kite leash in waves

caps · Since 23 Dec 2010 347 Posts Obsessed

Any opinions out there on when to not use a kite leash in sizable waves? You're wiping out in a big wave, preparing to go through the rinse cycle, and you decide to initiate your quick release to avoid being wrapped in your lines and/or dragged by the kite if it drops. I was just wondering when some of you also aren't wearing a kite leash at the time. I'm trying to get my head around the risk management of kiting in bigger waves that have consequences.

Cheers

kitezilla · Since 22 Jun 2006 453 Posts gorge Obsessed

http://www.kiteforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2363763

http://www.kiteforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2357151&

Aeolus · Sun Sep 02, 12 9:47 am

(oops...wrong kind of leash comment- deleted board leash rambling...should of read more carefully) - big fan of kite leash...sometimes you need that thing to drag you to shore when big...

quenyaistar · Since 21 Oct 2011 416 Posts Cougar, WA Obsessed

He said KITE leash not board leash

mitchl3000 · Since 19 Jul 2010 67 Posts

In my opinion it could go either way. if you are kiting a wave that is a ways off the shore (ie a long swim back) i say use a leash. but if your near shore and the wind is onshore or side shore (very important) its not a bad idea to NOT wear a leash. if your kite goes down and gets pummeled by a big wave chances are it will explode if its attached to you. if you release it, typically it will wash up on shore like beach ball and the lines usuallyl arent even tangled.

kitezilla · Since 22 Jun 2006 453 Posts gorge Obsessed

Oh, "kite" leash!

Never mind...

caps · Since 23 Dec 2010 347 Posts Obsessed

Here's some thoughts from a member on the seabreeze forum:

"I learnt a good thing from an experienced kiter which has served me well a few times.

If it's an emergency, or if in doubt, pull the safety for sure.

If the kite has crashed and looks like its going to get hit by a wave, unhook it and hang on to the bar.

If the wave gets hold of it and pulls it really hard, let it go or risk the kite being ripped.
Start swimming in, the kite is attached to you by the leash, pulling through the flag line. You may get a shot at relaunch and the chicken loop is still intact. Mostly thought at this stage, it's a race to the shore to stop the kite being shredded in the shore break.
Leave the board, it will get washed/blown in.

Sometimes, surprisingly, the wave will leave the kite relatively unhindered.

Now, with the bar in your hands, you have a shot at relaunch if the wind gets into the kite.

Once the safety is pulled, the bar moves away quickly and, even if you can catch up with it (unlikely) the chicken loop reboot can be difficult, if not impossible under pressure in the surf.

There have been a few times when it's seemed to me that the lines must be tangled and the kite is full of water, but somehow that beautiful thing rolls over onto its side and launches just in time to clear the impending wave.

That is a great feeling."

I'm still on the side of using a kite leash. But there are scenarios where there is so little time to react that you can get caught. Things happen so fast in this sport- another reason to practice the quick release regularly. Because you'll never know when you'll need reflexes like a cat- to safe your life.

Windian · Since 28 Apr 2008 901 Posts Newport, OR NEWPORT OG

Never intentionally drop your kite in the water even if you are away from your board and about to get worked by big waves. Having your kite flying is your best and fastest way to the beach or to recover your board. Once the kite is in the rinse cycle it is very hard if not impossible to relaunch, plus it turns into an unmanageable mess. KEEP THE KITE FLYING!!

lks · Since 06 Nov 2007 117 Posts Anchorage, Alaska Stoked

...which recounted a rinse cycle with leash that somehow wrapped around his waist. Kite powered up and nearly cinched him in two. Seem to recall he swore off leashes after that. Don't know if he actually did, but you could tell from the vid he was shaken up a bit.

registered · Since 12 Jul 2005 1319 Posts tsunami Sandbagger

glass is half full kind of guy and really don't plan on crashing my kite and in almost ten years I have never personally seen a kite really munched by a wave beyond repair....
and my kite has been tugged a few times with no rips. knock knock

so I wear a leash to protect the innocent from my foolishness.

however my dog has no leash and is in my car when kiting.

and board leashes are for wimps.

try a wrist leash i heard they are fun.

and statistically if a dog bites most still think he is a really good dog mostly.... Twisted Evil

ldhr · Since 21 Jul 2009 1490 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

this topic is giving me dejavu all over again.....

http://nwkite.com/forums/t-18390.html&highlight=

Sella · Tue Sep 04, 12 12:27 pm