systematic kite rigging/derigging and checklists

[joshgubler]

Does anybody use a specific systematic approach to rigging and derigging your lines? i.e. do you inflate before or after you attach lines, do you inflate with the inside of the kite to upwind (catching the wind) or with the outside of the kite to upwind (deflecting the wind), etc. I've used some trial and error and think I've figured out a system that works well for me, but I'm just wondering how it compares to what others are doing.

Also...does anybody have a specific preflight checklist? Other sports use these a lot (climbing = BARK and SRENE, scuba = BWRAF).

[lesvierra]

The one thing I was taught was find a system that works for you and stick with it. Do it the same way each time. If you start changing methods, there is a greater chance of screwing something up.

Most folks pump up their kite leading edge into the wind with the kite upside down (maybe that makes sense). I personally like to pump up the kite first. Flip the kite rights side up with the leading edge into the wind, weight it down with sand or rocks in your kite bag.

Then I walk the lines out starting at the kite. The traditional way to walk the lines out is upwind. Its easier this way if its really windy.

I have got in the habbit of walking my lines down wind. I like the way I can see my bridle lines to check for twist and tangles. After I attach my lines, I can pull them tight and recheck the lines. Also, in the snow, I'm ready to do a self launch by walking the lines to the side and pulling on one side of the kite so that it will slide around down wind.

IMO, the best thing a beginner should do when walking the lines out is put the two inside lines between your legs with the outside lines outside of your legs. Grab each line in order from the bar and put one line between each finger. Walk the lines out, untwist with your other hand. When you get to the end of the lines, lay each line down as you found them from the start. Attach each line in the same way as you always do. This is where big problems can potentially start, so dont lose focus.

I derig the same way in reverse order.

[bordy]

Josh I know you said you took a lesson and gained nothing out of it. But these are the types of things you should have been taught?.????

I hope you have all of your safeties down and truley know whats up.

Kiting can be a very dangerous sport and if you are unsure of the basic set up then perhaps you need some more lessons.

Where did you take your lessons and did you just take a ground school or did you have a water school also??

I hope you are being safe, any kiter at any of the UT spots is happy to help you with almost anything. But we also police ourselves and with you previous comment about lessons and now your ? about setup I hope you have it together! If not some one can help you.

Good Luck and be safe!!!

Billy

[joshgubler]

les - this is the way I've been doing it...I just wondered if anybody had a different/better way. Specifically, why not lay the kite out on it's back with the leading edge downwind, then stand downwind of the kite while blowing it up? This way, as it fills up and the wind tips it over, it's blown into you instead of away from you. Also, this puts the kite in the right position to rig your lines (you don't have to flip it over). Just a thought, I haven't tried it yet.

billy - thanks for your concern. I'll send you a pm sometime (no need to bother everybody with my personal issues).

[lesvierra]

Interesting point Josh, I've never seen it done that way, but itd be similar to launching foils if you can keep the kite stable enough with some weight on the tail upwind end. Anyone ever tried this? I've thought about it before out of desperation and lack of suitable self launch area, but I guess havent been that desperate yet.

[joshgubler]

I didn't mean to keep the kite on its back after it's inflated. If you did that you'd have to have a lot of weight on it to keep the wind from spinning it and launching it. I meant to leave it on its back while you're inflating the struts and then allow it to roll face down as you inflate the leading edge.

[joshgubler]

So I've been thinking more and more about a checklist lately...checklists aren't just to help people who are learning the ropes, they're to help people who are seasoned veterans and, because of that, go through the motions without thinking. I've tied into a climbing harness a million times, and because of that, I don't really think about it anymore. The checklist keeps me safe (BARK: Buckles, Anchor, Rappel/Belay Device, Knot).

I think kiting could really use this as well. It doesn't replace proper preparation, it's just the last thing to think about before you give your "launcher" the thumbs up. Here are my thoughts:

Helmet, Harness, Bar, Lines, Wind

Helmet: Is the chin strap snapped?

Harness: Is everything secure? Is the spreader bar attached?

Bar: Am I unhooked? Is the trim strap set to depower? Am I holding it right side up?

Lines: Are they clear from obstacles? Are they clean from twists?

Wind: Is the wind speed still good for my kite? Is the wind direction still safe (side shore, onshore, offshore)? Is the wind angle (relative to kite) still safe for launch (i.e. edge of window)?

Are there other specifics I've missed here? Anything I've included that isn't really a problem? What do you guys check or think about right before you give the thumbs up?