Cabrinha Contra 3 Advice

tree · Since 29 May 2007 150 Posts Bend, OR Stoked

Hi All,
I had to relocate to the east coast this summer, so I just picked up a used 14m Contra 3 because my Gorge quiver is virtually useless out here on long island. I tried to fly the kite for the first time yesterday and I literally could not keep it in the sky. The wind was fluctuating between 12 and 17 mph. There was almost no tension on the rear lines, so I could not steer the kite - it would fly to one side and fly too far forward before falling to the water at the edge of the window. I experimented with attaching the rear lines at the closest knot to the kite, as well as completely powering up the kite, and still had no luck. Has anyone else experienced this? Should I add knots on the rear lines closer to the kite, or do huge kites just require different flying technique? I've been flying Waroos for the past couple years, 11m is my largest.
Thanks, and I hope you all are enjoying Summer in the PNW. I miss it!
Aaron

Nak · Sat Aug 22, 09 8:51 am

Hey Tree!

First thing to do is to check your lines:

http://www.nwkite.com/forums/t-10679.html

It sounds like your rear lines are too long.

steve-o · Since 30 Jul 2009 4 Posts Florida New Member

Damn dude....no dought the wind on the east coast isn't great in the summer, unlike the Gorge, however, you will get wind like mad in the fall winter and spring. Hang on to your kites, they will become useful again, and you will find your Contra to be the useless kite.

Yeah, ditto, check your lines. That kite can fly in nothing if tuned right.

tree · Since 29 May 2007 150 Posts Bend, OR Stoked

Thanks guys. Question on the tuning: Should the lines be completely powered when I compare lengths?

Nak · Sun Aug 23, 09 8:04 am

Correct. The bar should be adjusted for full power.

Ksurf69 · Since 17 Aug 2009 6 Posts Jericho, VT New Member

http://pr.cabrinhakites.com/manuals/pdf/Powerdrive2N1_UM_Web/2007UM_Powerdrive2N1_EnglishWeb.pdf

see page 13 in the manual...

I have the 17 m2 Contra III -- the lines checked out just fine when I initially checked them and it launched and flew just fine in as little as 8 knots of wind.

Consider getting a surfboard and/or skimboard for use with your 11 m2 kite and you might be able to sell the big one (unless you weigh 220# or something). That's basically the scene on the Cape (MA) these days and I'm inclined to follow suit.