Catching Wind (kite movement question)

Alter Ego · Since 11 Aug 2008 6 Posts New Member

A beginner's question --
When underpowered I sine kite up and down by pulling the bar to the left and right to send the kite on its way.

I've noticed, however that some of you seem to send kites in a gentle loop, apparently 'scooping up' more air (after which you simply spin the bar to untwist the lines). I tried to do it by keeping pressure on front hand but in only resulted in kite crashing into the water. Can anyone share what is the trick here?

railgrab · Since 29 Mar 2005 177 Posts Seattle, WA Stoked

Downlooping is essentially allowing you to sine longer, thus creating more power/speed. To get the kite around, start with your kite higher, pull harder, and be ready to point your board towards the kite as the pull increases.

Spike · Since 13 May 2007 1414 Posts Alameda Spelling Expert

the higher you start the loop, the more room you have for it. Also, the harder you pull on one side, the tighter the kite loop will be. I'm assuming you're trying this while underpowered, otherwise you could get yarded hard if you do this in strong wind.

There are two different types of loops (downloops and regular loops) A regular loop us when you bring the kite up and keep it going all the way around. A downloop is when you send the kite down to the water but keep pulling on the bar so that it spins around and goes the other way. Downloops are good for transitioning to going the other direction, while the regular loop is good for getting good air or doing a water-start if underpowered.

The only problem with this loops is that you can end up going downwind a ways. It doesn't help you go upwind, it only gives you the initial speed to get going. After that you are back to sining up and down.

KidCorporate · Since 10 Jul 2007 563 Posts Addicted

So you're a grammar expert now, too?