Thanks everybody. It's great to meet kiteboarders on the opposite side of the planet! Mahalo for your help.
Panic hooks, huh? Apparantly here in Hawaii there is controversy about these devices being dangerous. Your method of using a string/ball set up on both sides seems like a good safety idea. WHAT ABOUT IF YOUR RELEASE THE HOOK AND THEN WANT BACK IN. IS THAT HARD TO DO OR NO? Here is what many riders around The Gorge on America's northwest coast are using.
http://home1.gte.net/vzn05m0i/shackle_cleat.htm
(still haven't mastered posting image yet
"Tylaska T8 Snap Shackles are perfect for applications requiring high strength and light weight. They have a breaking strength of 8,000 lbs and weigh only 3.5 ounces in the standard bail configuration. Ideal for the 30 to 40 foot sailboat."
As I mentioned before, they like to use this along with a Sheet Cleating system so they can lock in at any point in the range of the bar. A twist of the wrist locks and a slight pull releases. DO YOU USE SOMETHING LIKE THAT, TOO? Here is a link to info on the Sheet Cleat:
http://kiteworld.net/kite_northshore_accessories.html
Please I appreciate you continuing to discuss this as I am thinking of trying this out. Meanwhile, I'm trying to understand the bells & whistles on this most high tech message board! If 1st no succeed then EDIT!!!
<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: phree on 2002-01-27 04:32 ]</font>
<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: phree on 2002-01-27 04:34 ]</font>
<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: phree on 2002-01-27 04:36 ]</font>
<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: phree on 2002-01-27 04:49 ]</font>