On gliding you really should also attach leash to "suicide"-mode and to depower-rope directly, bypassing totally CL if that fails or accidentally open.
Also check leader lines yearly under the floaters for wear. And swap depower lines etc so try to have everything as new on start of season.
Yes, I take my short leash and clip it above the CL for gliding. In a CL or hook failure, the bar would go about 8 inches. I tested the leash by hanging on it in my harness so I know it will take my weight. Once I'm done gliding, I simply clip it back on flag line. If it's so windy or gusty that I might need to flag, I'd never be gliding anyway.
I should say that I'm not interested in 1500 meter kind of gliding, more like "proximity" gliding. Snowkiting up the hill then flying down.
Nice to read that you JTKiter has all aspects though off.. Safe gliding..
You could also consider speedriding/flying - although speedflying wings are not as easy to uphill as kites but they do still work, and safety factor is much higher with paragliding risers & harness..
This video is from Feb'2020 beginners course at Pallas Kiteweek event..
I should say that I'm not interested in 1500 meter kind of gliding, more like "proximity" gliding. Snowkiting up the hill then flying down.
Nice to read that you JTKiter has all aspects though off.. Safe gliding..
You could also consider speedriding/flying - although speedflying wings are not as easy to uphill as kites but they do still work, and safety factor is much higher with paragliding risers & harness..
This video is from Feb'2020 beginners course at Pallas Kiteweek event..
Very cool, thanks. Speedflying looks awesome. I paraglide as well but have never tried mini-wings or speedflying wings.
The thing about snowkiting in gliding terrain is that it's fun even without the gliding. If the wind is not ideal, you're still having a ton of fun. Paragliding is either on or off. Usually off!
A big high aspect ratio foil kite works in a really wide range of wind speeds due to the de-power ability and trim line. Also can be flown dynamically to create lift with kite speed across the wind window etc. Amazing tool. Don't get me wrong, paragliding is cool but with a kite I feel much more involved in the process, let's say!
Don't get me wrong, paragliding is cool but with a kite I feel much more involved in the process, let's say!
Much more involved in the "kite gliding"? Or much more involved in that there are other things to do besides gliding?
Well, both really. But mostly I was referring to the difference FOR ME between PG and kite-gliding. Of course there are super skilled PG pilots doing incredible things with high AR wings and they are definitely as "involved" as can be!
It's cool to me that I can use the same foil kite for water, snow, land (mtn board), "boot-boosting" down little hills etc.