Wing Help

hgee · Since 08 Aug 2012 3 Posts Kook

I just bought a '07 / '08 slingshot link wing. It is 15m. I dont know much about the sport - just learning. What would be a good bar to purchase? Any help would be appreciated.

-cheers

Nak · Wed Aug 08, 12 2:57 pm

First question: Have you had lessons yet? If not, you really need to get a few before buying any more gear.

Second, unfortunately the Link was not highly regarded. It was the first generation of SLE's, and most of that generation weren't so good. Does it have the red bridle? that should help a bit if it does. The Rev, slingshot's second Generation SLE, was awesome.

Always get help from somebody when buying your first kite. One more great reason to get lessons. Your instructor will be able to help point you the right way with used gear. Local shops like 2nd Wind in Hood River are also great resources.

flipper · Since 17 Oct 2011 320 Posts Obsessed

Old gear is very unforgiving. If you fly a used kite and bar from before 2009 ish without lessons, buy life insurance and disability insurance first. Wink

Locke · Since 16 May 2012 19 Posts The State of Jefferson

Advice?

get in the community

That means talking to actual human beings, seeking advice, and getting "lessons".

The general trend on this forum is going to be "OMFG you need to take lessons!!!" - which is sort of true. You need a teacher, even it it is just basic rigging, dragging skills, and crowd etiquette,

Since you bought a kite and don't know diddly about it, it's a reasonable conclusion that you don't have anybody who can show you how not to endanger the public while you take the beatings that kite is going to give you (not that any kite, even a brand new one, isn't going to hand out unsolicited educational events).

Lessons don't have to be formal paid instruction, despite the rhetoric to the contrary.

So, here's the deal: you got interested somehow. Doesn't matter how. Go back to that place, TALK to someone!

You won't regret it.

-j

P.S. - a 15m kite can get you into pile-driving dead-guy sorts of problems. Even if you are a paraglider/kayaker/climber/windsurfer you need to seriously evaluate your skillset AND your teaching network. If you don't have that, then previous posts are exactly right. Get lessons.

wakeup · Since 11 Sep 2005 328 Posts always Obsessed

^^Funny!