Revolution Forum: REVflyer - Viewing Profile

A few of us are chasing our way down to the Shook kite palace this February, if any quad-heads want to join us. Same deal as last year, (dorm-style $25/night per person) plus some dough for the indoor rental facilities charge ($40/hr).

We need a head count but expect a dozen or so of all different skill levels. Last year's participants could tell who tuned the leaders they preferred after a couple of days of intense practice sessions. I would expect all the kites and lines, handles etc to be furnished, so you can easily experience different options: sissy sticks, hybrid frames, different bridle or sail configurations. There are no recognized instructors, that is simply too formal for our group style, instead it's share what you know and see if anyone else appreciates your contribution <LOL!>

We'll challenge different kite flying conditions (high wind to indoors) and you'll never have more fun than with this group of pilots!

I had a such grand time flying with Mark in Chicago this past Monday, chasing spectators and goofing around. Sorry no pictures readers, but it is a great place to interact with a receptive crowd. Short lines and a street-worthy kite is all that's necessary at the fountain, but remember you're flying over concrete, not grass or sand. I used a mid-vent pro, about 40 feet of line and 15 inch no-snags. It was almost too windy for a full sail although that would have been my preference.

Mark also dragged me to IKE's downtown flying spot, formerly known as Meigs Field (a closed airport on the lakefront). Meigs was awesome as well, great smooth beach wind, (used full vents and 120's there) flying over grass with a high traffic bike path in front of us where we could chase some folks.

I miss living in the Windy City, their weather was perfection for September!

I am representing a significant portion of the Revolution sport kiting community (on the east coast of the USA) in seeking the addition of another activity to be placed onto the schedule for Nationals this year in Wildwood. A fun event, strictly for entertainment purposes, our own, as well as anyone else who happens to walk by!

We are proposing a QUAD-squared Mystery Shootout (for pairs multi-line).

So, I heard thru the grapevine that one of the judges deducted points, . . . if the fliers weren't "stationary" during the entire figures. Is that the correct approach? A personal policy decision?

Since I'm flying inside a hemisphere with the wind window superimposed upon it, doesn't the perspective change depending on my current position? Let's say there's a dead calm or slight swirly hint of a directional breeze to work with, (it's fly or die, no wind rules will be in effect for the entire weekend) To hold a hover or back-up inverted I must add my own energy. My hover is still stationary from my own perspective, right? I can't remain stationary on the kite handles without moving my feet and adjusting the handles ever so slightly during the darn thing.

If the wind shifts 20 degrees right of center, wouldn't my inverted side slide be allowed to use more field in that direction as well?

Maybe I'm misunderstanding the whole point of precision.

If I picked a centerline and inverted flight on it to the top of the window, I might need to walk backwards. Does the perspective of the flyer represent that center line? Does it hurt my score if I must add my own energy and walk backwards or even diagonally backwards to hold that center line and rate of ascent? Say I'm drawing a big circle with the leading edge. At Dory Park in Richmond I'd need 60 feet walking backwards not two steps!

Should I have been flying an indoor REV instead of a full sailed SUL 1.5?

I also started my technical routine in a rolled-up position and ended with a catch (You can't change who you really are, regardless of the circumstances!)

I'm pretty new to this whole aspect of kite flying, so laugh all you want, but I'm requesting input or clarification.