Does anyone practice swimming with harness on?
I find it makes a fair difference 2:1 at least
How about practicing swimming whilst draging a deflated 12m kite.
What ratio do you give that?
Very good topic
Yes I go down to my local aquatics centre and do 2 lengths doggy paddle
Wtf
connected to the (inflated) kite and you lieing back you won't drown. If the bladder pops you should still have the struts inflated so you can just roll a sausage and doggypaddle if you can't be arsed to swim properly.
If you are disconnected from the kite and you have to ask that question then you ditch the harness and spend a few bucks to buy a new or second hand one. Or wait until it washes up at the beach. I think most float.
Slightly off topic, but here is my 2 cents worth:
1 Cent: recently did a self rescue on my surfboard (in the bay) and found the harness is a massive in inhibitor to floating on the board (obviously). Even after loosening it and sliding it round 180, it is still very uncomfortable/difficult.
2 cent: I recommend the apnea course for surfers. You actually practice drowning or rather, practice being pinned down under a wave. It's given me much more confidence and have put it in action a few times since. Makes a big difference
Select to expand quoteSaltySinus said..
Slightly off topic, but here is my 2 cents worth:
1 Cent: recently did a self rescue on my surfboard (in the bay) and found the harness is a massive in inhibitor to floating on the board (obviously). Even after loosening it and sliding it round 180, it is still very uncomfortable/difficult.
2 cent: I recommend the apnea course for surfers. You actually practice drowning or rather, practice being pinned down under a wave. It's given me much more confidence and have put it in action a few times since. Makes a big difference
Breath holds are a great way to build confindence.
I've only been in real trouble when there is something else involved, like your leg rope being wrapped around you, or a board pinning you on to the bottom.
Did a swim in this week, about 1 km towing kite with deflated with le, wearing a Dakine nitrous and didnt even notice it.
Golden rule dont kite further offshore than you can swim in, with or without kite. 
Select to expand quoteSaltySinus said..
2 cent: I recommend the apnea course for surfers. You actually practice drowning or rather, practice being pinned down under a wave. It's given me much more confidence and have put it in action a few times since. Makes a big difference
Hawaiians used to practice for big waves by carrying large rocks underwater.
But now we have inflatable vests, tow ins and tow outs of impact zone.
Select to expand quoteSurfer62 said..
Did a swim in this week, about 1 km towing kite with deflated with le, wearing a Dakine nitrous and didnt even notice it.
Golden rule dont kite further offshore than you can swim in, with or without kite.
sounds like a few got self rescue practice in atb
Select to expand quoteKit3kat said..
connected to the (inflated) kite and you lieing back you won't drown. If the bladder pops you should still have the struts inflated so you can just roll a sausage and doggypaddle if you can't be arsed to swim properly.
If you are disconnected from the kite and you have to ask that question then you ditch the harness and spend a few bucks to buy a new or second hand one. Or wait until it washes up at the beach. I think most float.
i'm guessing there's no surf where you kite...
