Loose kite rescue

caps · Since 23 Dec 2010 347 Posts Obsessed

I had to rescue a loose kite the other day after it blew off the beach. I hooked my safety leash to the bar's chicken loop. I then dragged it in. It worked well. But I was always worried that it would power up and I'd not be able to release my leash. Anyone else have other experiences or advice here. It seems to happen periodically and I'd like to help without putting myself in a dangerous situation.

Cheers!

mxwllms · Since 26 Jul 2006 110 Posts Boring, Or Stoked

we break a lot of leashes and my friends and I always just kite up downwind of the loose kite and let it blow into you taking care to not get near the lines. (The lines usually will stay upwind of the kite depending on currents) put your kite at 12'o clock to avoid getting your kite tangled with the loose one. Then you just grab the kite by its leading edge (or wingtip if your having trouble) and drag it in with the bar and lines trailing behind. when it's done this way sometimes the bar can catch on debris and you drop the kite... Oh well, just try again! It takes some practice to handle the kite while on the water but at least it has no potential to power up on you.

Dern · Since 11 Jul 2010 545 Posts Vancouver, WA Addicted

If you are talking about a water rescue, I try to grab the leading edge and flip the kite on its back as if you were walking up the beach with the kite. This completely avoids the bar and the lines and allows you to ditch if you have to. The key to this type of rescue is you need to maintain enough crosswind speed to keep that kite floating above the water. The bar will generate a ton of drag if you go really fast, though.

Freeride Kiter · Fri Oct 09, 15 5:02 pm

Yup - what Dern said. Flip it over to it's back then lift / carry like walking on the beach.

If the kite is deflated I sometimes drag it by a wingtip and let it flap away in the wind.

I thought about leashing to it, but I like being able to let go if something got fishy.

caps · Since 23 Dec 2010 347 Posts Obsessed

I like the idea of just holding the kite so that it can easily be let go. But if you are downwind of the kite and trying to grab the leading edge, it sounds like a difficult maneuver while trying to keep your own kite/lines/board in order. Thanks for the tips. Definitely a move for a seasoned kiter.

voy-tech · Sat Oct 10, 15 1:29 pm

First time I was rescuing a kite i tried grabbing the leading edge and it kind of worked but I also ended up with the lines wrapped around me (and had a "oh f..k" moment thinking what's going to happen if i won't be able to hold the kite in a gust), slowly got unwrapped and ended up towing the kite by the chicken loop, the kite dragged a ton but i made it to the shore safe and sound plus there was no risk of both kites tangling and if the kite would suddenly powered on i could just let go of the chicken loop.
So if there's a safe way to grab the leading edge without tangling it's easier to tow for sure, but if you have time and strength it's also possible to tow the kite by the bar.

Windance Crew · Since 18 Apr 2008 473 Posts Hood River Kite Shop Obsessed

I do what Dern said but hook my leash thru the loose kites bridles so I can kite in with both hands on my bar.