That sounds like it over flying (hindenberging) the window not back stalling.
If it's over flying then try holding the bar in a bit instead of leaving it fully sheeted out.

Another simple solution would be to not leave the kite at 12. I do hate how this is always suggested as being the best place to park a kite. Park the kite at 45 degrees and all your fellow kiters will like you much more!

koma said...

Another simple solution would be to not leave the kite at 12. I do hate how this is always suggested as being the best place to park a kite. Park the kite at 45 degrees and all your fellow kiters will like you much more!

Right on, The Octane does it a lot so better not parking it at 12. Always better to have it either at 1 or 11... SS have really good quality lines, I don't think they would have stretched (I may be wrong) so try using your stopper ball but make sure you still have enough depower remaining just in case. Octane is a dodgy kite, maybe a reason why it was discontinued.....

This is a very common problem with the Octane kites... just search on this forum and you will find 3 - 4 threads specifically on this topic.

As mentioned above is to have the center lines at the first not and your steering lines at second or third. With the other sizes you have an extra pigtail on the steering lines that could/should be completely taken out (but I don't think the 13m has this).

Oh and take the ball stopper down quite a bit to limit the amount of depower when you want to leave the kite at 12. Some say that helps enough to have the kite sheeted in and limit the risk of stalling.

Hope this helps.

Confucious say "Man with Octane at 12 about to make stain in pants".

I've been flying my 11m for about 2 years, and learnt the lesson the hard way on about the second outing - no damage fortunately. Was out yesterday, and for some reason sat there with the kite at 12, and pulled the bar in - whooshka, the kite flew forward verhead, and then dropped out of the sky, powering up about 10 ft from the water - made an impressive noise!
Should be right for another 2 years now!

I had exactly the same problem with my 9metre octane. I ended up getting an email from a guy in US about how to fix it. There are a pair of extensions about 5 inches long on the lines. THE PROBLEM IS I CANT REMEMBER WHETHER ON FRONT OR REAR LINES. I was told to take them off. As soon as I did the kite just sits there no problems whatsover now. My mate and I bought them at the same time and both suffered the same problem. Both removed them and both kites now very stable.

It used to scare the f@ck outta me when it would just fall then recover right in the powerzone - hairy in 25+ knots !!!!!

Have a look for the extensions and if you bought the kite new they are probably still on there.

FYI - I ride my 9 with rear lines on 2nd knot, front lines on first. I love this kite now.
Hope this helps. Any more info PM me

I think allot of the problem with Octanes now is that they are a few years old and in more learners budget to buy as a first kite. They are not a kite you can sit with at 12 o'clock for too long or they will fall, especially if you pull the bar in, ie sitting in the water trying to put your board on your feet with the kite at 12 o'clock, pull it the bar not thinking and all of a sudden the kite is on it's way down through the outside lines inverted. Try holding the kite a little off to the side, not enough to start dragging you but just to keep the pressure on the kite. Put on your board, throw the kite down and away you go. They are a good kite, they just take a little experience to enjoy.