5/12 Burmester 5m Radsail

[mike loeser]

Had to bust out the old two line kite for the high winds. I wanted to head to Rush, but the 40 mph gust scared me off. Tell me it wasn't rideable! I don't have a water kite that small.
When I showed up, I saw a car, which was a first, then on the flats a board and bag. I couldn't find a kite or a person anywhere around. Launched and tried to see if there was anyone out. Of course I was thinking the worst. I had read the wind meter before heading out and there were some serious wind speeds. I rode all over the place for about thirty minutes. Then came across a helmet and harness way out there. That calmed me down about potentially some worked over body attached to a kite. I still couldn't see anyone though. Finally, after about another half an hour I could see someone in the distance. Rode out to see what was going on. It looked like Justin had to go swimming to find his kite. Sounds like he launched without the safety and the kite blew away. He never got the kite. Thats one downside to such a nice riding area. Nothing out there to stop the kite from heading to Ogden. Kites are replaceable though. I don't want to see anyone spending time in the ER or worse for a measly kite.
Justin, it would've been nice to ride with someone for a change. Could've had the chance to catch your kite if I'd known when you'd be out. It does make me wonder about kiting alone out there in case something were to happen.
Eventually packed it up. I took my GPS out to clock some speed runs. Got to about 31.6 mph and rode about 20 miles in an hour of riding. I got caught by a few gusts that took me further off the ground than I like. Some of those were intentional and some not so. All in all a good day, but wish I didn't have to worry about what had happened to Justin most of the time.
Still trying to get out to Rush before the water evaporates. Hope everyone was safe if you did get rides out there.
Mike L.

[Mike Hill]

I am very interested in land kiting. I am looking for some web sites to find out about gear. Can you help?

[stevemayer]

if you are interested in land kiting, check out cloud 9 power kites in Draper, they have all sizes and styles. They also sell kite buggys for a GREAT price, $299 if you are with Utah Wind Riders, kites, boards, everything.

steve
(cloud 9 power kites)