Friend with Kite Leash Problem

Diggy · Since 25 Nov 2006 342 Posts Gorge to Coast Obsessed

I have a friend whom has leash problems. For one this friend uses a board leash, this has been discussed and I don't want to re-visit it in this thread.

The problem that concerns me is this friends Kite Leash does not have a Quick-Release and in a bad sitution, with chicken loop released from spreader bar and kite connected only by the leash this friend may not be able to fully release kite if needed.

I've mentioned this several times, even offered a leash. Friend likes the leash friend has. Friend is a lurker on NWKite so I expect this will be found and it is a reminder for all to use safe gear and know how to use your gear properly.

I also wanted to mention that occasionally I see people with thier leash connected backwards. I thought it worth mentioning that if the QuickRelease side of the leash is not connected to your harness and is connected to the kite you will not be able to reach it in the event you need too.

Here is a link to an un-fortunate incedince from last year

http://www.kiteforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2347027

Being early in the season it is a good time to check your gear.

Hoping for some comments supporting my concern for friend.

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2027 Posts Windward

leash on board , long and retractable ones (I would accept a short leash on a surfboard connected so it doesn't spoon in big wave situations)

pull towards you leash ,may your strings always be tight

but I also see folks who cannot launch and land
pretty much as a rule most beginners can't launch and land
(self taught?)

what are they teaching in the schools?

A pal took lessons in L.V. last winter
and I hear he can set-up, launch and land and is working on going

which would seem to me the logical approach

it's a wing right? kinda advanced stuff
even the basics

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

Good advice Diggy

went for a 200yrd Nantucket sleigh-ride on the snow new years day - when my leash wouldn't release (probably filled with grit and froze)

like anything with moving parts - good idea to pull your leash apart every once and while and test it - even the best leash will stick if its caked with salt and sand....

forrest · Thu May 21, 09 7:43 am

Last weekend, got drug by my kite as my leash wrapped in my bar on a missed pass. Kite looped 4-6 times, dragging me along with it. I thought about ditching the kite but I notice with each loop it was getting closer to the water, it eventually crashed and I recovered.

I'm glad I have that option to ditch the kite, kept me calm so I could make a quick decision.

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2027 Posts Windward

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1692 Posts XTreme Poster

Leashes are dangerous!!

Body dragging to board is better.

Rolling Eyes

jsj · Since 11 Sep 2006 83 Posts Hood River Â

Quick release on a KITE LEASH is not optional, at least, not if you're sane.

I lauched a guy at Crissy Field a few years ago - he had an old ghetto wrisp cuff as his kite leash and he literally had almost drowned... I'd watched his kite tumble halfway to Alcatraz. At some point a boat came in and picked him, literally saving his life.

My wife routinely manages to tangle her bar in her lines after deploying the QR chicken loop - result is a looping kite and a drag through the water. Trying to undo a snap hook is almost impossible if its under load.

to paraphrase uncle Dick, "stuff happens"

Do your friend a favor and throw his leash in the trash when he's not looking.

-j

pdxmonkeyboy · Thu May 21, 09 11:25 am

I don't know why ---insert name of local female rider---- doesn't listen to peoples advice. Some people just don't take advice, even when they have a setup that is potentially very dangerous. She's got a board leash and a kite leash with no quick release. What could possibly go wrong with that kind of arrangement? Shocked

craz z · Since 01 Dec 2008 130 Posts Montana Stoked

Not to open up a can of worms or beat a dead horse but just another thought on board leashes.

Many areas are perfecto for wind and riding.

What if you really want to kite and you have boat support on a fluky wind day?

Say the wind is on off up to 10mph light wind super big kite barely enough to ride but with the right size board you can get on plane and cruise down wind.
Say you get a gust or two that gives you just enough time to get off the water for a jump. You manage to screw up and board is floating away while you are struggling to upwind I mean actually just struggling with keeping the kite in the air.

Your boat support is there if you need it but they can't follow you the entire time to conserve gas or just chill in the nice weather.

Would and only if the conditions are mellow is it ok to use a board leash?

I have a board leash and love it however I clearly am aware of the dangers it can bring on in more right on wind days. I always wear a helmet no matter what and have been injured using the leash on good wind days only once I got tagged in the calf area and hurt pretty bad.

On good days there is no place for a leash, but what about light days. I go to the hood and have the greatest experience I come back to montana and fight light winds and panicking if I can't get to my board while trying to manage to keep the kite up.

Some of our lakes are big enough that if boat support doesn't show up that board will be long gone and never seen again.

pdxmonkeyboy · Thu May 21, 09 11:50 am

Crazy....

I guess it all depends on if you have health insurance or not. Cost of a new board -vs- cost of 20 stitches in your head. I think stitches are the best thing you can hope for if you get hit in the head with a board on a leash.

In your scenario, you want to wear a board leash so if you jump and the board comes off, then it won't get away from you. Unfortunately, jumping and your board falling off is one of the more hazardous activities with a board leash. When your coming down from your jump, you can be assured that your board will be within 5' of anyplace you land. Hopefully its not directly underneath you because hitting a board with any part of your body, especially your shins is quite painful.

If you can plane on anything, then you can body drag. Period. I kite with my skimboard and 14 when lots of others are sitting on the beach. I botch maybe half of my shove its and have to body drag to get the board. Never a problem. Maybe not in super high current situation but then again, lakes don't typically have currents.

Bottom line dude, ditch it... unless you enjoy looking like a dangerous clown.

Diggy · Since 25 Nov 2006 342 Posts Gorge to Coast Obsessed

you want to talk about Board Leashes (again).

I would like to keep this thread limited to KITE LEASHES (and identifing offenders is not required MB).

Thank You.

Some good points I will summerize tonight or tomorrow.

pdxmonkeyboy · Thu May 21, 09 12:32 pm

sorry Dig, not trying to hijack. I guess I got sucker in and was trying to offer some helpful advice even though it is true that the board leash debate has got to be the stupidest debate ever. I don't want to see people get hurt and risk access issues but if you get hurt because your wearing a board leash, your not going to get any sympathy from most people.

..

PS I called her out because she needs a calling out (and she almost took my head off (and new camera) with her kite on sunday. Paybacks are a bitch Very Happy

craz z · Since 01 Dec 2008 130 Posts Montana Stoked

Sorry for getting off subject.

Anyway About kite leashes I've had my share of issues there too. The one that pops out at me isn't so much the leash but more with the 5th line attached to it. I remember snowkiting on a nuclear day. Did a nice glide and came down. Wind punched up to a uncomfortable level so I decided to let it out. well with all my looping to get up the giant hill I was on. The fifth became so tightly wound that the kite didn't sheet out as normal spiraled out of control with 90-95% depower so it wasn't a desperate situation but getting it all back to rideable I ended up having to restring the kite.

Also I've noticed that the length of the leash can often interfer with bar movement and get tangled up. I wonder if there is a retractable leash that could aide in this?
Maybe a more contracted bungy that has double or triple stretch when released.
The firing pin method works great for me. I see alot of leashes connected to the back of the harness especially in unhooked applications.
What is the reason for this?

I always hook up mine near my spreader bar so its right there if I need to activate that too.

Diggy · Since 25 Nov 2006 342 Posts Gorge to Coast Obsessed

grinder · Wed May 27, 09 6:40 am **Kudos**

Kudos for you guys to hammer home the safety issues. Folks look to this forum for expertise from the top local riders. I appreciate that most of you show this kind of respect for people learning the sport (as well as to your fellow flyers).

Same goes for the recent thread on the Stevenson accident - it resulted in very good information relayed for anyone contemplating riding at Stevie.

I wish there was a good way to catalog all this topically so it could be more easily referenced.

Good work!

mschulz · Since 29 May 2007 530 Posts Reno, NV Addicted

After reading this post the first time, I checked my QR, low and behold it was sticky, full of sand. Cleaned it and worked perectly. It is a good preflight check. Thanks Diggy.

TrickyNicky · Since 14 Nov 2008 56 Posts Â

Friend with board leash problem considered riding without it tonight, but then changed her mind. Very Happy