Solo landing with 5-line

Mocean · Since 21 Sep 2005 343 Posts Newport Obsessed

I'm new to 5-line kites, and have encountered a problem when landing the kite by myself in strong winds. Around here its rare when someone's around to catch a kite.

Here's what happens: Let go of the bar, and the kite falls gently downwind, then floats upside down a few feet off the ground. I love how it does that, however, as I walk up the 5th line to the kite, it continues to pull so that I lose grip on the line and it pulls the line through my hand. Had this happen when I landed my Octane 8 in 35 knot winds the other day. Ended up having to get help from a passer-by, something I'd rather not do. Anyone have any solutions for this situation?? I've thought of sticking a glove in my wetsuit, or finding something to tie the leash onto, but, both of these options are kind of lame. Any way to flip the kite over on its nose after deploying the 5th line leash? Any other ideas?

Mahalo,

Steve

registered · Since 12 Jul 2005 1319 Posts tsunami Sandbagger

Not such a problem when not in upper wind range. I usually only use 5 on 15 and up though unless on snow. Its tough when the hands are numbish to Shocked

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3753 Posts Los Angeles, CA Videographer

Yea Steve, I totally know what you're saying. I had my suicide leash attached to my 7's Oneline/pump leash attachment point on Saturday while we were walking upwind and it was insane. It's crazy just how much drag a little kite flipped over on its back can generate in high wind.

As far as your "problem," I haven't seen or heard anything different than the two methods you mentioned (walking in on the Oneline, or staking it).

I've seen kites depowered, sitting on their Oneline get flipped over (face down - the way you want), but only in the surf, or in unstable swirly winds. Never unpurpose though. I guess you could try getting it to flip via pulling slightly on one of side lines, but I don't know if it would work... Just make sure that Oneline stays locked out! Very Happy

jack · Since 12 Mar 2006 211 Posts Stoked

when walking up the 5th line hold onto both 5th line and line that attaches to front lines, once at the "Y" continue holding onto to all front lines until you are about 5 feet from kite then 5th line only. kite will stay upside down the entire time

kiteboard117 · Since 02 Mar 2005 450 Posts PDX McLovin

i have done it in the soft sand by attaching my leash to my board (i weighed down the board with a log nearby but i think sand would work too.) after that you can just walk up to the kite.

importracer9 99 · Since 27 Oct 2005 296 Posts Obsessed

yeah attaching it to the board was my idea, but only in normal winds, i usually just ball it up walk to the kite while reeling in the one line. kinda sketchy but i dont really know of anything else.

mikes · Since 13 Mar 2005 90 Posts B'Ham

Move the stopper closer to the bar a little, then the kite will "fly" to the ground.

You want a smidge of tension on the rears, if they are too slack the kite will levitate. If you don't have a stopper you'll have to add one and experiment til you find the magic spot where your kite sits on the ground

Mike S

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2025 Posts Windward

my homemade 5 line set-up is nothing if not a tangle even in the snow ,I just take the leaders off when in the water.Sometimes my kites fly upside-down with the 5th line leash, mostly when too much wind