Slartibartfast

Damn! Beat me to it. . . .

Doh! Sorry I missed you

I already tried Clark Rubber. No go I'm afraid. ):

Must say I am impressed with the idea too. Any idea where one could get a sheet from? I've asked Mr Google and surprisingly he didn't come up with the goods :? Any chance I be able to put in an order with someone coming to Kingston? P.S. I found one place (Polyfabrics Australia Pty Ltd) which have 1.5mm HDPE available at $7 per m^2 but it comes off a 7.5m role, so what ever area you order it's going to be 7.5m wide. Also, I think there in Perth.

Technically speaking it's not a planet, it's a satellite

Personally I like the full-res pics, but I do agree with Norman. Perhaps 1024 'previews' on the page with a link to a photo bucket album (or similar) at the bottom would work

Damn -I wore white pants today.

Just asked Ms Wikki and she reckons engines (or more corectly motors) can indeed be fitted to a sail plane, so I guess "sailplane" must be used to distinguish a standard glider from a para or hang glider.

It's a glider. There are a few types of glider: Para-glider - like a parachute Hang-glider - You probably know that one Sailplane - What John was flying in You also get gliders that actually have a motor in them . Instead of getting a tow you use the motor to get up in the air, then once aloft shut down the motor and start gliding . These are called 'moterised gliders' and specifically are NOT sailplanes People often refer to non-moterised gliders as 'sailplanes' so as to distinguish them from moterised gliders.

Not me (Our madness's don't even compare :P )

Yeah sure, I'm all in for discussing hypotheticals (and lord knows on occasion I indulge in my fair share of navel gazing ) but you can't seriously consider the possibility of a freak gust of wind wreaking havoc with an already collapsed kite as an argument against kite killers. Getting snagged on a passing 4x4 perhaps, but getting dragged headlong by a flaked out kite - come on. It would have to be a fricking hurricane! As for an innocent passer buy getting clobbered by a renegade handle - I say "come on" again. I'm not saying endangering others nor the destruction of other peoples property is something to be scoffed at I'm saying the idea of someone using kite killers out of a fear of taking out someone's eye should they drop a handle is ridiculous. Yes it could happen, and if it were to it would be a tragedy but in terms of the risks involved in the sport it really doesn't rate a mention. Now being concerned about getting a kite caught in a tree, or having things wrap about ones axle are legitimate but do let us keep it in perspective. At the end of the day we all make up our own minds as to weather to use kite killers or not (and overwhelmingly experienced kiters elect not to) but in the broad scheme of things the concerns over which we make our decision are relatively minor. I guess what I'm saying is there are arguments for and against but let's not blow them out of proportion, and let's not imply people are being irresponsible for not doing as we suggest. All the best, And lets try to keep this discussion respectful, Slarti.

Anyway, I'm quite interested in "northernal"s setup. Great post and fantastic video's I'm trying to work out exactly what you have in your set up there. From what I can gather you have two release handles, one bright orange handle on your "lap belt" (nicely accessible to your right hand) and a second lead which is attached to the end of that handle, effectively pulling the same handle but from a distance. Is that correct? By the look of things, if the lead were to be pulled out to the left rather than the right might it be possable that tension could be placed on the yellow string but still not pull the release bail open? I was thinking if that swivel isn't being used as a swivel than maybe you could run the yellow cord through the eye on the bottom of it, then attach it to the handle so it wouldn't matter which direction the handle was pulled. Having the yellow cord run 'down' through the eye would ensure that any tension would necessarily pull the bail down regardless of the direction of the pull. I opted for this routing on my normal harness at first but gave it up as it prevented me from 'twirling' the swivel to untwist lines but that probably wouldn't be a problem for you. All the best, And thanks for sharing.

Each to there own, but I really don't think there is much value in arguing the merits and dangers of kite killers too deeply - you know, at the end of the day there just not that dangerous (and in my opinion, there not all that valuable either ). If guys have there reason for using them, than by all means go ahead, but don't go making up scenarios about a member of the public getting smacked about by an un-tethered kite, or go saying that a freak gust could re-inflate the kite and drag you headlong by the wrists. Really it's not irresponsible to either use or not use kite killers. Personally I don't use kite killers because I COULDN'T BE BOTHERED not due to the fear that a "poltergust will have the power to reverse launch and skull drag me." Good grief!

Could you explain that in a bit more detail? And I'd love to see some photos, or even a video if you wouldn't mind. I'm interested in trying a hot-wire at some stage but am reluctant for obvious reasons. Really nice photo by the way

When I take newbies out I will always start them off with out the harness then, once they've gained enough experience, let them progress to the harness. (I usually find about 10 minutes is enough experience to let them progress to the harness )

Personally I wouldn't worry about the kite killers. All kite killers really do is keep the deflated kite attached to you. If I'm in a situation severe enough to warrant jettisoning the stroll (or swim as on the last occasion) to go and collect the kite after would be the last of my worries. Nothing wrong with them there just not all that necessary as at the end of the day all they really accomplish is saving you a walk. You know, finding the 'ejection leaver' is your main concern!!! What happens to your kite after is of minor significance. Have you put a nice big knob on your QR-latch? That poxy piece of string they come with is in no way sufficient. I really don't think they should sell them with that string. Firstly you should really replace that string with something a lot stronger (like spectra flying lines) and you'll definitely want to attach some form of handle (like a large bead or cork ball or something) to it so you can find the damed thing when you need it If you are to keep the killers I suppose there could be a minor concern of getting dragged should your lined get snagged on a passing 4x4 or something, though depending on the design I dare say the velcro (or something else) should tear apart before to much else. I suppose without kite killers there would be a chance of your kite being carried off into the distance should you jettison though with out any tension on the line it's very unlikely to go far. I've chopped several times (mainly by accident) and never had to walk far to collect my rolled up mess of a kite. All in all I'd consider kite killers to be of little value, but also of little concern. Each to there own but personally I just wouldn't bother

Go the harness, it's the only way to ride! Strapping in (or seat belts) are somewhat controversial and "Hot Wire"s are highly controversial, but harnesses are with out doubt the way to go. Let us know when your down and we'll be sure to fix you up

Yeah, sorry. I was aware of that We were having a conversation through private messages on Sunday which ended with my asking James to send the kite in the mail but that final message has been sitting in my "Outbox" since Sunday evening. I was just expecting to have heard something by now. Given the message has been sitting in the "Outbox" (as opposed of "Sent Messages") and not having a phone number or email address or anything I figured I'd send a 'check' message the forum. My apologies for involving everyone else in this communication breakdown.

Hmm, haven't heard from you in a few days. You haven't got cold feet have you Hoping to get the kite here before the end of the week. Are you still up for it?

. There also only available in Stainless which may look a little odd. Way, way back on page 4 of this thread BGKD was asking about fitting S1 forks to a Vmax. Not sure if we got a definitive answer but it may be an option, though the $200 - $300 estimate will fall short by $100 If your able to get away with an S2 fork you will just scrape in on the 200-300 range (after discount). Again only stainless S2 forks are listed on the webpage but they do atlease make mild S2's so if you sweet talk Jas enough you may even be able to swing a mild S2 fork .

Too true. And another good cautionary tail: NEVER loop your snatch strap over the ball of your tow bar! Tow balls are strong but there strong enough to tow trailers, not strong enough to reef 4WDs out of bogs. All 4x4-ers have a "friend of a friend" who once slung a snap-strap over the ball and snatched the ball clean through the cab, taking out the passengers head rest on the way through. Fortunately there was no one in the passenger seat at the time as, if there were... No idea if the story is true or not but it's a tale worthy of respect regardless.

We could possibly checkout this site on one of those "Southerly" days: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=-37.1821, ... src=0&z=16 These look like the champion dunes though, but there a bit of a drive: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=-37.41618 ... oramio.all

Yeah, it would be good for a low wind day. I have a snatch strap, shackles, shovel and air compressor, so I should be good - just need a buddy The other thing the forum guys recommend is a set of MaxTrax - especially if your going to attempt it on your own. Does anyone know if there are any dunes that are good for kite bugging there?

Just been looking up 4x4 forums and there is a run from Robe to Beachport which people seem to speak very highly of. Would anybody be interested in taking a day to drive the track? I'm thinking a day before Australia day would be best as it appears the main thrust of the kiting will be in the later part of the week so I'm thinking earlier rather than later would be the way to go so as not to miss too much of the kiting action. Possibly someone driving over from Vic might be interested in taking a detour on there way over? I'm fairly new to 4x4ing my self and would love to do this track but am reluctant to attempt it on my own :s Here is a path I've traced out on Google Maps showing the way: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=203 ... 2c5e&msa=0 I started off very detailed around robe but seemed to run out of points so the last part toward Beachport is a bit crude. The track can be driven in either direction though.