Chicken loop for a trainer kite

[henjj]

I live down in Iowa and mainly snow kite in the winter. During the fall, I take my trainer out and do some kite skating on rural roads. After a while of cruising, my arms start to get tired. I have had the idea for a while of making a home-made chicken loop to attach to the bar so I can use a harness to take the weight off of my arms. Attached is a picture of my first crack at it (the trainer kite I'm using is a Slingshot B3). Its pretty rudimentary. Just some plumbing hose with a rope through it attached to a piece of webbing. Has anyone else tried this or have any ideas about how to make it better? I'm planning on heading out for a bit this afternoon to test it out. I'll report back on how it goes.

Slingshot B3 home-made chicken loop

slingshot B3 bar.jpg (541.6 KiB) Viewed 5967 times

[alec.korver]

Full power all the time! Don't go out in winds you aren't comfortable in, or else you could go for a nice ride.

[wyatt]

Slingshot actually makes a relaunch system for the B3:

http://ride.slingshotsports.com/s.nl/it.A/id.339/.f

It attaches to the black tails on the trailing edge of your kite. You'll need an old bar (standard kite bar with a hole in it) to rig it right. It's not a "real" chicken loop, but attaches to your harness and is good for first time harness wearers and also allows the user to self-relaunch the kite.

It's worth the $45. Have fun!

[JERRY]

use hard harness line similar what windsurfers use on their booms. Easy to hook in and out of. This is what I use with my old Mossy foils in the winter.

[Mike G.]

I'm thinking hooked in plus asphalt == road rash.

Don't do it, esp. if your "chicken loop" does not have a quick release.

Mike

[henjj]

It worked great. I do have the ready relaunch system on the kite so if I got pulled off of my skateboard, I just pulled the bar back (to get it off of my spreader bar) and let go. I do have to say, I was able to ride longer, but riding with just the bar in your hands is more fun and you get a better workout.

[Tighe]

I would not recommend that system. I would, as previously suggested, figure out a quick release system. If you are getting worked you will not be able to get that out of your hook...trust me I flew kites in 2001 and they had that system. We're lucky to be alive to talk about it.

Even just a slip knot with release handle would work. There are lots of other ways to make them or there are some you can buy.

Be careful

[slopecat]

Look for something like this...
http://www.coastalwindsports.com/servle ... oop/Detail

I found a similar product made by Ozone for my B3 at Scuba Center this spring. I think it was the last one that they had.

[Iceman]

This web site is funwithwind look for chicken loop.
http://www.funwithwind.com/store/ViewAl ... =80&page=1

Dave