Any ideas/suggestions how to self-rescue after a failure of the main kite bladder (the bloody thing popped in mid air, like a balloon)? The best I could manage was to use two still inflated struts as "masts" to support and expose one of the kite panels to the wind. This proved, however, to be a slow (90 minutes), ineffective (a nearly straight downwind drift) and arduous way of getting from South-Passage back to Lancelin.

(P.S. Nog eens hartelijke dank aan Joris (?) en je vriendin voor het hulp gisteren)

Roll the kite up, wrap your harness around the kite and paddle like a surfboard, much quicker when LE is damaged, or if the wind has swung offshore.

RMS said...

Any ideas/suggestions how to self-rescue after a failure of the main kite bladder (the bloody thing popped in mid air, like a balloon)? The best I could manage was to use two still inflated struts as "masts" to support and expose one of the kite panels to the wind. This proved, however, to be a slow (90 minutes), ineffective (a nearly straight downwind drift) and arduous way of getting from South-Passage back to Lancelin.

(P.S. Nog eens hartelijke dank aan Joris (?) en je vriendin voor het hulp gisteren)

Where you the guy on the surfboard who went to chase the Naish that was in the windsurfers' track, heading to the crayboats, and which the rider of which had released both safety lines? I tried to grab it and let the swimming rider catch up before I realised it would put me in strife. Couldn't believe the number of crashed and drifting kites (2-3), and crazy launches or landing at the point yesterday, including one guy around the back who was hauling in his kite by grabbing all lines while it flapped in the dunes. No wonder the poleys head out to the break and way from kiters! It was my first trip to Lancelin and I thought it would be full of top riders. Loved the spot though - lots of different types of water in a short distance and a great sunset drive back.

GalahOnTheBay said...

Coincidence???

Andrash said...

I could fly my Ozone cat some weeks ago back to shore with a deflated LE (faulty valve)... using only the bridal and the 3 inflated struts. I could not use my board but it body dragged me to shore without crashing... yes it was making some funny dance-like moves up there but fortunately did not crash. I was the most surprised. Anyone had similar experience?

I have never seen so many beginners in one spot. Head out to mains, south passage or eddies, stay well away from the crazy stuff happening on the point. Way to many faces full of fear racing towards me.