Rider: 90kg,beginner,
Style: un-coordinated
Weather: Geraldton

Hey all can't really find a technical query section so i will post here.

Wondering if I can adjust (easily) the length of the line that the bar runs up and down on? by shortening the line at the chicken loop.

Seems the handle runs to far up the bar for my arms to reach (stubby arms) and depower fully - I have switched to Seat harness as waist was riding up to high and not comfortable walk of shame back up wind with the kite having some power pulled on.

Not really expecting to fully power up the kite first season will this adjust the way the kite flies (apart from no full power?) intention is not to cut it but can I fix it under the chicken loop somewhere? Maybe by moving the stopper ball clamp off and moving it to under the chicken loop?

Any other solutions?

cheers

Hey Geronian,

Any change shortening the length of the depower line will result in depowering the kite and maybe to such a point as it gets unflyable or drops out of the sky (luff).

You should go and have a talk to someone in the local area about your issues and maybe they can look at it and help you.

You can always shorten the trim line (centre line) as long as you shorten the back lines the equivalent length, this will remove some of your depower ability but will bring the bar back closer to it. Remember if you shorten the back lines you will need to remove twice as much length as you do on the front lines due to the 2:1 ratio of the bar setup.

Unless you really know what you are doing, don't screw around with it.

Good winds,

Hi Geronion.

I too suffer from short arms. Don't mess with the lines. It will only end badly.

Here is my solution.
1. Seat harness, that you already have, brings the chicken loop lower down and improves reach.
2. Learn to trim your kite so that maximum power is when the bar is closest to you.
3. To depower ie push the bar away, it will help if you learn to fly one handed (back hand) and turn your shoulder and hip to the kite. This will give you plenty of throw.

I find that when the gusts hit hard I just lean back and edge, move my back hand close to the middle of the bar, let go with my front hand and sheet out with the back hand only and turn lots of shoulder to the kite. This gives plenty of reach and loads of depower.

Hope this helps - it works for me.

Hey Kit33R, have you tried a smaller chicken loop? I have seen them but was going to give it ago for the same reason - short arms.

Jim

Cheers,

Yes, I have been (last season) taking regular lessons, and two this one. I bought the 12m kite which means I get around before 3pm in most days in the summer (before it gets to 25 knots).

It was during contemplation on the the upwind walk (of shame) with a waist harness that it occured to me I was pulling on a bit of power as the harness rode up. so could I depower it a bit more as I never pull it all the way anyway. It was just an idea as my arms were stretched to the limit to depower...

I was hoping it would not change rideabliity as the bar (thick one the bar slides up and down on) would be shortend not any of the kite lines... I didn't really think it was changing anything except for the amout of travel the bar had - moving it into more depower than power- but thats why I asked..

Might have to give the kit a go but will have to save up (just bought new board)

Meanwhile:
Leave it alone (before it drops off)....

Smaller chicken loop, fly one handed and try the 1:1 set-up. No worries I'll see how I go

thanks