It was very interesting to watch and learn, since we had the chance to see it all first hand. Ryan, Tam and Jesse all caught what I used to refer to as a "Polter Gust". But that which I fear is what Tam and the likes are chasing down.
Tam claims that Crissy was the best spot for a big air comp as the gusty winds at the shoreline provided "un-predictable' lift. In other words, a funky updraft that came at will during the offshore gusts that Crissy has on the shoreline. Like tow-in surfers looking for big waves, the new generation of 'kite-flyers' will seek these gusty winds for maximum airtime and lift.
So watching the technique I learned that, just like on the water, every time the kite is stroked or looped it generates power (lift). When flown over head the kite will glide, when stroked side to side it created a lift that would allow Tam and Jesse to hover. Each successive kite loop then helped keep the vertical lift while carrying the riders down wind.
I must admit that what I saw at Crissy was the MOST amazing kite flying I have ever seen. Yes I have seen bigger on the snow, but that's on terrain where this is supposed to happen. This was the first time I ever saw riders use 'mountain-techniques' to fly high and higher over flat water.
So Kenny, what I learned and started working on was this... go for some big air jumps on the water going as fast and high as possible. At the apex of your jump, instead of down turning and coming down... swing the kite back and fourth above you to get the feel of hovering. From a good jump of 20 feet I am able to swing the kite 3-4 times side to side over head before landing softly.
Also, can we get more wind in Utah please? That is the major ingredient
Windzup,
Brian Schenck