Will be kiting alone this arvo (as per usual) and going by the strength of yesterday's breeze I'm planning on launching via tether to a beach path pine log fence.
I usually just launch the other method where you pull the kite around and up it goes… but with the amount of weed and debris over my beach atm, Im thinking will be a bit sketchy in such high winds.
Last night was wondering what I had which I could use to connect CL to fence post, without having to open/release CL to detach from tether..
All I have that may work is a spare new Ozone leash. I thought I could wrap leash around the fence (thick pine log post) a couple of times then attach the o-ring end to the carabina end (to secure arrangement to post). Then just clip leash carabina onto CL for a tethered launch.
I would have thought the leash doubled up in this arrangement would be up to the task.. Do you guys think it would be ok?
I use a stainless steel caribiner/snap-lock type thingy and some rope (a clip on each end), the biggest clip I could find at the hardware store, one with a smooth finish to the inside of opening gate (some have a hook type latch).
The clip on the leashes is too small, especially at the point where you are trying to swap over or undo it in a hurry and if it's a smooth finish there is less chance of catching it.
na not going to get the chance to get to hardware tonight.. will give the leash a miss though.
will think of something else.. missus launch maybe ;) and build a tether when I can
how are you guys connecting the rope to the carabinas?
Figure eight knot will do it. Double rope over at end then do a figure eight knot leaving a decent loop at the end. Then do it the other side. Thread one loop through the end of the carabiner thingy then feed the other end through the loop and pull tight.
If you have a pole etc, wrap line around pole and thread the carabiner through the other loop and pull tight.
Easy. Bow line would work to, its a strong knot but the doubled up figure of eight doubles up the rope hence the strength.
Mine is I think 8mm 'silver' anchor rope. I can say from experience this will fail before your kite lines will
Interesting point Lostdog makes, personally I'd prefer the tether weaker that the sum of the kite lines (or have a safety release included (or weaker and with a release)).
If something goes wrong and the kite powers up and starts smashing around I'd rather the tether snap and have the kite fall fairly harmlessly from the sky than have the tether stronger than the lines and have the lines or kite start snapping and ripping apart, and flailing around until the kite and/or lines disintegrate. Both scenarios have a kite tumbling downwind eventually, one intact, the other with terminal damage.
Get a bungy chord and hook it onto a passer by who is walking their dog, should work a treat, tethered launch is the future of kiting......
Dog leash (for a big dog- braded etc)) wrap around post, then back through the handle. Other end has a clip (can put on a carabeener if you want), clip on to chicken loop or just above it. $5..done.
I use the follow and attach it to what ever will do the job - usually the bull bar of the 4WD but a sturdy post, picnic table etc will do!
The clip is a 4 " or 100mm stainless and smooth clip.
Its also important to fully de-power the kite when self launching and landing - tends to stop the bastard taking off in a gust!
next time you are up at bunnings they have a big 150mm hook like ^^^^ they are only about $6 used for carrying or keeping power extension leads in order i use it when i cant self lauch land or just so i can have a drink. as above full depower kite and no probs ever not even a slight one .
Here's mine, spliced up some rope either end and squashed an S shackle on there. Its about 3m long. that way i can wrap around rocks and big logs it need be.
Cost about $8.
Thanks for the pic lambie, I'm copying your setup. Big winds didn't materialize today (strange weather here atm) so made a trip to hardware. Sorted for next time I need it :)
Strange weather indeed. Don't know if ya saw it on the rain radar but Mandurah was in the eye of this clockwise rotating almost cyclone looking low. Was sunny in the middle and overhead got on my roof, thunder storm clouds 36o degrees. Was bloody weird man.
I did get out yesterday, and got in just in time. When I was being lifted out of the water with board edge and bum sunk in as hard as I could, came in. Then the wind kicked in another 10 to 20 knots stronger. Dumb idea in the first place.
hey eppo it is just the same as this one in video except i havent got the strap on mine as i just snap it on the bullbar or just some rope on a log .If every thing is depowered and kite in right spot with out big gust max pull is about 3-4 kgs on the hook .
hey skid i thought the same thing too,, tool absolute tool . Any how i have the same set up after the kite is up i clip it on the handel on the back of harness so i can land any where if i need it . only use it if it is blowen its ass off otherwise i launch land on the sand .
at 2.40 he unhooks the chicken loop from the teather and then hooks it into his harness. Thats a silly way to do it. particularily in 30+ knots. The kite can be ripped out of your hands.
I have the longer teather and that enables me to hook in while the kite is still attached to the teather. The if theres any big gusts during the hook in process the teather takes it.