Just wanted to say that this is an awesome community!
I finally went out on my maiden Kite voyage last Monday and was out once again yesterday on Lake Minnetonka. Both times help and advise was right around the corner, or in this case right by kite Island. That means a lot to a newbe like me! I'm already looking forward to getting out there again when the wind picks up.
So thanks for being such an awesome group of people!
See you out there!
/Tom
[b]Thanks![/b]
Moderator: MK
Many Thanks
I would like to chime in here as well...took my first ride on my new North Toro 12 yesterday and was helped by everyone out on Kite Island tremendously. Thanks to Voijta(sp?), Jeff and Josh for help in learning to rig, launch and fly this inflatable for the first time. It was a day with a lot of new firsts for me with the kite...inflatable, 4 line, chicken loop. I really appreciate all the help.
Thanks again!
Michael
Thanks again!
Michael
Re: Many Thanks
Sweet! How did you like it? It was a bit cold on the Chairlift so I'll bet the valves were a bit tricky to keep air from coming out. Were you able to keep it off the snow? Keep an eye on the leading edge of the kite for wear. This hard and edgey snow pack will wear on it. The Toro is prety easy to keep in the air so just enjoy the cruise! Wait for some fresh snow to try stuff that might crash the kite.
See you out there Mike!
See you out there Mike!
foxx0171 wrote:I would like to chime in here as well...took my first ride on my new North Toro 12 yesterday and was helped by everyone out on Kite Island tremendously. Thanks to Voijta(sp?), Jeff and Josh for help in learning to rig, launch and fly this inflatable for the first time. It was a day with a lot of new firsts for me with the kite...inflatable, 4 line, chicken loop. I really appreciate all the help.
Thanks again!
Michael
Hey Eric...I was able to fly it, but there was a lot to get use to that first time out. It did get me around though and I didn't think that it was hard to fly once I figured out some of the basics. Ended up crashing it a few times...seemed to have a lot of power but my timing is off from flying the smaller foils. I'll definately keep an eye out for extra wear on the leading edge, though it still looks brand spankin new. Did have some trouble getting it inflated, but Voijta(sp?) helped me out there...suffice to say I left the struts inflated so I can get out right away next time. 
I hope to get out there Wed or Fri and give it another try.
Quick one for you: Is there any way to easily relaunch these kites once they are down on their leading edge? What about if you crash it in the water? Do you have to swim out to get it flipped over? I was speaking with Jeff and he mentioned sewing in a fifth line...is this something that you have done?
Another thought: would it be worth getting out some nylon tape (I think that is what it is...like what athletes use for grip) and putting it on the leading edge to reduce the wear on this ice. Might only last a few days before it needs to be replaced, but if it doesn't hurt the kite or the performance it might be worth it. Any thoughts?
Thanks again to all!
Michael
I hope to get out there Wed or Fri and give it another try.
Quick one for you: Is there any way to easily relaunch these kites once they are down on their leading edge? What about if you crash it in the water? Do you have to swim out to get it flipped over? I was speaking with Jeff and he mentioned sewing in a fifth line...is this something that you have done?
Another thought: would it be worth getting out some nylon tape (I think that is what it is...like what athletes use for grip) and putting it on the leading edge to reduce the wear on this ice. Might only last a few days before it needs to be replaced, but if it doesn't hurt the kite or the performance it might be worth it. Any thoughts?
Thanks again to all!
Michael
Eric is right, beware of the conditions as of late. They really trash leading edges, if you put them down. I was tweaking my lines on Saturday and as a result kept dropping the kite out of the sky during my jumps (stalling due to over sheeting the kite). My new kite showed a bit of wear on the leading edge. Nothing that would effect performance though I could see how given time you could really trash a kite that way.
A fifth line is a great idea. It allows you to reverse the angle of attack of the kite so that it temporarily flys backwards ( reverses) off the ice then you release it and the kite flys normal. Minimal time on the ice.
Only downside, it is one more line to deal with when launching/landing
These kites are designed to launch off water. It's just that the ice doesn't provide enough drag for them to work as designed. Don't worry you have one of the easier kites to relaunch from the water. Most of the intro to kiting videos have a section on procedures for relaunching. If not, and spring comes, grab me or someone who appears to know what they are doing and we'll show you how to do it in the shallows.
see you ...out there.
A fifth line is a great idea. It allows you to reverse the angle of attack of the kite so that it temporarily flys backwards ( reverses) off the ice then you release it and the kite flys normal. Minimal time on the ice.
Only downside, it is one more line to deal with when launching/landing
These kites are designed to launch off water. It's just that the ice doesn't provide enough drag for them to work as designed. Don't worry you have one of the easier kites to relaunch from the water. Most of the intro to kiting videos have a section on procedures for relaunching. If not, and spring comes, grab me or someone who appears to know what they are doing and we'll show you how to do it in the shallows.
see you ...out there.
Tighe
http://www.kitesnowboard.com/Content/Me ... setup.htmlDoes anyone know a good link with directions on retrofitting an LEI with the 5th line brake?
Happy kiting,
Brad
Have kite, will travel.
BMR, thanks. Good info. You know of someone that can put loops on the ends of the bladders?
Also, can you clarify one statement from that website for me? It says for "step 3":
-Put a figure-eight knot about 3 or 4 inches from the middle. This knot takes the pressure of the pull in opposite directions from the struts. Then put another figure-eight knot about 1 to 2 inches from the end for attaching your extra line.
I am not following what the figure-eight knot 3-4 inches from the middle is for. I know that the other figure eight knot is for attaching the spectra that will go down to the bar.
Thanks,
Jeff
Also, can you clarify one statement from that website for me? It says for "step 3":
-Put a figure-eight knot about 3 or 4 inches from the middle. This knot takes the pressure of the pull in opposite directions from the struts. Then put another figure-eight knot about 1 to 2 inches from the end for attaching your extra line.
I am not following what the figure-eight knot 3-4 inches from the middle is for. I know that the other figure eight knot is for attaching the spectra that will go down to the bar.
Thanks,
Jeff
Re: Jeff
Jeff,
Sorry, I don't know of anyone off-hand that does that. As far as Step 3 is concerned, I haven't the slightest clue...I gave up 4 lining and went back to the deuce system - I have some kind of supernatural power to tangle multiple lines no matter the conditions or the environment.
You may want to write to the kitesnowboard crew, I'm sure they would help you out. Any one of our local crew have any idee-ers??
Sorry I couldn't have been more help...c ya at one of the sessions!
Kite on!
- Brad
Sorry, I don't know of anyone off-hand that does that. As far as Step 3 is concerned, I haven't the slightest clue...I gave up 4 lining and went back to the deuce system - I have some kind of supernatural power to tangle multiple lines no matter the conditions or the environment.
You may want to write to the kitesnowboard crew, I'm sure they would help you out. Any one of our local crew have any idee-ers??
Sorry I couldn't have been more help...c ya at one of the sessions!
Kite on!
- Brad
Have kite, will travel.
wow you're right that was confusing. It took me awhile to reread it and get what they meant. I also watched that video they have in slow mo. This is what I think they meant. Once you have the "v" line the right length. Fold it over on itself and tie two figure 8 knots. One on the "v" end ( to hook your larks head on) and the other 4 inches up the line. This way the two ends of the "v" don't try and separate and kick the larks head off.
I wouldn't worry about getting this line perfect. Make sure it is slack when flying and well attached and you should be fine. The point about having the end of the "v" be equal with the wing tips ( when inflated) makes sense for the line lengths on the bar.
Your Toro should have attachment points...no? if not you can get tarp or canvas clips at Home Depot. They pinch the fabric in various ways and have a loop on one end. Make sure you attach it it a robust area of your canopy.
hope this helps.
I wouldn't worry about getting this line perfect. Make sure it is slack when flying and well attached and you should be fine. The point about having the end of the "v" be equal with the wing tips ( when inflated) makes sense for the line lengths on the bar.
Your Toro should have attachment points...no? if not you can get tarp or canvas clips at Home Depot. They pinch the fabric in various ways and have a loop on one end. Make sure you attach it it a robust area of your canopy.
hope this helps.
Tighe
Watchout keeping the struts inflated. If you pump up in really cold the air will expand if you bring them inside. You might run the risk of stretching seems or bursting a bladder. If you are going to leave them pumped up, I would suggest leaving the kite outside in a garage or somthing. Maybe a basement. Check to see if the struts are "Baywatch Firm" or rock hard. You might need to let a little air out.
Relauching on the snow is a pain. I only have had my big kite out so the winds are light. Instead of scuffing up the leading edge, I gently safety release the kite, secure my snowboard and hook the wrist cuff to it. This lets the kite flaten out. I then heap snow on the upwind end of the kite and make sure it will stay there (alot easier in light wind). Then I go back to my board, pull the safety back through the bar and gently coax the downwind tip into the air untill the kite lauches and the snow falls off. I then get back into my board.
You will find that it's nearly impossible to drop a Toro after you get used to it (just a few hrs of flying) You will drop it somtimes if you are learning a new trick and you do somthing very wrong. As Tighe said, the Toro relauches easy on the water after you know the technique (You have to see someone do it then practice, practice, practice in shallow water)
The 5th line looks like a good idea. It's the same principle used by the 3 and 4 line foils for reverse launching. There are not any attachment points on my 16M so I don't think there will be any on the 12M. You might talk to Alex Peterson or Jeff Adamski, they both have machines and could do the work I'm sure.
Another tip... See if you can buy,rent,beg,borrow or steal "How to Rip Harder" a good kite video that show alot of stuff you are asking.
later!
Relauching on the snow is a pain. I only have had my big kite out so the winds are light. Instead of scuffing up the leading edge, I gently safety release the kite, secure my snowboard and hook the wrist cuff to it. This lets the kite flaten out. I then heap snow on the upwind end of the kite and make sure it will stay there (alot easier in light wind). Then I go back to my board, pull the safety back through the bar and gently coax the downwind tip into the air untill the kite lauches and the snow falls off. I then get back into my board.
You will find that it's nearly impossible to drop a Toro after you get used to it (just a few hrs of flying) You will drop it somtimes if you are learning a new trick and you do somthing very wrong. As Tighe said, the Toro relauches easy on the water after you know the technique (You have to see someone do it then practice, practice, practice in shallow water)
The 5th line looks like a good idea. It's the same principle used by the 3 and 4 line foils for reverse launching. There are not any attachment points on my 16M so I don't think there will be any on the 12M. You might talk to Alex Peterson or Jeff Adamski, they both have machines and could do the work I'm sure.
Another tip... See if you can buy,rent,beg,borrow or steal "How to Rip Harder" a good kite video that show alot of stuff you are asking.
later!
foxx0171 wrote:Hey Eric...I was able to fly it, but there was a lot to get use to that first time out. It did get me around though and I didn't think that it was hard to fly once I figured out some of the basics. Ended up crashing it a few times...seemed to have a lot of power but my timing is off from flying the smaller foils. I'll definately keep an eye out for extra wear on the leading edge, though it still looks brand spankin new. Did have some trouble getting it inflated, but Voijta(sp?) helped me out there...suffice to say I left the struts inflated so I can get out right away next time. :)
I hope to get out there Wed or Fri and give it another try.
Quick one for you: Is there any way to easily relaunch these kites once they are down on their leading edge? What about if you crash it in the water? Do you have to swim out to get it flipped over? I was speaking with Jeff and he mentioned sewing in a fifth line...is this something that you have done?
Another thought: would it be worth getting out some nylon tape (I think that is what it is...like what athletes use for grip) and putting it on the leading edge to reduce the wear on this ice. Might only last a few days before it needs to be replaced, but if it doesn't hurt the kite or the performance it might be worth it. Any thoughts?
Thanks again to all!
Michael