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broadbandito
Since 26 Apr 2005
342 Posts
CSO headwaters
WheatHead
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 Wed Apr 09, 08 2:31 pm Floaty foil sandwich? |
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I have a question for all you kite-designers.
I'm no expert, but I've flown foils on land a few times. They are easy to prep for launch, offer great power for the m2, and handle great. I understand there are depower-able and relaunch-able designs available these days. But no one uses foils on water because they don't float and presumably they are a biatch to relaunch in water.
So what would happen if a foil had a water-repellent finish (like a rain shell) and a sandwich of "bubble-wrap" or foam packing wrap (like what shippers wrap around electronics) sewn into the bottom layer of the foil? Would it float? Would it relaunch off the water? Would I get a kickass smaller kite and be able to leave the pump at home? 
Or would I get a semifloaty water anchor and need to buy a new kite every time I dropped one in the water?  |
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Reaper356
Since 10 Dec 2006
781 Posts
Salem / LC Oregon
Opinionated
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| Wed Apr 09, 08 4:33 pm |
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| They used to make foils that'd seal up when the cells filled w/ air so they wouldn't sink, I think it'd be similar. The cells filling w/ water really sucks - like a sea anchor. |
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southcoaster
Since 27 Jan 2007
20 Posts
Denmark
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| Wed Apr 09, 08 11:13 pm |
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I fly Peter Lynn Venoms sometimes in the ocean. They have 5 small intake holes in the leading edge that are backed up by baffles to keep the water out and the air in once the kite is inflated (you inflate the kite by laying the kite upside down perpendicular to the wind, opening a zipper on the upwind side, then closing it after it is full). Ive actually had them get rolled through four or five waves and was then able to relaunch them. Their pretty surprising in that regard.
As far as their performance is concerned, you can get big, lofty airs with them, but they are a bit frustrating when you try to turn them fast. Trying kiteloops with them is terrifying. One kite though will handle a huge wind range, and make hellishly gusty wind seem pretty reasonable. |
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Ramon
Since 26 Nov 2007
12 Posts
New Member
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| Wed Apr 09, 08 11:18 pm |
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Hi,
There are 2 companies designing foils for water use, Peter Lynn, www.peterlynnkiteboarding.com and
Flysurfer, www.flysurfer.com
The first is making c-shape foilkites, the second one flatter shaped foilkites with very good depower.
Both kites use airintakes like socks, when the internal pressure (because of filling them up with air) is the same as outside, the sock (airintake) closes and the air is kept inside. This way relaunch in waves or after longer time (15 min.) is retained. Flysurfer for example also uses a drainage system, which takes incoming water outside of the kite.
More on foil-specific kiteboarding can be found here: www.foilzone.com
Good luck. |
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SCL
Since 27 Mar 2007
21 Posts
Sixes, OR
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| Thu Apr 10, 08 6:59 am |
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| southcoast wrote: | | Trying kiteloops with them is terrifying. One kite though will handle a huge wind range, and make hellishly gusty wind seem pretty reasonable. |
Watching said kiteloop attempts = great entertainment!
The magical pillows do get great lift though.
_________________
"Smell something Rabbit?"......"Fear!" |
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Sol-flyer
Since 21 Mar 2006
1280 Posts
Dude, where's my Bus?
Otto Mann
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| Thu Apr 10, 08 7:53 am |
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an LEI would fix all the problems of the foil kite. 
_________________
I stretch my wings and pull the strings |
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Moto
Since 03 Sep 2006
2698 Posts
Still a gojo pimp!
Moto Mouth
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| Thu Apr 10, 08 8:16 am |
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| Sol-flyer wrote: | | an LEI would fix all the problems of the foil kite. |
An optional inflatable leading edge on a foil!! That would be sweet!! |
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Sol-flyer
Since 21 Mar 2006
1280 Posts
Dude, where's my Bus?
Otto Mann
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| Thu Apr 10, 08 8:32 am |
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yea,....
but i've been thinking about that for awhile now...lol
no more stupid foils falling out of the sky when they collapse. it would actually have a rigid frame for things like downloops when the kite lulls on the side of the window. I hate foils cause they need incoming air to fill the cells. If they could just make a small L E that would hold the shape. Think about it....even in the paragliding world it would help for stupid canopy collapsing. (maybe i can get eclipse to make a L.E.I. foil???....what do you think wytcap?? )
if you use my idea i want a %  lol!
_________________
I stretch my wings and pull the strings |
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Kataku2k3
Since 14 Aug 2005
3754 Posts
PDX-LA
Videographer
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| Thu Apr 10, 08 8:54 am |
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I can't say I'd recommend flying a B3 on the water... Didn't work too well for me at Sauvies. Line snapped and I got to swim for a hundred yards or so!
Yaaaay
Boooo
Pics courtesy of Henry's Flickr! |
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Ramon
Since 26 Nov 2007
12 Posts
New Member
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biggins
Since 19 Jun 2006
31 Posts
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| Sat Apr 12, 08 3:42 am |
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I've always wondered why we need air in the kites? Seems like a very small collapsable tube could keep the shape and save tons of time pumping and repairing...and might make kites more durable? dunno.
j |
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FlyDunes
Since 09 Oct 2007
1034 Posts
Aloha
XTreme Poster
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| Sat Apr 12, 08 7:44 am |
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| Sol-flyer wrote: | yea,....
....even in the paragliding world it would help for stupid canopy collapsing. |
I'd thought about that too, but I don't think it's a good idea. Who wants to deal with a permanently inflated 25M wing if the wind comes up quick? You couldn't easily do big ears or b-line stalls, etc....
As far as foils for the water, Ozone was about ready to announce a foil for the water and then backed out just before the planned release. Not sure what happened there.
I've still got an ancient F-One foil water kite in my garage if anyone is interested 
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Lets FLY |
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