Depower

melokitegirl · Since 28 Oct 2008 396 Posts Where the wind blows Obsessed

There was a discussion on the beach today about de-power systems. I am not the techy type but thought to open up this discussion. This isn't about who's brand is better, but more about what works for you or tips some may want to contribute.

The story begins with a gal who has a hard time depowering her kite on the fly. She has to land the kite in the water, then pull in or let out. It has been pointed out to her that this could be not so safe in a wave scenerio. There was a counter to that that was..well, when you put the kite up, you know if you are "too lit" or "not enough" so adjust it before you go out. But what if the wind dies and you are in the waves? She was told that she should go into the beach to re-adjust. Hmm. I'm not so convinced of this advice. This has happened to me and I went past the break and de-powered my kite in the "roller waves". Which proabably isn't the best if you have a great whitey sniffing your skirt. I didn't have an answer for this gal. Thought that maybe some of you might.

My experience:
Guys/Gals - So guys are way stronger. Just a fact. But leverage is everyones friend. I fly a kite where the depower is close to me, giving me less leverage for the pull- I flew my friends kite and hers is out past the bar - which I found to be SOOOO much easier. Granted, she tied some climbing rope to it so I could actually reach it - but ohh so sweet.

Just curious as to what all you kiters/R&D folks and designers have to say about this subject. Please no trash talk about brands.

AND- MAKE SOME Specialized Gear for us ladies!! We are the ones who spend the money...duh!

Moto · Since 03 Sep 2006 2698 Posts Still a gojo pimp! Moto Mouth

knotwindy · Since 25 Sep 2011 617 Posts Addicted

above the bar depower has a lot more leverage and there are a number of brands that allow you to adjust where the cleat is on the line, so you can move the cleat and not need to add any rope to make it easy to reach. also, riding towards the kite as you pull the depower(actually trim) helps ease the pull necessary.

Lurk · Since 04 Apr 2009 355 Posts Obsessed

I agree the under the bar depower requires more effort, never liked it. But why can't simple proven systems be used by all brands? When 90% of the market has it, why be different? Example: bungies on bar to hold lines together.

Ozone has a depower my grandmother could adjust.

jackZ · Since 13 Apr 2008 355 Posts Devon Alberta ca. Obsessed

Hi All ,
I have Best kites and Cabrihna . When depowering I find it necessary to load and unload the line at the same time I use the depower or power trim strap . I find it helps or there is too much load to initiate any movement on the trim strap . My red line bar when it was new was real bad for that . I even contacted Best about it . I anchored the lines and worked the trim strap back and forth many times to seat the fabric better . It helped .
Also I have long arms and still find both quite a reach at times to get the strap . I feel for short armed people , it would suck ! I have not tried under the bar systems .
2cts .
Oh this was about girls needing better stuff , Ok , I agree . I need some too !
JackZ

Jonpnw · Sat Dec 29, 12 8:27 am **More Girls !!**

No brand on brand bashing. But does anyone with knowledge know about the kite designed "specifically for women" that Susi Mai represents.

Go Women !

OG · Since 07 Jun 2011 599 Posts Addicted

Hey melo,
Id say depower before you launch and then let it back out as needed, but it sounds like the issue is a combination of strength and reach rather than just depowering the kite. Maybe trying to do it with the kite depowered at launch will help.

Weaz · Since 23 May 2012 360 Posts Beaverton Obsessed

I know with my below the bar depower I usually cut downwind while pulling the line. Usually I rig my kite (SS) where the front lines are a bit longer so I can have my depower line is a little bit out for a better grip on the line.

A_Ron · Since 19 Mar 2009 29 Posts PDX

Being lazy, I try to reduce the tension in the front lines before I pull on the adjuster. To do this:

1) Get a little speed up, so you can coast for a few seconds.
2) Position the kite at 70 degrees or so, to give you a little time before it hits the water.
3) Let go of the bar (or sheet way out), which greatly reduces tension in the front lines.
4) Pull on the adjuster. You can use both hands, if you let go of the bar.
5) Grab bar and sheet in.
6) If the bar has slid too far away to grab, you can pull it toward you hand over hand on the center line.

windtzu1 · Since 02 Aug 2012 25 Posts

I agree with Moto about the short depower stroke achieved with my delta kite but I also discovered the same with the 2013 North Rebel - I don't believe it's classified as a Delta. Different kite designs bring with them pros and cons for each. As a rapidly advancing first year kiter, I enjoyed learning on the Cab Switchblades but it wasn't until I demoed an Airush Lithium and North Rebel that I discovered how much easier it was for me to fly with my 5'6" height coupled with a set of T-rex arms.

Both the North and the Lithium made it easier for me to achieve arms length depower and reaching the strap was easier as well. The SB has a better upper wind range than the Lithium but I'd have to ride hunched over in the "poo stance" to maintain depower. I notice the same with the Cabrinha Vector as well, but not to the degree as the SB.

The North Rebel perhaps has the shortest depower stroke of the four kites I've ridden with the Lithium close behind. There are things about the Cab that I love verses my now new Lithiums, but it's a matter of compromise. For me and my shorter frame having a short depower stroke and being able to consistently reach the depower adjustment is high on my "what's needed" list. That being said, I still could be happy on my Cab SB's. It just isn't ideal.

melokitegirl · Since 28 Oct 2008 396 Posts Where the wind blows Obsessed

T-Rex arms..hahaha. Yup, that's me. I have to have all my chicken loops shortened. As far as being depowered while I launch, I do that all the time. The issue is that when I let out from the cleat, I am not strong enough to decide the length & it just zips to full power, catching the pig tail in the cleat - not optimal. So I put it down in the water , then re-adjust. This is a minor issue if you are on the river or on the flats - but ocean waves are different. You can't be F'n around out there and get rolled or bashed by a wave. I've kited some waves - not many and was surpised at how challenging Padre is. 3 seconds apart. Damn! You gotta run out and be quick or you are getting beat down. But hey - That's why I love kiting. No matter how good you think you are, there is still so much to learn and be challenged by.

As far as womens specific gear...Not just kite bars..wetsuits, rash guards etc would be nice. Something that is cut for woman with curves. I know a lot of women who are over 30 & 40 who would love to learn this sport, but trying on a wetsuit cut for a little asian lady isn't a confidence boost. Plus - you guys need to stop teaching your ladies and pay a professional. A much better experience for her. Yesterday I watched a guy who is still a kook-teaching his wife. Disaster. She was not happy. I gaurantee that he wasn't getting lucky anytime soon.

Bettyboarder · Sat Dec 29, 12 2:30 pm

I hear ya Mel on the depower issue. Its not easy I can't change mine while riding. I usually just stop put kite in neutral and adjust it then.

Promotion is making a womens kite suit now. It's pretty sweet it's a long sleeve shorty. I have had it for 2 summers now and it rocks for curvy girls like me. My harness on the other hand sucks

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

I use the Best bar depower set up and apparently don't have the longest arms either. A seat harness will hold the depower straps close enough for me to reach them. It is when I am using a waist harness and it is riding up a bit that I have a hard time reaching my straps. In this situation, I usually wait until I have the kite in a stable position while riding. I then quickly pull down on the center lines with my left hand which pulls me closer to the depower straps. I then reach out and grab the strap of choice with my right hand and make the adjustment. It becomes second nature very quickly and it barely interrupts my flow.

ldhr · Since 21 Jul 2009 1489 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

the girls in my family could not adjust their kite's while riding.
the best solution for them is to stop and sit down in the water.... put the kite at 12:00 and power or depower as needed.

slacker · Since 26 Apr 2008 32 Posts Hood River

[No brand on brand bashing. But does anyone with knowledge know about the kite designed "specifically for women" that Susi Mai represents.]

The Siren from Cabrinha re-engineered the Switchblade to be a women's specific kite by shortening the throw, adding power/depower extensions, and they come in awesome feminine colors. Also the recoil system on their control bar always keeps the bar well within reach.
Check it out here;
http://www.cabrinhakites.com/bow/siren.html

jahmbi · Sun Dec 30, 12 7:07 pm

DATS RIGHT POWER TO DA LADIES FOR DEM BOOBIES Laughing

WindSki · Since 14 Dec 2012 411 Posts Portland Obsessed

This is a great post! And I would like everyone to know about this new bar and its innovative power and depower arrangement. Zeeko Ultimate Bar. Please see their video, http://vimeo.com/35562308

Five of us have purchased this new Ultimate Bar and will be testing this January. I’ll post our result this February

Laughing