back with both arms. Or, violently "take a drink", pull back.
Timing is everything.

Whew.

[REVflyer]

try to "catch" the SW kite and see what happens,
it doesn't fall towards you, but instead it rotates around slowly to be back facing down-wind again in a smooth arcing circle. you'll have some fun learning this technique. Again, your back flying one-handed before execution

[SkyPuppet]

try to "catch" the SW kite and see what happens,
it doesn't fall towards you, but instead it rotates around slowly to be back facing down-wind again in a smooth arcing circle. you'll have some fun learning this technique. Again, your back flying one-handed before execution

I'm right there with you my friend!
Joe H. calls it the Flyaway in the Shockwave training vid. I've noticed you can pull on the top lines from almost anywhere in the window (with a good breeze) and the kite will catch air before it hits the ground every time! Even inverted, pulling the SW straight at the ground!

However.....

I sure would love to get in a decent catch-n-throw. If there was ever a Rev that I was going to throw on 120's, I imagine it would be this one. If I can't catch it in the first place, though..... I guess just the throw would be impressive enough.