Atoms with 5th line

[garc]

Loving my Atoms at the mo but self landing in 25mph can be a handful. Too much flapping around for my liking. Is it any easier/safer using a 5th line ?

 

There seems to be a 5th line option available but I can't find any info on how to rig one or where to get one from or anything. As you can probably tell, I've never used a 5 line kite, so not so clued up but it does look alot...well, safer - ish, if it can be in 25mph + !! Anyone use them like this ?

[aliquart]

Flexi Manual Website downloads has instruction manual on how to add fifth line for an atom

[sailor]

whats the problem? just attach your safety to something secure on the beach, or use a steak, put the kite at the edge of the window and un hook, job done!

[sailor]

whats the problem? just attach your safety to something secure on the beach, or use a steak, put the kite at the edge of the window and un hook....job done!! (make sure your safety is connected to the short 5th line)

[garc]

sailor

Been using the grab handle to self land and in +25mph it takes ages to stop flapping around. Have been in the situation of having the kite leashed on the one line and having to stand there with the whole thing twisting and spinning feeling a bit helpless and pretty scared. Must admit I haven't tried the short 5th line for self landing. I have the leash connected to that while I'm riding but to be honest have never really needed to use it and then when I come in, if no-ones's around to grab the kite, I swap it onto the grab handle to self land on one line. But it's all a bit hit and miss to me. Sub 20 knts and it's OK, it usually will do maybe one or two rotations and then land on the beach but if the wind picks up, I'm left hanging on to a big flappy mess that then takes another 20 mins of line untangling to get back out. Just wondered if a full 5th line might be a better/safer way to self land. Obviously the safest is to have someone else grab the kite but not always that easy.

[sailor]

dude,

 

use the short 5th line to land if there is something secure you can attach your leash to, the kite will sit quietly on the beach at the edge of the window waiting for you to walk over and grab it. You can also use this method in reverse if you want to self launch without having to drag your kite around the beach.

 

if there is nothing to attach your leash to then use the grab handle, i think its on the left but anyway make sure the grab handle is attached to the wing tip opposite the side you are landing, so if the handle is on the left land the kite to your right.

 

you need to start with the kite 50 degrees or so up in the air then steer it HARD down into the sand, once it is aiming for the beach fire off your safety, this should ensure that there is enough momentum to carry the kite to the sand leading edge down, its not fool proof and will take practice, and you may still occasionally end up with a kite rolling around etc.

[garc]

Mmmm...didn't know about the opposite side thing. Nice tip !!! That might explain the hit and miss thang. Will try these out. Thanks for the info.

[Dukestheheat]

garc,

 

please describe back your method of solo landing; i simply hook the leash to the left leaderline red/flexi pull tab or the stainless steel buckle and then gently work it down on the edge of the window, twirl it onto the beach and punch out as it hits the ground and then i'm only attached to the kite with that one line. IF it re-launches, it won't really go anywhere as it's only one line and i can simply work my way up to it; in lighter winds (than 25 mph) most of the time it'll sit there as i bring it down to the beach and then i can run behind it, dragging that edge around into the window so the force of the wind on the front of the kite kills it further, there.

 

hope that helps, dth.

[Crob203]

Fly the kite to the edge of the window, walk back a bit more in order to get the kite to fly outside the window. Then push the kite nose down using the bar to steer it. Mite have to be quite forceful with that! Then give the outside line that connects to the wingtip nearest you a really good yank and itll swing the nose of the kite into the wind like you would leave it on the beach.

[garc]

Thanks guys, really useful. Looks like I'm being a bit too soft with it. I have been dropping it to the floor and then hitting the QR onto one line while it's sitting at the edge, then the kite flaps around and won't go onto it's LE. Not sure if it makes any difference but I also realised the last time out I hadn't depowered either ! i.e pulled red tab.

[Crob203]

Dont need to depower, just get it to the edge of the window, force it nose down and yank the outside line that leads to the upwind wingtip a REALLY REALLY forceful yank and itll be sitting into the wind.