strapless with line mount video

stringy · Since 23 Jun 2006 1735 Posts vancouver XTreme Poster

hey guys,
most of you know my involvement with line mounts and other camera mounts. Well I've had the opportunity to work on a new line mount. I'm finally back to kiteboarding after a 4 1/2 month break. this has given me an opportunity to look at the current design and try and improve on some features. The first objective on the redesign was to achieve optimal stability of the camera while on the front lines. What is significantly different is how the camera is positioned on the lines. I've redistributed the weight to ensure the camera is equally balance so there is absolutely no wobble from the shifted weight.
I have come up with a solution for issues with snagging the steering lines. Apparently when you encounter extremely slack steering lines, there can be a potential to snag on the line mount. I've designed a plug that prevents the lines from entering the line mount, but also keeps the front line very secure and will also hold the camera on the lines in a specific spot. in the video I use a control bar with full length front lines, but I position the camera and line mount about 10 feet up on the lines.

anyhow I don't want to bore you all with the tech stuff, but just wanted to share with you how this new line mount is coming along.
here's my first session on a surfboard since breaking my leg at the same riding spot riding strapless back in november. its the same beach but the conditions were much different, 20 degrees warmer, minimal chop and lighter winds. still great to get out and enjoy the PACNW. not a bunch of riding in the video as really I'm just mowing the lawn and such

Link

caps · Since 23 Dec 2010 347 Posts Obsessed

I dig the line mount. I also place it about 10-15 feet up from my bar for best results. You should post a pic of the new version.

How'd you break your leg strapless? Good to see you're back and riding.

Cheers!

nickdward · Since 11 Aug 2008 130 Posts Seattle Stoked

That looks really stable. Is this a newer version than what I stole from J-wok?

stringy · Since 23 Jun 2006 1735 Posts vancouver XTreme Poster

hey nick, it's somewhat different. I have refined things and changed how the camera is held, allowing for floaty use and expansion packs. still waiting for the wifi to be released.

as for my ankle break, I'm not sure how to explain it, but I came about a foot off the deck and it was pretty choppy conditions. when I landed on the deck my foot was "locked" to the deck pad at about a 90 degree position from my direction of travel. at that point I rolled it like you would with a sprain and at the same time the chop apparently slammed the board up into my leg, resulting in a major tib fib fracture. body drug back to shore where my buddies were able to take me to ER. had surgery to install plates to each break and 12 screws are still in place. just had surgery about 2 weeks ago to remove one screw but everything is staying put at the moment.

here's a shot of the current design. as for weight distribution I have it so dialed it doesn't wobble whatsoever.

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

Neato

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

This is for the Gman it dovetails with his H8trs vid

buttersmoothcarver · Since 08 Oct 2008 246 Posts Stoked

Stingy, Good to see you back out there, doing what you love making cool kiteboard toys.

sagebrush · Since 31 Oct 2009 214 Posts north,van,bc Stoked

awesome video jim,where were you riding?when will the new line mounts be available,and will they still work on 5 line kites.hope you heal well,cheers doug.

Ryan · Since 14 Jul 2005 537 Posts Oregon Addicted

Jim,

Does this stay attached if the lines loose tension?

Does it work on non SS lines that are regular thickness/diameter?

When will you be producing these for the rest of us Very Happy

Cheers,

Nak · Mon Apr 16, 12 12:27 pm

Glad to hear you're getting better Jim! It definitely sucked to hear about your injury.

Cool line mount! I need one of those...

stringy · Since 23 Jun 2006 1735 Posts vancouver XTreme Poster

hey doug,
I was riding that day at golden gardens. as for use on 5 liners, yes it works fine, however the 5th line is unavoidable in the frame. I can't think of how to eliminate that from the frame so you will always see it when filming yourself.
here's a video that shows what it will look like on your lines. North adds a small stopper ball at the point where the fifth connects and loops through at the Y.
This will be prominent in your video footage

Link

ryan, I have designed and tested these new plugs. they're made of soft flexible silicone and are used for multiple reasons. they will keep your mount from shifting up and down regardless of whether you have loss of tension or not. they will also prevent your steering lines from snagging in the rear side (widest) arms. and lastly they secure your camera in the event of total line tension loss. yes they work with slingshot lines. I have a bar fitted with SS thick lines I test with. they will also work with leader lines.

as for the product release, I have anxiously been waiting for the release of the GoPro WIFI expansion pack as all expansion packs now affect how the mount fits to the housing. once this is release, I can confirm the fit issues before releasing for tooling. I promise I'll let everyone know once that happens.

sagebrush · Since 31 Oct 2009 214 Posts north,van,bc Stoked

thx jim for your reply,yeah i see what you mean with the fifth kine attachment plus the camera is that much farther from the rider.liked the vantage from your 4 line strapless video,a much better and closer to the rider pic.guess ill just have to buy a 4 line kite,ie,an rpm.thx for the info and look forward to the new line mount release,keep us posted,cheers doug.