32 replies to this topic

[Pignbroke]

Hi ho Felix, just to let you know that i cant make the trip tomorrow as my work has just posted me to Scotland next week and i need to travel up tomorrow afternoon ready for Monday, a really big thanks for your kind offer in trying to get me started and hopefully i will be able to meet you and the gang soon.

On a footnote i have driven around 100 miles today to different sites locally and not one of them had eneough wind to get me going, so i have my first new kite and i am grounded.

Damn pesky high pressure Grrrrrrrrr


Brian (Pig)

[Felix Mottram]

Perfect Blackheath summer day! OK wind variable 90 degree swings but... no rain. Parking restrictions look ominous for the next few weekends but we may try.

[Pignbroke]

Hi all, good news and bad news, the good is that i got my first flight today and really enjoyed it the bad is that i was shockingly bad, when i arrived at my local playing fields there was a group of power kiters in the corner and when one of them saw me unpack my Revolution they all came over to watch, i did say that this was my first flight and dont expect a JB performance they laughed as if they didnt believe me it didnt take long for them to realise that i was indeed telling the truth and they wandered off shaking their heads.

Got hold of a decent hover no major problems but as soon as i wanted to go left or right thats when the carnage started, so really do need the help of someone to pass on their tips and knowledge so hopefully Felix we can meet up at some stage.



Will keep you informed of progress.


Pig

[Felix Mottram]

Hi all, good news and bad news, the good is that i got my first flight today and really enjoyed it the bad is that i was shockingly bad, when i arrived at my local playing fields there was a group of power kiters in the corner and when one of them saw me unpack my Revolution they all came over to watch, i did say that this was my first flight and dont expect a JB performance they laughed as if they didnt believe me it didnt take long for them to realise that i was indeed telling the truth and they wandered off shaking their heads.

Got hold of a decent hover no major problems but as soon as i wanted to go left or right thats when the carnage started, so really do need the help of someone to pass on their tips and knowledge so hopefully Felix we can meet up at some stage.

Will keep you informed of progress.

Pig

I can remember my first (not) fly. Take off. roll over, land, take off. roll over land...

Oh well...

Felix

[katrina]

I can remember my first (not) fly. Take off. roll over, land, take off. roll over land...

Yeah, that was me too. Had my SLE out with the verticals on the wrong side (you've got them on the BACK of the kite, right?), in xtra vent winds. Up, arc to the right, crash. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Everyone's been there. I have "stop gap" instructions I wrote up for a friend, for her to use until I could get out to fly with her. I'm sure Felix or someone else will get you sorted out nicely, and nothing's beats face to face help, but PM me an email address if you want the stop gap notes.

[RevWizard]

I can remember my first (not) fly. Take off. roll over, land, take off. roll over land...

Oh well...

Felix

Mine was "Take off. roll over, crash, take off. roll over crash..."

[makatakam]

Just think back to the day when you first started walking. Follow the same path and don't give up, no matter how many times you fall!

[oapbillf]

Been there! Done it! Got the Tshirt! Still doing it, damn it!

Bill

[Pignbroke]

Hi Katrina, thanks for the notes i shall read thoroughly before my next adventure.



Pig

[Pignbroke]

Hi all, just to give you a update i have been out today on my 2nd flight and i am pleased to say that after the carnage of last week today was a lot better, felt i had much better control and my crashes were not as severe still a long way to go but i think i have the bug and i think this hobby of mine is going to get more expensive in the near fututre.

My only question i have is i was surprised at how much wind i needed to get it off the ground, is that to do with my set up or is that common with the 1.5 SLE?


Any suggestions most welcome.


Pig

[SkyPuppet]

Hey Pig,
I'd say its due to your lack of flight time. Your second time out you say? Keep working at it and enjoying yourself. Light wind flying is all technique.
Hmmm... Are you flying with the SLE frame? It is definitely heavy, and while it can be flown in light winds, it requires an extra delicate touch. Because the SLE frame is so stiff, it won't bend easily, the wind will quickly "sheet" off the sail, making presicion difficult. Using a 3 wrap leading edge, or better yet a full Race frame, might serve you better here.

[stroke survivor]

Need a definition of light winds! The race or 2wrap frame works really well in those light winds! Longer handles and light lines too! But keep on working it, the light wind stuff grows as you fly more!! Eventually you'll look forward to those light days!!

[makatakam]

My only question i have is i was surprised at how much wind i needed to get it off the ground, is that to do with my set up or is that common with the 1.5 SLE?
Pig

The SLE leading edge is thick and heavy, but keep using it until you get the really "severe" crashes out of your system. Eventually you'll be able to put it away and probably only use in gale-force winds. You'll often hear experienced flyers say, in jest, that they use them to beat others or to support wind socks.

To make it easier to launch you can grab the top leaders near the handles with your forefingers, effectively shortening the top lines temporarily and giving the kite a more acute angle of attack. Release them once it is airborne.

Another reason it may be more difficult to launch is the difference in wind speed at ground level. The wind speed is, in most cases, slower near the ground than it is 10 feet up. You may have noticed this already, and if so, then wrapping your fingers over the leaders will give you that little extra "up" to launch.

Try desperately not to increase the angle of attack by shortening the top lines. If you do you'll find out the hard way that it is easier to create good habits than to break bad ones.

Be patient, it will happen before you know. Don't give up, don't get frustrated, take frequent breaks, have fun and keep smiling.