My bar has blue balls.

kitezilla · Since 22 Jun 2006 453 Posts gorge Obsessed

Here is a link to a thread on Kiteforum, in which I present and defend the case for learning to tie a half-hitch in a specific manner. At great length, I think that I covered every possible detail related to this maneuver.

The title is: Self-rescue Knot: How to tie it

http://www.kiteforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2347460&start=0&hilit=self+rescue

Tying up your bars at the end of the day, using this technique, is a good way to become proficient at using the knot efficiently. A good skill to develop, and very useful in performing a self-rescue...as long as you know how to do the procedure, BEFORE you need to do it in earnest. Performing the task every time you pack up your lines will make you proficient. It is a good idea to practice it while watching TV also... to make the procedure instinctive. The time to learn it is NOT during a self-rescue on the water!

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1691 Posts I give out bad advice.

If it is then sticking your hand in the half hitch may not be such a good idea. I was just showing a friend how to self rescue and the way you do this when in the water, feet not touching, is a different story.

1. Flag the kite
2. pull safety line in to the ball. Careful to coil all line in front of you, not behind you, or over your head etc..
3. quickly spool 5 to 6 wraps of line around the bar!
4. Start reeling in the kite.

**depending on conditions you may just want to get to the kite and skip the line wrap.

Comments? Very Happy

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2027 Posts Windward

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1691 Posts I give out bad advice.

Ziplock makes an extra large bag that I place my bar in daily.

It's about freshness

kitezilla · Since 22 Jun 2006 453 Posts gorge Obsessed

[quote="blowhard"]

SalmonSlayer · Since 27 Nov 2005 648 Posts Addicted **CGKA Member**

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

my dad used to have me practice tying bowlines (one handed) behind my back - old school - now I just need to get it with a handle pass

Blue · Since 03 Jul 2007 469 Posts I used to be Obsessed

bwd · Since 04 Aug 2007 385 Posts Obsessed

Come on, you can literally throw a clove hitch at a post 10 feet away, it's not that hard.

MIXWELL · Wed Jun 17, 09 12:24 pm

seems way chipey to me!

pdxmonkeyboy · Wed Jun 17, 09 2:10 pm

Again, you can form two loops and put the second one under the first. Your only holding them with your fingers. But ummm, what was the point again?

Self rescues? Can't recall using a clove hitch during the important parts of a self rescue. maybe to secure everything once I get to the kite.

I think its important that we over analyze everything to the point of paralysis.

kitezilla · Since 22 Jun 2006 453 Posts gorge Obsessed

If one is performing the IKO style self-rescue, where the lines are figure-eight wound onto the bar, as the kiter swims to the downed kite, then "house-keeping" of the lines is a key element of preventing problems related to loose lines and their ability to snag on parts of the kiter's body such as feet, fingers, arms and hands...along with parts of the kiters harness, hook, bar and hardware...sooo, it is important to keep the lines and bar "tidy"....and this is where the method of tying the half-hitch knot comes in handy. I would present the case that it is a good idea, when performing this style kite retrieval (IKO style...not the one-line style), that the kiter secure the recently-wrapped-up lines to the bar at two particular times, during the procedure...the first time would be when the kiter is about half-way to the kite, and the second time would be when the kiter is about a kite length away from the kite.

At both times, the kiter will have 4 or 5 lines to position into the half-hitch, not just one line...and also, of the 4 or 5 lines one line (or in the case of the new 2 line safetys, the kiter will have 2 lines) under tension and the rest of the lines will be slack. This fact creates the situation, where a half-hitch or clove hitch can not be tied in the conventional style...but must be tied in a style which is quick and secure, and includes ALL the lines in the knot. This is an overriding concern when the kiter is under duress, and this is why the method should be practiced until it is instinct.

Unlike most kiters, I consider the subject of "self-rescue" to be a gigantic concern to kiters, and one that is worthy of a great deal of analysis. I feel that each phase of the procedure is important and deserves a well-thought-out plan. Having a "quiver" of efficient and effective "tools" in your toolbox, at the time of performing a self-rescue can reduce the panic-anxiety aspect of the situation and increase the kiter's self-confidence, and thereby reduce the "threat alert condition red" to a nice comfortable condition "lemony-beige".

Sorry to be so wordy and potentially anxiety-stimulating, but it is my philosophy that when giving advice, it is important to be specific, especially in matters where one is dealing with danger. I think that it is important that the potential "innocent victim" understand exactly what is being proposed...and many times that understanding can not be achieved in just a few words. Being casual and flippant is a good policy in general, but not when giving advice that really matters. I am a "systems" kind of guy and therefore, always seek to improve my habits, and I welcome all criticism of any technique I may propose.

shymac · Since 20 Jul 2005 919 Posts Home Valley, Wa. Bigfoot

Here is the pro way to roll up your bar. No blue balls required.

http://www.vimeo.com/2828740

Mark · Thu Jun 18, 09 9:42 am

Or you could use the small stretch cords at the end of your bar. (if your bar is NAISH) Super easy.