Preparing for Mexico

[shera]

So I am heading to Mexico next week and want to make sure I am prepared for anything. Got a couple of maintenance questions for my well used 12 TD. Where can I get new pig tails? Is there anything I can use to smooth out the throw line as it is showing some good signs of wear. Are there general things I should be doing on a yearly basis to make my kite last longer? Anything I should bring for sure on my trip, just incase? Tape and seamseal is a given.

Also, how should I pack my kite and broad in a duffel to assure that it doesn't get damaged on the ride down? Bubble wrap?

Thanks everyone!
Leah

[Tighe]

Leah, give me a call. I've got new and used(i.e. free) replacement pigtails, leader lines and flying lines. Always good to have a backup when traveling.

Good question about yearly care...hmmm. Keep it clean and dry. Fix any small tears quickly before they spread. If you have any stitches wearing out putting a bit of seam seal/aqua seal or the like on it will keep it from spreading. Keep an eye on lines and pigtails. Always check to make sure your Quick Releases function. I have some dry lube I can give you for your pulleys and any other moving parts.

[champlin]

For your leader lines or your center lines to keep them from fraying up so much from going in and out of the bars center hole light a candle and let the candle wax drip up and down on the lines, rub the wax into the lines it keeps them well lubes and they don't fray as much. ONLY use candle wax not board wax, candle wax will not pick up dirt but you need to rub it in good, board wax will attrack dirt and ruin your lines.

Going any place out of country especially Mexico bring a first aid kit, I can't stress this enough, and in the first aid kit bring HOT and Cold packs, and if you can a bottle of half vinager and water, this is for jelley fish or stingray pokes, the heat packs or pads are for the stingray pokes without heat the pain will become almost unbearable!!! bring a credit card, if you get taken to the hospital as a tourist they will hammer you for money like around 1000 or so, it's best if you can kite around a resort, check with them to see if they have a doctor and medical facility there and the doctor on call, they should and almost always do. They will also have set prices for the doctors visit and belive me it's cheaper than going to the local hospital. When I got poked by a stingray about a month ago in Mexico I was very fortunate to be at a good resort with on call doctors, it cost me about what I would have paid here in the states. You might think this is overkill but it only takes a few minutes to check for this at the front desk when checking in and you will be more at ease knowing if something happens that you will be taken care of, sorry for the rambeling.

[wings]

I would recommend getting some sort of international travel medical insurance unless your current insurance allots for international travel. I have heard horror stories about 20000 medical evac flights and such. They will usually have an extreme sport add-on for a little bit more. You can get instant quotes online in a few minutes...

[champlin]

My insurance did reimburse me when I got back and submitted my bill.

[shera]

Anyone have any suggestions or experience with renting cars in Cancun? Should I get damage insurance? Or maybe just stick to public transportation?

Thanks everyone!
Leah

[wings]

Mexico's bus system is everything that Greyhound wishes it could be!
But you can't beat the freedom you own car gives...

[champlin]

I rent a car usually when I'm in Cancun, get the insurance, you would be crazy not to. Also the bus system that runs up and down the strip only goes up and down the strip and it's cheap only 6.5 pesos or .65 US per ride, it's the best and quickest way to get around, it is very impressive. If you ever need a bus and are past the bus stop or a considerable distance just raise your hand like your hailing a taxi and they will pull over, they appreciate a dollar bill more so than the 6.5 pesos, which a dollar is cheap anyway. You will be surprised how quick the busses are too, and as usual all the people are very friendly, oh, and when you get on the bus if there is a specific place you want to be dropped off at like your hotel just tell the driver when you pay them, they will stop at your requested spot, or they have a small button on the handrail, so if you see a place that you are coming up on that you want to stop at just hit the button.

[MAXIMILIANO]

Perfect weekend in Mexico!!!!

http://www.wunderground.com/global/stat ... tmlSticker

HAVE FUN !!!!!!!!!!